Costa Nova is a small and colourful coastal village on the Costa de Prata, known for its striped wooden houses and long sandy beach. It sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the lagoon of the Ria de Aveiro, close to the city of Aveiro.

At a glance: Costa Nova is located in the municipality of Ílhavo in the Aveiro district. Most people spend half a day to two days here. The best time to visit is from May to June or September to October, when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer people. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a relaxed beach day or a photogenic stop on a trip through northern Portugal.

2. Introduction

Costa Nova used to be a simple fishing village. Today it is one of the most photographed places on Portugal's silver coast. The village lies on a narrow strip of land, so you can see the ocean on one side and the calm lagoon on the other.

Its main charm comes from the traditional wooden houses painted with bright vertical stripes in red, blue, green and yellow. These houses, together with the wide beach, make Costa Nova feel cheerful and different from other coastal towns.

3. Top Attractions & Landmarks

The striped houses are the main attraction. They were originally built as simple homes and storage places for fishermen. Today they line the streets near the beach and create a colourful picture that people come to see and photograph.

The long sandy beach, called Praia da Costa Nova, runs for several kilometres along the Atlantic. It is wide and open, with space to walk, swim or just sit. Behind the village, the Ria de Aveiro lagoon offers quieter water, paths and the chance to see birds.

There is also a local fish market where you can see the fresh catch in the morning. The whole village is small, so the main area with the houses, beach and a few restaurants is easy to explore on foot.

4. Experiences & Itineraries

A one-day visit works well. You can spend the morning in Aveiro looking at the canals, then drive or take a taxi the short distance to Costa Nova for the afternoon to see the houses and the beach.

If you stay for a weekend, you can enjoy more time on the beach or walk along the lagoon paths. Outdoor activities include swimming, walking, cycling and taking a traditional moliceiro boat trip on the lagoon (these boats usually leave from Aveiro). Summer is the liveliest time, with more people on the beach and occasional local events.

5. Gastronomy & Culinary Guide

Fresh fish and seafood are the main foods here. Many restaurants serve simple grilled fish that comes from the local market. The region is also known for Ovos Moles, a sweet treat made with egg yolks that you will find in Aveiro and sometimes in Costa Nova as well.

Places to eat are mostly casual restaurants and small tascas near the beach and the striped houses. They focus on the day's fish rather than complicated dishes. The fish market itself is worth a short visit if you want to see what is fresh.

6. Accommodation Guide

You can stay right in Costa Nova if you want to be close to the beach and the colourful houses. There are small hotels, guesthouses and apartments. Many people also stay in Aveiro, which has more choice of places to sleep and eat, and then visit Costa Nova during the day. The drive between the two places takes only about ten to fifteen minutes.

7. Practical Travel Logistics

Costa Nova is about eighty kilometres south of Porto, so the drive takes roughly fifty to sixty minutes. From Aveiro it is only eight kilometres and a short drive. You can also take the train to Aveiro and then continue by taxi or local bus.

Once you are in Costa Nova, everything is within walking distance. The streets are flat and easy to move around. The village is generally safe and relaxed. The currency is the euro, and the atmosphere is informal, typical of a small Portuguese beach place.

8. Beyond the Destination

Aveiro is the closest and most interesting nearby place. You can easily combine a visit to Costa Nova with time on Aveiro's canals and a boat trip. Porto is also within reach for a longer day trip. If you have a car, you can continue south along the Costa de Prata to other beaches. Costa Nova works especially well as a quiet and colourful stop between Porto and other places further south.