Discover Ovar: Lagoon, Azulejos and the Atlantic

Ovar combines distinctive cuisine with lagoon landscapes, coastal trails, Azulejos and historic urban spaces. Those planning a trip can combine different experiences here: a walk at Barrinha de Esmoriz, wildlife observation in Parque Ambiental do Buçaquinho, culture in the town and an excursion to Praia do Furadouro. When looking for a holiday apartment in Ovar, it is therefore worth considering the desired travel rhythm: should the trip be shaped more by nature and water, culture or regional specialities?

Lagoon, boardwalk and nature observation

Barrinha de Esmoriz, also known as Lagoa de Paramos, is a rare medium-sized coastal lagoon between the municipalities of Espinho and Ovar. It includes an approximately 6 km-long boardwalk. This is a specific reference point for planning the day if you would like to include a longer route through a waterside landscape.

Another nature experience is offered by Parque Ambiental do Buçaquinho. There are observation posts and an observation tower from which various bird and amphibian species can be observed. Ovar therefore offers different nature experiences: Barrinha de Esmoriz places the landscape of a coastal lagoon at the centre, while Parque Ambiental do Buçaquinho directs attention towards wildlife.

Town history, Stations of the Cross and Azulejos

Ovar can also be explored independently from a cultural perspective. The Museu Júlio Dinis is located in Casa dos Campos, a typical vareiro house where the writer lived in 1863. The Passos de Ovar form an urban Stations of the Cross with five stations integrated into the townscape. These include the Chapel of Pretório next to the side façade of the parish church and the Chapel of Calvário. The present ensemble was built between 1747 and 1756.

Ovar’s tile heritage is another distinctive feature of the townscape. Diverse façades and ornaments decorated with Azulejos from the 19th and 20th centuries shape this part of the local culture. The Azulejo Project in Ovar includes Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque, Largo da Família Soares Pinto and Praça da República. Those interested in architecture, religious art and Portuguese ceramics can combine these themes without limiting the trip to a single museum.

Regional cuisine and experiences by the water

A typical speciality of Ovar is Pão de Ló de Ovar. This fine cake is made from eggs, especially egg yolks, sugar and flour. Its crumb is light, creamy, airy and yellow; the crust is slightly moist and golden brown. This precise texture makes the speciality a memorable introduction to local cuisine and an enjoyable addition to a cultural day.

At CENÁRIO – Centro Náutico da Ria de Ovar, excursions by pleasure boat are offered. At Praia do Furadouro, the name changes depending on the season between Fishermen’s Beach and Surfers’ Beach. At the same time, the beach is characterised by strong Atlantic surf. Praia do Furadouro is located approximately 3 km from Ovar and can be reached by bicycle via the cycle path. This means that when planning the trip, you can choose between a boat trip, a bike ride and time spent on a beach shaped by the Atlantic.

Which accommodation location suits your trip

A holiday apartment in Ovar may suit a trip in which you would like to combine town history, Azulejos and regional cuisine with excursions into nature. If the focus is more strongly on the beach, the approximately 3 km distance to Praia do Furadouro is a specific factor for your planning; the existing cycle path provides a documented option for travelling there by bicycle. Those who instead place Barrinha de Esmoriz or Parque Ambiental do Buçaquinho at the centre of their trip can include these nature destinations as separate day-trip components.

For further regional orientation, you can also look at Ovar, Praia De Esmoriz, Esmoriz, São João and São Vicente de Pereira Jusã. This keeps the accommodation search connected to the question of which mix of town, nature, water and regional cuisine should shape your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Aveiro.

More destinations

More places at the same destination:

Arouca, Caves Aliança, Oliveira De Azeméis.