Aveiro District

Best Beaches in Aveiro District

Aveiro's coastline features a mix of Atlantic beaches and lagoon landscapes. The region is characterized by the "palheiros" of Costa Nova—traditional wooden houses painted with colorful stripes—and the Farol da Barra, Portugal's tallest lighthouse. Natural highlights include the protected dunes of São Jacinto and the pine-fringed shores of São Pedro de Maceda. While coastal spots like Furadouro and Espinho offer surf-ready waves and urban amenities, the inland Praia Fluvial da Paradinha provides a freshwater alternative along the Paiva River.

Praia da Costa Nova

Known for "palheiros," traditional wooden houses decorated with vibrant vertical and horizontal stripes. It sits on a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria de Aveiro lagoon.

Praia da Barra

Features the 62-meter-high Farol da Barra, the tallest lighthouse in Portugal. The beach marks the point where the Aveiro lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Furadouro Beach

A popular and extensive beach with great conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Featuring all of the imaginable amenities.

Praia de São Jacinto

Situated adjacent to the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve. This remote stretch of sand is accessible via ferry from Forte da Barra or by road from the north.

Praia de Espinho

An urban beach featuring a long promenade and a casino. Local fishermen here still practice "Arte Xávega," a traditional form of net fishing.

Praia da Torreira

Located on the sandbar between the Ria de Aveiro and the sea. It offers both Atlantic waves for surfing and the calm waters of the lagoon for windsurfing.

Praia de São Pedro de Maceda

A wild beach bordered by the Pinhal de Ovar pine forest. It is characterized by high dunes and strong Atlantic swells.

Praia Fluvial da Paradinha

A river beach on the banks of the Paiva River. It is situated near a traditional village of schist houses and the Passadiços do Paiva walkways.