The Colorful Houses in Costa Nova, Aveiro
I’ve been wanting to visit Costa Nova do Prado, the most famous beach in Aveiro, literally for years.
We’ve visited Aveiro a couple of years ago, but it was just a quick stop back then, when we discovered its lovely streets, canals and gastronomy in the Venice of Portugal, but that time we didn’t make it to the beach.
I wanted to visit Costa Nova ever since, so during our last visit to Porto we decided to go for it, as it’s just 1-hour drive from Porto.
If you want to know more, keep reading!
The “palheiros”, the striped-colored houses in Costa Nova
The striped colorful houses in Costa Nova are known as palheiros which in Portuguese means haystack. They were used by the fishermen to store their fishing nets. Because, you got it, Costa Nova has always been a typical fishermen village.
Throughout the 19th century the palheiros have been restored into beautiful houses for holiday makers, with their iconic stripes in the same colors you can find on the mouliceiros, the boats that will remind you you can find in the Aveiro canals that may remind you to the typical gondolas from Venice.
Are you ready for all the colors?
Besides palheiros there are a few stalls with tripas and bolachas (a type of crepes and biscuits respectively), ice-cream shops, seafood restaurants and a garden area.
The colored houses in Costa Nova are located in the whole area, not only in the main street. If you want to follow my advice, have walk to the beach.
Costa Nova do Prado Beach
Behind the houses you’ll find the massive Costa Nova beach. Its sand is white and thin, and it has a blog flag (meaning is good for swimming). Close to the access to the beach you’ll also find Costa Nova church.
Mercado do Peixe (Fishmarket)
There’s only one building that doesn’t look like the rest. At the end of the street you will find the Fish Market, where you can also buy recently captured fish or seafood from the area.
Close to the market we bought chestnuts to warm our hands during this cold November day.
Gabriel Ançá statue
Close by there’s a modest monument to the arrais Gabriel Ançá, a sailor who saved the lives of more than 100 people in Costa Nova: a real hero.
Where to stay in Costa Nova do Prado, Aveiro
If you want to stay in one of these houses, you can. Here are some cool options:
You can also find a few options in airbnb. If it’s your first time using it, you can get a 25€ discount by clicking here.
You can also do as I did and stay in Porto, which is just 1-hour drive away. So far, my favorite stay in this city has been at Flattered Apartments, which I recommend 100%. An authentic yet stylish place to stay.
Click here to find availability and rates.
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