Ílhavo

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Situated in the margins of the Aveiro Lagoon (Ria in Portuguese) and with a close relationship with the Atlantic Ocean, Ílhavo reflects the way of life of the communities that settled here. At the Vista Alegre Museum, located in the old and historic porcelain factory of the 19th century, it is possible to appreciate the collection of the porcelain pieces produced here, as well as the history of the working community that creates them. The Maritime Museum of Ílhavo and, anchored in Gafanha da Nazaré, the Ship-Museum Santo André, are also an expression of the local identity, deeply rooted in maritime and fishing activities. A stage of intense cultural, sporting, and gastronomic activity throughout the year, the Ílhavo area is also known for its beaches of singular beauty, such as Barra and Costa Nova, with the traditional Palheiros - colourful striped houses, picture postcard of the city.

What to do in Ílhavo

Museu da Vista Alegre

Ílhavo

The museum is located at the old Vista Alegre factory. It features glass objects made in the 19th century, as well as the history of the porcelain production and its evolution throughout over 150 years.

Praia da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

A touristy beach, quite attended in the summer, surrounded by typical houses that are painted with stripes. There are many typical quality restaurants there. There are also several modern night time bars, with good service.

Forte da Barra de Aveiro / Castelo da Gafanha

Ílhavo

Strong built around the year 1640, during the war of restoration. Presents two bastions connected by walls. In one of its walls there is a staircase that connects the upper terrace where he stresses the taillight, for your immeasurable dimension in relation to the remaining building. In the early 19th century, suffered changes to put more apt to military level.

Navio-Museu Santo André

Ílhavo

This Ship-Museum is an old cod fishing ship that started working in 1948. Finally, it stopped working and became a museum that shows how life is aboard cod fishing ships.

Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo

Ílhavo

Opened since 1937, with several collections, it was largely restord in 1991. It currently features a valuabl shell collection, of boat miniatures and nautical instruments, among others.

Praia da Barra

Ílhavo

A beach by the Vouga river's mouth, with a wide stretch of fine, white sand. Several restaurants and terraces with a good nightlife.

Parque Infante Dom Pedro - Parque da Cidade

Ílhavo

The Infante Dom Pedro park, or City Park, was organized from 1862 on from the area that belonged to the Convento de Santo António. The stream that crossed it was used to create a scenery of lakes and fountains punctuating …

Porto de Recreio da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

A modern recreational port, easy to get to, located by the tidal stream of Aveiro. It is medium sized and almost always full 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 that speak of the fauna, the flora and the geology. The second part of the trail crosses the villages of Costa Nova do …

Paredão da Barra

Ílhavo

A pedestrian walk along the wall with views of the Costa da Prata (Silver Coast) and of the tidal Stream's entrance in Aveiro.

Marginal Ribeirinha da Costa Nova

Ílhavo

A pedestrian area on the banks of the Aveiro tidal stream, with wide lawns, a track for bicycles and lovely passages.

Casa Gafanhoa - Museu Municipal

Ílhavo

A place that reconstitutes the way of life of the Gafanhas people. A house with a typical decor of the populations of the tidal stream and of the sea.

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

Ílhavo

Temple with thick walls, vaults and brick masonry of limestone. The façade has a large niche with a statue of Nossa Senhora da Penha de France. The classification covers the tomb of Manuel de Moura, Bishop of Miranda.

Farol de Aveiro / Farol da Barra

Ílhavo

É o mais alto Farol de Portugal e foi construído entre 1885 e 1893. Só em 1950 se modernizou o sistema iluminante que passou a ser feito a energia elétrica, em vez da incandescência a partir do vapor do petróleo.

Percurso Pedestre Urbano Costa Nova (PR2)

Ílhavo

A circular urban trail that is around 3.5 km long, along the streets of the Costa Nova do Prado. It shows the people, the culture and the architecture.

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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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