The striped houses, known as 'palheiros', were traditionally painted with leftover boat paint, leading to the signature multi-colored patterns.
The beach is situated on a 'cordão dunar' (dune cordon), a natural geological barrier that protects the inner lagoon from direct Atlantic waves.
Costa Nova is connected to the Ria de Aveiro, which functions as a large, shallow saltwater lagoon ecosystem supporting diverse bird species.
The architectural style of the striped houses is protected under local urban planning regulations to preserve the historic aesthetic.
The village was established as a fishing colony in the 19th century before evolving into a popular summer resort for the bourgeoisie of the Aveiro region.
Praia da Costa Nova is defined by its iconic 'palheiros', historic wooden houses painted in vibrant, alternating vertical and horizontal colorful stripes. These structures originated as storage sheds for fishermen’s gear and nets before being converted into summer residences. The beach sits on a narrow strip of land separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. A raised wooden boardwalk extends along the dunes, providing protected access across the fragile coastal ecosystem. The area experiences strong Atlantic winds, making it a prominent destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The shoreline features a mix of fine sand and heavy surf, typical of the Silver Coast. Visitors can observe the transition between the calm, canal-side lagoon landscape and the rugged maritime beachfront within walking distance. The location is widely recognized as one of the most visually distinct coastal stretches in Northern Portugal.
The main promenade (Avenida José Estêvão) where the colorful, striped wooden houses provide a vibrant backdrop.
Walk along the wooden 'passadiços' (boardwalks) to navigate the dunes without damaging the protected vegetation.
Visit the lagoon-facing side of the village for calmer waters and views of traditional 'moliceiro' boats.
Bring a windbreaker, as the coastal exposure creates consistently strong breezes even on sunny days.
Do not attempt to swim in the rough, unpatrolled ocean waters outside of designated lifeguard zones; avoid driving through the narrow village streets during peak summer weekends.
Stay on marked wooden boardwalks when crossing dunes to avoid erosion; swimwear is strictly for the beach area, not the village streets.
