Aveiro and Costa Nova — A paradise made of water

Located in the west of Portugal, Aveiro and Costa Nova are two must-see places for those who want to know a region that combines the Ria, the channels, and urban areas like no other in Portugal.

Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a fishing village that looks more like a balcony with privileged views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here, tradition walks arm in arm with modernity.

With its channels loaded with colourful boats – the Moliceiros – Aveiro is a city of channels that lead us to embark on a journey through its historic heritage, dominated by Roman influence, leaving room for the charm of Art Nouveau and industrial architecture.

Separated by a lagoon or estuary, Aveiro and the Costa Nova are long-standing neighbours which have known each other for all of time.

Famous for its beautiful houses with colourful striped, Costa Nova takes us to paradise beaches, in what has become one of the main summer holiday areas in Portugal.

The charm of the Costa Nova makes us fall in love with its simplicity and harmony, between the relaxing landscapes of the Ria and the sunsets, impossible to describe.
The perfect setting for a private visit is set.

The "legend" tells us that the houses have stripes of different colours so that, on foggy days, fishermen could locate their haystack — the original name of these houses that today have become the biggest stars of Costa Nova.

However, some people tell another version of the story.
The houses are painted in stripes to help fishermen on days when they had drunk too much, so there was never a risk of setting foot in other people's homes.

Between the Ria, beach and the city — A perfect getaway

Aveiro and Costa Nova are made for sightseeing and rest, which makes these two places the ideal destination for families.

Embark on a mix of history and relax and learn the secrets of churches and shrines, such as the City Cathedral and the Santa Joana Museum where you will find religious art and painting exhibitions.

But the visit cannot end without a Moliceiro boat tour.
This is one of the iconic activities in the Portuguese Venice, which allows you to get to know the city in a very special way.

So that the morning ends in the best possible way, we suggest that you give in to the wonders of a treatment that helps you to recharge — a lot: the salt spa.

In what is a unique experience in the country, relax and let the high degree of salinity in the water purify your body and your skin.

Know that this is the best natural treatment you can offer your body.

And what do you eat here?

But we can´t survive on fresh air alone, does we?
When hunger grips you, satisfy your stomach with the best of regional gastronomy.

Waiting for you is a wide variety of fish, including the unforgettable eel, the famous cod and even different types of seafood stew.

For those who prefer meat, there is the famous chanfana, roasted piglet or even lamb as you have never tasted it before. All foods you don't want to miss.

We continue the tour, with a satisfied stomach, towards Costa Nova and Praia da Barra. Here you can watch an activity which has been going on for centuries, one of the various traditional fishing arts, known as Xávega Art.

This natural scenery will help you relax on one of the best beaches in the country, which is also a destination of choice for surfers visiting the region.

But a visit to Costa Nova is not complete without seeing the famous striped houses, inspired by the old haystacks of fishermen.

The good news is that this private tour doesn't end here.
This region has historical traces of the presence of the Romans in Portugal, which will make it possible to travel to the past to get to know the origins of the region.

There is still time to take a peek at what is the largest natural lake on the Iberian Peninsula, Pateira de Fermentelos.

Come with us on this private tour

Accept our invitation to this little getaway that will renew your energies.
Dare to dive on white sandy beaches and fall in love with unique landscapes that will leave you longing for more and make you want to return to a place where you will be happy.

Contact us for more information on the programme for this exclusive tour that lasts about 12 hours.