My Adventure in Costa Nova, Aveiro: Complete guide for your visit

I never imagined that such a small place could hold so much charm. Costa Nova, that corner near Aveiro, Portugal, won me over from the first moment with its famous striped houses and its relaxed vibe.

But what really caught my attention was its history: did you know that this place started out as a fishing village in the 19th century? The palheiros , those colourful houses we see everywhere today, were originally warehouses where fishermen kept their nets and tools.

Casas de Rayas (palheiros)

I decided to get there by Uber from Aveiro , which was super convenient. It only took me about 15 minutes , and the road runs along the estuary, making the journey an experience in itself. This cost me €12.

I couldn't stop looking at those houses. They were like something out of a fairy tale, with their brightly colored stripes of red, blue, yellow and green. I walked through the streets trying to decide which one was my favorite, but it was impossible.

Each one has something special. Plus, I learned that the striped design wasn't just about aesthetics at first - it was used to easily identify each family's fishing warehouses. Today, those houses are the perfect place to take photos (and, let's be honest, to fill Instagram with cute photos). 🏡✨

After wandering around the streets, I headed to the beach. The sand seemed endless, and the waves of the Atlantic were the perfect musical background. If you love water sports, this is the ideal place to practice surfing or kitesurfing.

Costa Nova is not just a place; it is an experience. It is history, it is the sea, it is flavour, it is calm. It is that kind of destination that, even if you visit it in just one day, stays with you much longer.

Let me know if you've heard about this place before or if you'd add it to your bucket list. See you soon!