Some Casas Gafanhoas still survive in Gafanha da Encarnação. Costa Nova beach belongs to the same freguesia, while the Ria, with its route and water activities, offers further options for your stay.

Casas Gafanhoas and architectural heritage

The surviving Casas Gafanhoas are derived from the Casas Gandarezas of the Gândara region farther south. They can be seen throughout the town. On the Ria, there is also the former chicory factory and greenhouse building, which was recently restored for tourism. Its former use distinguishes this building from the houses spread throughout the town: a building style of regional origin and a former commercial purpose are two distinct cultural references in Gafanha da Encarnação.

Route along the Canal de Mira

The Frente Ria Costa Nova–Vagueira is both an ecological route and a cycling route. It connects the beaches of Costa Nova and Vagueira along the western bank of the Canal de Mira on the Ria de Aveiro. Signage and rest areas are part of its facilities. The route also offers an opportunity to experience the natural values within the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area in the Natura 2000 network, under the Birds Directive. In this way, it connects coastal towns and the course of the canal with a designated natural area.

Boat trips and water activities

Ria Príncipe boat trips last between 40 minutes and two hours. This time range provides a concrete basis for planning; check the conditions of each trip with the provider. For experienced participants, the Ria de Aveiro Kite Club also offers wakefoil, wakesurf and waterskiing. Confirm the booking conditions for these activities with the provider in advance.

A report from 2026 gives the Travessia da Ria a Nado a distance of 750 metres between Largo da Bruxa and Costa Nova in the freguesia of Gafanha da Encarnação. In the Aquathlon, an 800-metre run is added to the open-water swim; together, the distance is 1,550 metres. The figures distinguish the swim distance alone from a format that also includes a run.

Costa Nova: a walk and getting your bearings

A guided walk through Costa Nova covers the town’s historical and social development and the importance of shellfish in the Ria de Aveiro, particularly in connection with the Costa Nova fish market. A local snack is also included. Confirm the walk’s availability with the provider.

Two named places are located at Praia da Costa Nova beach in Gafanha da Encarnação: Mercado Municipal da Costa Nova is on Rua José Estêvão, while Cais Criativo Costa Nova is on Avenida Nossa Senhora da Saúde. The street addresses help distinguish the two locations in Costa Nova.

Road connections

Rua de Ílhavo connects Gafanha da Encarnação with Ílhavo. The A25 runs north of the town, providing fast connections to the IC1, IC2 and A1, as well as to Portugal’s interior and neighbouring Spain. This offers different scales of road orientation: a connection to Ílhavo and longer-distance connections via the A25.

Discover more destinations: Ílhavo, Gafanha do Carmo, Costa Nova.

Return to the main travel overview: Ilhavo.