Sao Jacinto between dunes, lagoons and the Ria

São Jacinto combines an extensive sandy beach, dune landscapes, lagoons and the Ria de Aveiro into a destination offering an unusually wide range of nature experiences. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can choose between days by the sea, signposted paths through woodland and dunes, water sports and cultural discoveries.

Beach, sea and the quieter side of the Ria

Praia de São Jacinto has an extensive, almost untouched sandy beach. To the north, it stretches seemingly endlessly and offers opportunities for long walks by the sea. On the seaward side, surfing and bodyboarding are popular. On the quieter side facing the Ria de Aveiro, sailing and sport fishing are among the most sought-after activities. In São Jacinto, different forms of water-based recreation therefore come together without requiring you to commit to just one type of holiday.

The landscape of the Ria also shapes the character of the place. The Ria de Aveiro has a canal as its only connection to the sea, cutting through the coastal strip between Barra and São Jacinto. The artificial pond Pateira was created in the 1980s and developed into an important site for overwintering duck species. Those interested in distinctive landscapes and nature observation will therefore find another notable aspect of the surroundings alongside the open beach.

Two nature trails with different focuses

The nature discovery trail comprises two signposted circular routes. The red route is approximately 7.5 km long and leads via an elevated boardwalk to the front dune ridge and the two lagoons, Pateira Pequena and Pateira Grande. At approximately 3.5 km, the green route is shorter, runs through the forest and leads to the smaller Pateira Pequena lagoon.

These two routes offer a clear choice when planning your day: the red circular route focuses on the dunes and both lagoons, while the green route combines a shorter distance with a passage through the forest. If you are travelling with several people, you can take the desired route length and landscape focus into account when planning. The visitor centre of the nature reserve also organises guided visits along the nature discovery trail.

To protect the plant species, access to the primary dune is not permitted. The designated paths and elevated boardwalk therefore direct the nature experience towards the accessible areas of the dune landscape. When planning a day in nature, this restriction is just as relevant as choosing between the approximately 7.5 km red circular route and the approximately 3.5 km green circular route.

Cycle path, church and recurring festival

The completed Via Ciclável de São Jacinto connects the ferry terminal, the beach and the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto nature reserve. The cycle path therefore complements the walking and nature experiences with another way to include these destinations in your own travel plans.

The cultural side of São Jacinto includes the Ermida, which is now the parish church of the Freguesia São Jacinto. A Cruzeiro is also said to have been erected beside the Ermida in 1584. Another recurring event in the village is the Dunas de São Jacinto Festival.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Regular boat connections from Aveiro provide the fastest way to reach São Jacinto. This access route is an important point of reference if you are combining your trip with a stay in Aveiro or want to include travelling by water in your plans.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sao Jacinto, it is worth first defining your personal focus: long walks on the beach, activities on the seaward side, sailing and sport fishing on the Ria, nature trails with different route lengths or visits to the nature reserve. By choosing accommodation based on these interests, you can make your days varied while also gaining a better sense of which experiences should be the focus of your stay.

For the overall travel overview: São Jacinto.