Category: Nature > Beach
District: Aveiro > Ílhavo > Costa Nova > Prado
Costa Nova do Prado Beach, often referred to simply as Costa Nova, is located in the municipality of Ílhavo, in the town of Costa Nova. Its position is unique, stretching between the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the tranquility of one of the channels of the Ria de Aveiro. This particular location gives it a dual landscape: the sea front, open to the ocean, and the lagoon front, with a more serene atmosphere.
The beach's sandy area is vast and continuous, bordered by wooden walkways that protect the dune system. These walkways offer a path along the coast, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscape, as well as access different points of the beach.
The origin of Costa Nova is linked to the opening of the Aveiro Lagoon's bar, which occurred at the beginning of the 19th century. From 1808 onwards, this new connection between the lagoon and the sea transformed the coastline. The name "Costa Nova" (New Coast) is believed to have emerged in opposition to "Costa Velha" (Old Coast), which referred to São Jacinto. The addition "do Prado" (of the Meadow) recalls the existence, in this location, of an extensive green area, a meadow that characterized the original landscape.
The settlement, which began as a fishing community from Ílhavo, evolved over time. Its initial structures, linked to fishing activities, gradually adapted, and from the mid-19th century onwards, Costa Nova began to gain prominence as a popular summer destination, attracting visitors seeking leisure and sea bathing.
The most recognized element of Costa Nova do Prado Beach are its emblematic "palheiros". These wooden houses, painted with vertical or horizontal stripes in vibrant colors alternating with white, are a distinctive symbol of the area. Originally, they served as warehouses for fishing materials or for salting sardines, reflecting the strong fishing tradition of the place.
Over time and with the increasing demand for Costa Nova as a seaside resort, many of these palheiros were converted into residences, preserving their unique aesthetics and identity. Today, they remain an architectural feature that gives the beach a picturesque and unmistakable appearance, attracting the attention of passers-by.
Costa Nova do Prado Beach offers a diverse environment for outdoor activities. On the ocean front, with a sometimes agitated sea, it is a suitable place for those who enjoy sports like surfing. On the other hand, its proximity to the Mira channel of the Ria de Aveiro provides calmer waters, ideal for sailing, kitesurfing, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
On land, the extensive sandy area invites walks along the seashore, while the wooden walkways are suitable for a leisurely stroll or cycling, benefiting from a cycle path that runs through the area. There are also outdoor facilities for mini-golf, tennis, and football. The beach is recognized for its environmental quality, proudly displaying the Blue Flag, and for its accessibility, being an "Accessible Beach, Beach for All".
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.617487,-8.7540544
Coordinates DMS: 40°37'3.0"N 08°45'14.6"W
Weather Costa Nova
On-duty Pharmacy Costa Nova
