Costa Nova
Ílhavo, Portugal
A row of wooden fishermen’s houses painted in candy stripes between the Aveiro lagoon and a long Atlantic beach. Park along the lagoon side and walk the promenade.
Costa Nova do Prado is a former fishing village on a narrow spit of land between the Atlantic and the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, about 13 km west of Aveiro. It is known for its brightly striped wooden houses, the “palheiros”. They began as huts built on stilts, where fishermen stored their gear and found shelter. When sea bathing became fashionable in the late 19th century, the fishermen let them out for the summer and painted them in vivid colours.
The beach is long, sandy and edged by dunes; it is also popular with surfers, and in a wind it can feel cool for swimming. Allow one to two hours for the promenade, photographs and a fish meal. Buses run hourly from Aveiro, and cycle paths also link the city with the beach. It also works as a day trip from Porto.
- Nearest town
- Ílhavo, Portugal
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 40.6130, -8.7520
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Costa NovaCampsite1 km from Costa Nova · 450 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Parque de Campismo da BarraCampsite3 km from Costa NovaTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Parking LotMotorhome stopover17 km from Costa NovaMotorhomesToiletsWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo da TorreiraCampsite17 km from Costa NovaElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo Municipal de MiraCampsite19 km from Costa NovaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Orbitur - Parque de Campismo da Praia de MiraCampsite19 km from Costa NovaTentsCaravans
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Costa Nova?
Costa Nova is in Ílhavo, Portugal, at GPS 40.6130, -8.7520. It is about 6 km from Praia da Vagueira.
Can you camp near Costa Nova?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Costa Nova, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Costa Nova?
Costa Nova is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Aveiro, Bussaco and Coimbra and Lagoons, striped houses and an enchanted forest – by camper from the Ria de Aveiro via Buçaco to Figueira da Foz.
What is there to see near Costa Nova?
Places worth a stop nearby: Aveiro Canals and Old Centre (9 km), Santa Maria da Feira Castle (38 km), Bussaco National Forest (42 km) and University of Coimbra (53 km).
When is the best time to visit Costa Nova?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)