Aveiro Beaches
A short bus journey from Aveiro brings visitors to a couple of fine beaches on the Silver Coast. They are located facing the sea fronting Aveiro Lagoon.
The Atlantic seaside here is markedly different to the conditions on the Algarve. Windy, wild with high waves, the coast here attracts surfers and windsurfers to its rolling dunes rather than swimmers and sun worshippers to the glassy seas and bizarre rock formations of southern Portugal.
Water temperatures, too, are considerably cooler here than on the Algarve, so a body suit would be a good idea if you spend extended time in the water.
A windbreaker would also be a wise addition to protect your parasol and sun lounger (both of which can be hired on the beaches) from the often strong winds.
Barra
The beach at Barra at the mouth of the River Vouga is the more industrial and nearest of the two beaches closest to Aveiro. The coast here is dominated by a 62 metre lighthouse - the tallest in Iberia - and its beam can be seen far out to sea. The sea here is calmer for swimming than Costa Nova to the south.
Costa Nova
Costa Nova is a pretty beach town known for its candy-striped Palheiros houses along Avenida José Estevão. They were once used to store fishing tackle but many have been converted in to holiday homes, cafes and restaurants. The fine, sandy beach here is reached by a wooden boardwalk through the dunes.
São Jacinto
North of Barra and accessible by boat is the pine-fringed nature reserve of São Jacinto - Reserve Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto. São Jacinto is a haven for birds with over a hundred species in residence during the year including goshawk, teal and widgeon. There's a beach on the lagoon at Torreira and a small resort further north at Furadouro. The Parque de Campismo Orbitur Sao Jacinto is a campsite at the northern edge of the reserve.
Praia de Mira
Praia de Mira, south of Costa Nova is a small beach resort on the lagoon, ideal for hiking and cycling. The four star Macarico Beach Hotel is located here and offers a rooftop swimming pool and Atlantic Ocean views.
Accommodation
Many people stay in the bigger hotels in Aveiro and travel out to the beaches for the day. However it is possible to lodge on the coast and there are several apartments and other types of accommodation including a camp site. Places to stay in Barra and Costa Nova include the holiday apartments Costa Nova Beach View, Velamarina 2, and Diamante Azul Barra Beach Apartment. Also recommended are the three star Costa Nova Hotel, the Parque de Campismo da Praia da Barra, also three stars and the Casa dos Faróis - Costa Nova Beach.
Access
Barra and Costa Nova are both reached by scheduled and seasonal bus from Aveiro Station that also stops on Rua Clube dos Galitos opposite the Turismo and the Museu Arte Nova. A taxi to the beaches would cost around 12-15 Euros one way.
Getting to Aveiro
From Campanhã Station in Porto, trains to Aveiro Station run approximately 2 or 3 times an hour. The fastest Alfa Pendular trains take just over 30 minutes. Urbano (local) trains from Aveiro go as far as São Bento Station in Porto. These trains take an hour and six minutes stopping at Cacia, Canelas, Salreu, Estarreja, Avanca, Valega, Ovar, Cortegaca, Esmoriz, Espinho, Granja, Valadares, Vila Nova de Gaia-Devesas, General Torres and Campanha before arriving at São Bento.
The first train from Campanhã to Aveiro is at 5.47am with the last train a slow Urbano at 12.59am taking an hour. The last high speed Alfa Pendular train is at 8.47pm but there are later Urbano and Intercidades services.
Local buses leave from Aveiro Bus Station just across the road from the modern train station. Buses run from here out to Aveiro's beaches on the coast.
The bus from Porto to Salamanca and Madrid in Spain via Viseu and Guarda stops south of the station across the river from the Turismo (Tourist Information Center) in central Aveiro.
Aveiro Station
Largo da Estação dos Caminhos de Ferro
3800-179 Aveiro
Full information and schedules on express and local trains in Portugal are available at www.cp.pt