Costa Nova: A hidden gem on the Portuguese coast
Starting from 1808, fishermen from the fishing companies of Ílhavo settled on "Costa Nova" and built their wooden "palheiros" there. These huts served as shelter, housing, and later, as warehouses for salting or drying fish.
To protect them from the elements, the fishermen coated them with a compound made from fish oil mixed with natural pigments. It was customary to alternate colors on the boards of the huts.
From the 20th century onward, Costa Nova, situated between the estuary and the sea, began to attract writers, politicians, and the Portuguese bourgeoisie. The huts evolved, with some even sporting multiple floors. Doors, windows, and even chimneys started to appear, transforming the huts into proper residences.
However, the tradition persisted, and all the converted "palheiros" into residences continued to display bright colors alternating with white.
Getting to Costa Nova
Costa Nova is located 80km south of Porto, on the Atlantic coast. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes by car.
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By Car: If you're driving, start from a nearby city like Aveiro or Porto. Use GPS or a map application to navigate towards Costa Nova. The route typically involves taking the A25 or A29 highways, depending on your starting point. Follow signs for "Costa Nova" once you're closer to the destination.
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By Train: If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train to Aveiro from major cities like Porto or Lisbon. From Aveiro, you can either take a taxi, bus, or even rent a bike to reach Costa Nova. The train journey from Porto to Aveiro takes about 1 hour.
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By Bus: Buses also connect Aveiro to Costa Nova. Look for buses departing from Aveiro's bus station heading towards "Praia da Costa Nova" or "Costa Nova do Prado". The bus ride is relatively short, typically around 20-30 minutes.
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By Bicycle or Walking: Costa Nova is quite bicycle-friendly, with bike paths connecting it to Aveiro. You can rent a bicycle in Aveiro and enjoy a scenic ride along the coast to Costa Nova. Walking is also an option if you prefer a leisurely pace and want to take in the surroundings.
Palheiros of Costa Nova
The palheiros of Costa Nova are now the main point of interest and create a unique atmosphere. Situated between the estuary and the sea, lined along a typical Portuguese promenade, they make for the most charming spot for a seaside stroll.
A must-see during your stroll is the José Estêvão palheiro. Built by Manuel de Moura Vilarinho in 1808, it's a beautiful example of the original palheiros of Costa Nova, which has retained its original color, ochre red.
Costa Nova beach
This beach, frequented by families, features golden sands and a sandy seabed, making it highly popular for surfing and bodyboarding as well.
It hosts one of the most iconic women's events in these disciplines each year and has brought to Portugal a stage of the European Bodyboard Championship, the Costa Nova Cup.
The fish market of Costa Nova
The fish market of Costa Nova is where seafood products from the lagoon or the ocean are sold.
It consists of three different areas: the raw fish market (fish and shellfish), the vegetable and bakery market, and the stew market. The stew market is open a few days a week (depending on the season) and offers seafood products that must be cooked in the market's kitchen.
The Mira Canal of the Aveiro Lagoon
The Mira Canal of the Aveiro Lagoon runs along the seafront of Costa Nova. It's an endless source of inspiration for writers and photographers, who tend to romantically appreciate its ever-changing brightness and brilliance.
The Mira Canal also attracts countless athletes and enthusiasts of sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, kitesurfing, and other water sports that are practiced there.
It is also a source of life for the local fishing community, which is dedicated to both artisanal fishing and the collection and farming of shellfish.
Gastronomy
Bordered by the lagoon on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the region is renowned for its freshly grilled fish, shellfish, fish stews, fish soups, and small coastal shrimp.
Personal note: I think it's in Costa Nova where I had the most famous and hearty fish stew.
It's this unique atmosphere that inspired our Costa Nova Mar tableware collection.