Murtosa between the Ria, fields and tradition

Water, fields and coast define Murtosa: more than 80 percent of the area lies within the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area. Birdlife is also part of the lagoon landscape’s character. Dozens of different bird species can be found here throughout the year, making Murtosa particularly attractive for birdwatching. If you enjoy spending your trip outdoors, the landscape is a clear focal point, while history and regional traditions reveal other sides of the destination.

Ria landscape and trails

The Percurso dos Campos da Ria offers a specific way to explore the surroundings on foot: this easy trail is 15.5 kilometres long and passes through the parishes of Bunheiro and Murtosa. Its route runs between the Ria de Aveiro and the cultivated fields. Its length and easy rating give the trail a distinct character, setting it apart from the area’s longer cycling options.

Murtosa has more than 50 kilometres of cycle paths that pass through the lagoon, agricultural fields and town centres. NaturRia also includes cycling and walking routes along the Ria de Aveiro, as well as rest areas. This gives you the choice between a specific named trail and a wider selection of cycling and walking routes. The routes pass through varied landscapes: water, fields and inhabited areas all help orient you during your holiday.

Coast, beach and maritime tradition

Praia do Bico, on the Canal da Murtosa, is a combination of river and estuary beach. It is easily accessible and surrounded by various leisure facilities and services. Further away, the exposed ocean coast offers opportunities for surfing. The traditional fishing method Arte Xávega is also part of Murtosa’s maritime heritage and can still be seen on the area’s beaches today.

A glimpse into the past awaits at Cais do Bico. For much of the 20th century, it was an important place for embarking, disembarking and trade. Its history is connected to traditional navigation and the natural resources of the Ria de Aveiro. Those interested in the relationship between water, work and local history will find a different theme here from beach and nature experiences.

Chapels, crafts and culture

Capela de São Simão combines an early history with a distinctive architectural form: it was founded in 1609 as a burial chapel. Its main structure is cylindrical, with a rectangular chapel attached on the east side. Capela de Santa Teresa da Quinta da Caneira tells the story of a later period. It was built in 1890 as a private religious chapel within the historic Quinta da Caneira. Igreja Paroquial da Murtosa and Capela de São Paio da Torreira are also listed among the area’s notable monuments.

Traditional crafts include detailed wooden miniatures of typical regional boats: Moliceiros, Bateiras, Xávegas and Chinchorros. Painted wooden yokes for agricultural equipment are also part of the local craft tradition; they were made by craftspeople who specialised in agricultural implements. The COMUR-Museu Municipal presents eels in escabeche sauce as unique to the Iberian Peninsula. Eels in escabeche are also among the area’s typical dishes.

Casa-Museu Custódio Prato offers insight into rural and agricultural life in the past. Building and repairing Moliceiros and Bateiras provides another connection to maritime culture, and visitors can watch these activities live. Festivals are also part of the annual calendar: three major Moliceiro regattas are currently held in Murtosa. Romaria de São Paio da Torreira is celebrated each year around 8 September; if it matters for your travel plans, check the specific event dates.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Murtosa, you can start with the experiences you want to shape your trip: birdwatching and trails along the Ria, the beach and maritime traditions, or chapels, museums and crafts. If you are travelling with people who have different interests, you can weigh up these options without limiting your holiday to a single activity. This way, Murtosa comes into focus not only as a landscape destination, but also through its history and regional life.

Discover more destinations: Torreira, Mealhada, Ovar, Sever Do Vouga, Castelo De Paiva, Santa Maria Da Feira, São Jacinto.

Go to the main travel overview: Aveiro.