Ílhavo

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Nestled in the heart of the Ria de Aveiro and closely connected to the sea, Ílhavo reflects the way of life of the communities that settled here. At the Vista Alegre Museum, located in the historic 19th-century porcelain factory, visitors can admire the collection and richness of porcelain pieces, as well as the history of the working-class community. The Ílhavo Maritime Museum and, anchored in Gafanha da Nazaré, the Santo André Museum Ship are also expressions of the local identity, deeply rooted in maritime and fishing activities. A scene of intense cultural, sporting, and gastronomic activity throughout the year, the region is known for its uniquely beautiful beaches, such as Barra and Costa Nova, with their traditional Palheiros (houses with colorful stripes on a white background), a landmark of the city.

What to do in Ílhavo

Museu da Vista Alegre

Ílhavo

The museum is housed in the former Vista Alegre factory. Here you can admire examples of glass made in the 19th century and learn about the history of porcelain production and its evolution over more than 150 years.

Praia da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

A popular tourist beach in the summer, surrounded by several traditional striped houses. It boasts many traditional, high-quality restaurants. There are also modern nightlife bars with friendly service.

Forte da Barra de Aveiro / Castelo da Gafanha

Ílhavo

This fort was built around 1640 during the Restoration War. It features two bastions connected by walls. One of the walls has a staircase that leads to the upper terrace, where the lighthouse stands out due to its disproportionate size compared to the rest of the building. In the early 19th century, it underwent alterations to make it more militarily …

Navio-Museu Santo André

Ílhavo

This Museum Ship is a former cod trawler, launched in 1948. After much work, it was stopped and transformed into a museum that shows how people work and live aboard cod fishing vessels.

Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo

Ílhavo

Operating since 1937, it houses a vast collection of objects related to cod fishing and the agro-maritime activities of the Ria de Aveiro, highlighting the lagoon's various fishing techniques. It also boasts a vast art collection and the largest collection of shells in the country, as well as a collection of seaweed. Part of the Portuguese Museum Network, it includes …

Praia da Barra

Ílhavo

A tourist beach with a large expanse of fine white sand. A variety of restaurants and good terraces offer nightlife.

Parque Infante Dom Pedro - Parque da Cidade

Ílhavo

Infante Dom Pedro Park, or City Park, was established in 1862 on land previously owned by the Convent of Santo Antônio. The river that ran through it was used to create a landscape of lakes and fountains dotting the surrounding …

Porto de Recreio da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

A modern marina with easy access and located on the Aveiro estuary. It has average capacity but is almost always crowded in the summer.

Percurso Pedestre Entre a Ria e o Mar (PR1)

Ílhavo

A circular trail that is about 11.5 km long, along the seashore sand dunes. There are panels about the fauna, the flora and the geology. The second part of the trail crosses the villages of Costa Nova do Prado and …

Paredão da Barra

Ílhavo

Pedestrian path along the seawall with views over the Silver Coast and the entrance to the Ria de Aveiro Bar.

Marginal Ribeirinha da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

Pedestrian area on the banks of the Ria de Aveiro, with a large grassy area, cycle path and beautiful landscapes.

Casa Gafanhoa - Museu Municipal

Ílhavo

Located in the heart of the city of Gafanha da Nazaré, this place testifies the way of life of the Gafanhas people, closely linked to the sea and estuary work that characterizes their culture, ethnography and tradition.

Capela da Vista Alegre e Túmulo de Dom Manuel de Moura Manuel

Ílhavo

Temple with thick walls, brick vaults, and limestone masonry. The façade features a large niche with a sculpture of Our Lady of Penha de França. The classification includes the tomb of D. Manuel de Moura, Bishop of Miranda.

Farol de Aveiro / Farol da Barra

Ílhavo

It is the highest lighthouse in Portugal and was built between 1885 and 1893. It was only in 1950 that the lighting system was modernized and began to be powered by electricity, instead of incandescence from petroleum vapor.

Percurso Pedestre Urbano Costa Nova (PR2)

Ílhavo

A circular urban trail approximately 3.5 km long, winding through the streets of Costa Nova do Prado. It offers an insight into the life, stories, traditions, and flavors of a town primarily linked to fishing.

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Where to eat in Ílhavo

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Where to sleep in Ílhavo

Montebelo Vista Alegre Ílhavo Hotel
Montebelo Vista Alegre Ílhavo Hotel

5 star

Esta é uma unidade que serve de montra para o universo artístico da Vista Alegre e, ao mesmo tempo, presta homenagem a todos os atores desta empresa, que parti…

Hotel Ílhavo Plaza & Spa
Hotel Ílhavo Plaza & Spa

4 star

Modern space, situated five minutes from the beach and the town centre. Brings together a set of services that provide an enjoyable stay, whether for business …

Hotel Farol
Hotel Farol

3 star

Nice area situated between the lagoon and the sea, in front of Farol da Barra. Offers activities such as mini-golf, sailing, fishing or sightseeing in ria.

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