Costa Nova Beach Portugal

You could say that Costa Nova is in the middle of nowhere. The municipality of Ílhavo is in the centre of Portugal and was founded by the Greeks 400 BC or even earlier by the Phoenicians. Costa Nova is part of the parish of Gafanha da Encarnação. I think it’s safe to say non-Portuguese speakers will not get remotely close to pronouncing that correctly. So, you may be thinking, it’s in the middle of the country (nowhere) and has an unpronounceable name, but wait! There’s so much more to see.

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Costa Nova is worth seeing!

Costa Nova is less than an hour south of Porto and 15 mins from Aveiro. It’s easy to access and makes a great stopover or place to stay for a while. You’ll see, it’s worth it! There are lovely beaches – Costa Nova Beach and Praia da Barra. – and the town is (for lack of a better word) soooo cute!

Charming, picturesque homes along Costa Nova

There are delicious restaurants and cafés on one end, then shops for all of your souvenir needs, and then a long row of beautiful homes. The entire neighborhood is like this not just this row that faces the beach! Walk behind these houses and see many more. It’s the most charming city I visited so far!

Cobblestone roads with a fish theme

I loved the detail that the people of Costa Nova put into their town. It’s impressive to see the love and care they put into their homes and their town. The colors, the fountains for kids to jump in and these lovely cobblestone streets with fish worked into the details. It’s one of the prettiest and cleanest towns you’ll visit.

Costa Nova Beach

Although we didn’t have to go to the beach, I was able to take this picture as we left. We’ll definitely come back for a swim and to try a few new restaurants. Bye for now Costa Nova Beach!