Praia da Costa Nova lies just south of the Ria de Aveiro's mouth in Ilhavo, Aveiro District, and is one of the most photographed beaches on Portugal's central coast thanks to the palheiros -- brightly striped wooden fishing houses -- lining its lagoon-side street. The ocean-facing sand is fine, pale and wide, with a gentle, open shape and moderate Atlantic surf that is calmer than the more exposed stretches at nearby Praia da Barra. Water clarity is good on calm days, with a greenish-blue Atlantic tone. The beach comfortably supports both sunbathing and swimming, and its shallower shelf makes it more approachable for children than the harbour-mouth beaches to the north. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than party-oriented, with day-trippers mixing photography of the palheiro street with an afternoon on the sand. Amenities include beach bars and seafood restaurants along the seafront and lagoon-side street, sun lounger and umbrella rental, public restrooms, and a lifeguard post staffed through the summer season (Jun-Sep). Public parking is available near the beach access points but is limited relative to summer demand. The Moveaveiro bus links Costa Nova to central Aveiro, about 10 km away, and is a practical car-free option; drivers can reach it via the N109/EN327 in around 20 minutes from Aveiro.
| Distance | 75 km from Coimbra, 10 km from Aveiro |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Moveaveiro bus from Aveiro center, or car via the N109/EN327 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June-September |
| Address | Avenida Jose Estevao, 3830-455 Costa Nova do Prado, Portugal |
Amenities
- Iconic striped palheiro houses along the seafront
- Beach bars and seafood restaurants
- Lifeguard in summer season
- Sun loungers and umbrella rental
- Public parking
Good to know
- Best for
- families, photographers, couples, sunbathers
Weather through the year in Portugal
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Portugal.
Location
Avenida Jose Estevao, 3830-455 Costa Nova do Prado, Portugal
40.6058, -8.7486 View on map
Highlights
- Striped palheiro fishing houses along the lagoon-side street
- Wide, gently shelving sand suited to family swimming
- Seafood restaurants serving fresh Ria de Aveiro catch
- Photogenic combination of ocean beach and lagoon village
- Moveaveiro bus connection from central Aveiro
Tips for visiting
- Photograph the palheiro houses in early morning light before day-trip crowds arrive
- Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to find beach-side parking
- The gentler shelf here suits children better than the harbour-mouth beaches nearby
- Book a table at the lagoon-side seafood restaurants ahead for weekend lunches
- Combine a visit with the Aveiro moliceiro boat rides, which depart nearby
When to visit
June through September for swimming, with early morning being best for photographing the palheiro houses before crowds build.
Accessibility
The seafront and lagoon-side street are flat and step-free, though no dedicated beach wheelchair service is reported.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Praia da Costa Nova famous?
It is known for its row of brightly striped wooden palheiro houses, once used by local fishermen, which line the lagoon-side street just behind the beach.
Is Praia da Costa Nova good for children?
Yes, the sand shelves gently into the water and the surf is generally calmer than at nearby harbour-mouth beaches, making it a popular family choice.
How do visitors reach Praia da Costa Nova from Aveiro?
The Moveaveiro bus connects Costa Nova to central Aveiro in about 20-30 minutes, or it is a roughly 20-minute drive via the N109/EN327.