Costa Nova Beach Portugal
A charming coastal village in Portugal, famous for its vibrant, candy-striped fishermen's houses and expansive sandy beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden light on houses
Costa Nova Beach Portugal
Best Time
Golden light on houses
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming coastal village in Portugal, famous for its vibrant, candy-striped fishermen's houses and expansive sandy beach.
"The striped houses are incredibly photogenic and the beach is vast and beautiful, perfect for walks."
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Porto
Just 1.5 hours from Porto, Costa Nova is a perfect day trip! Combine with Aveiro for a full experience.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind!
The beach is known for strong winds. It's great for feeling the ocean's power but can be chilly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Striped Palheiros
Along the promenade
Vibrant, candy-striped fishermen's houses create a whimsical, unforgettable backdrop. Perfect for photos!
Costa Nova Beach
Atlantic coast
A vast, sandy expanse with powerful waves, ideal for long walks and feeling the ocean's might.
Costa Nova Promenade
Beachfront
Stroll along the coast, admire the colorful houses, and soak in the sea air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Stripes & Sea Breeze
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Porto
Just 1.5 hours from Porto, Costa Nova is a perfect day trip! Combine with Aveiro for a full experience. 
🌬️ Brace for the Wind!
The beach is known for strong winds. It's great for feeling the ocean's power but can be chilly.
📸 Capture the Colors
The striped houses are incredibly photogenic. Visit during golden hour for the best light.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach promenade, taking in the views and sea air.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Day Trip from Porto
Just 1.5 hours from Porto, Costa Nova is a perfect day trip! Combine with Aveiro for a full experience.
🌬️ Brace for the Wind!
The beach is known for strong winds. It's great for feeling the ocean's power but can be chilly.
📸 Capture the Colors
The striped houses are incredibly photogenic. Visit during golden hour for the best light.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach promenade, taking in the views and sea air.
🌊 Cold Water for Swimming
Even in August, the Atlantic water can be very cold. Great for a quick dip, but not for long swims.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, colorful striped houses and the vast, beautiful beach. The strong winds and cold water are noted drawbacks, making it less ideal for swimming but perfect for invigorating walks and stunning photography. It's often seen as a charming, picturesque stop, especially when combined with a visit to nearby Aveiro.
"Strong winds all day, it is not very crowded, so you can feel really small compared to the ocean, walking alone on the beach, hearing big waves and wind coming past you, it feel so good."
Daud
"A large and beautiful beach, clean and with fine white sand, without shells or stones. Big waves and the unbridled power of the ocean."
L M
"Vivisted in February. Wide beach( can't imagine how busy it is getting in the summer). Was warm enough for a walk, nice to admire nature in action when waves struck the stone made up shore. Few restaurants are open and serve food and drink."
Krzysztof Zakowicz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by car, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can also take a train from Porto to Aveiro and then a bus or taxi to Costa Nova.
Yes, it's a short 15-minute drive from Aveiro to Costa Nova. Buses and taxis are also readily available.
While possible, it's a longer journey (around 3 hours each way). Many visitors combine it with a trip to Aveiro or Porto.
The area is best explored on foot, especially the promenade and beach. If you're coming from Aveiro, consider a taxi or local bus.
Yes, there is parking available, particularly along the promenade and near the beach access points. It can get busy in peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Costa Nova Beach and the promenade are public areas and free to access.
Costa Nova is always accessible as it's an outdoor public space. The 'palheiros' are private residences, but their exteriors can be viewed anytime.
There are no entrance fees to see the exterior of the striped houses, as they are part of the town's architecture.
Yes, Costa Nova can get quite crowded during the peak summer months, especially on weekends. Visiting on a weekday or during the shoulder seasons is recommended for a quieter experience.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during summer.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the best light for photographing the colorful striped houses.
The entire stretch of the promenade lined with striped 'palheiros' is incredibly photogenic. The beach itself offers dramatic shots with its waves.
You can photograph the exteriors of the houses freely. Remember that these are private residences, so be respectful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full facades of the houses and the expansive beach. A standard zoom is versatile for general shots.
Don't miss capturing the houses against the blue sky or during sunset for a magical effect.
🎫 🌊 Beach & Activities
The water is often very cold, even in summer, and the waves can be strong. It's more suited for walking and enjoying the scenery than extended swimming.
Enjoy long walks on the wide sandy beach, feel the power of the Atlantic waves, and admire the unique architecture.
Yes, Costa Nova is known for being quite windy, which adds to the dramatic ocean atmosphere.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes along the promenade, offering seafood and local specialties.
These are traditional fishermen's houses, originally built with wood and later painted in vibrant stripes for visibility and decoration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to Aveiro, known for its canals and 'moliceiro' boat tours, which can be more engaging for younger children. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out, especially if you venture further down the beach.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
+2Experiment with different angles and compositions, playing with the repeating patterns of the stripes. The beach itself provides a dramatic contrast with its expansive sand and powerful waves, perfect for landscape photography. Don't forget to capture the details – the textures of the paint, the charming windows, and the sea breeze rustling through the dunes.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Consider staying in Aveiro for a night or two and taking a short trip to Costa Nova. This allows you to explore Aveiro's romantic canals and then enjoy the vibrant colors and coastal charm of Costa Nova at your own pace. The beach provides a serene backdrop for quiet contemplation or romantic walks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of the Palheiros
+1Many of these 'palheiros' have been converted into charming guesthouses, cafes, and shops, allowing visitors to experience their unique character up close. Walking along the promenade, you'll be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors, making it a photographer's paradise and a delightful place to simply wander and soak in the atmosphere.
+1While the exteriors are the main draw, some 'palheiros' offer a glimpse into their history and design. The vibrant stripes are not just for show; they represent a unique architectural heritage that has become synonymous with Costa Nova.
Experiencing Costa Nova Beach
However, visitors should be prepared for the strong winds that are characteristic of this coastline. While invigorating, the wind can make swimming less comfortable, even during warmer months. The water temperature itself is also quite cool, a typical feature of the Atlantic coast.
Despite the cooler waters, the beach remains a significant attraction for its scenic beauty and the invigorating sea air. It's a place to connect with nature, enjoy the sound of crashing waves, and witness the untamed spirit of the ocean.
Getting to and from Costa Nova
+1Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Aveiro, which is a popular and scenic route. From Aveiro's train station, it's a short bus or taxi ride to Costa Nova, typically taking around 15-20 minutes. This combination is often favored by travelers looking to experience both Aveiro's canals and Costa Nova's colorful charm.
+1While a day trip from Lisbon is possible, it involves a longer travel time. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in Aveiro or Porto to fully appreciate Costa Nova and its surroundings without feeling rushed.
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