Costa Nova: The Striped Houses Near Aveiro

Costa Nova, near Aveiro, is famous for its candy-striped houses, the palheiros, painted in bold red, blue, green and yellow stripes. With a lagoon on one side and the Atlantic beach on the other, it’s one of Portugal’s most photographed seaside villages. Here’s how to visit.

Quick answer: Costa Nova is about 15 to 20 minutes from Aveiro by car or bus, and about an hour from Porto. Photograph the striped houses on the lagoon-side avenue, walk to the beach across the dunes, eat seafood, and see Portugal’s tallest lighthouse at nearby Praia da Barra. See Aveiro and Costa Nova tours from Porto.

The striped houses

The palheiros were originally wooden huts where fishermen stored their gear. Today they’re holiday homes and guesthouses, painted in bright stripes. The best row faces the lagoon on the main avenue.

Things to do

• Photos along the striped house front. See the most Instagrammable places.
• The beach: a long Atlantic beach behind the dunes, with boardwalks and lifeguards in summer.
• Seafood: restaurants and the little fish market.
• Praia da Barra lighthouse: Portugal’s tallest lighthouse, a few minutes north.
• Cycling: bike paths link Costa Nova, Barra and the lagoon.

Combine with Aveiro

Aveiro’s canals and moliceiro boats make a perfect pairing. Book a moliceiro ride. See the Aveiro day trip.

Where to stay

Stay in a striped house for the full experience. See places to stay in Costa Nova. See also where to stay in Aveiro.

Tips

• Wind: the Atlantic beach can be windy and the water cold.
• Summer weekends are busy, so arrive early.
• Respect: many of the houses are private homes.

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