Costa Nova

Be amazed by the warmth of the Costa Nova fishing spirit which is still very much present in its sand plains. Discover the beach, the town and the history of this area.

A part of the colours and beauty of Aveiro is inseparable from the famous haystacks of Costa Nova. These traditional structures were used by fishermen to store their fishing materials and have also been used as beach houses throughout the years. Built near the beach, they welcome the sea with their façades painted in bright coloured stripes.

Be amazed by the warmth of the Costa Nova fishing spirit which is still very much present in its sand plains. Discover the beach, the town and the history of this area. You can also visit other beaches near-by like the Vagueira and Mira beaches. A true journey back in time!

The origin of the name Costa Nova do Prado

The name Costa Nova do Padro (New Shore of the Meadow) first appeared in the early 19^th century when the fishing town of Costa Nova was founded. The name “Costa Nova” was introduced when the Aveiro Lagoon barra was opened in 1808, in order to separate it from the “old shore” which was located at São Jacinto beach and was used by fishermen until then. As for “do Prado” (of the Meadow), it simply indicates the fact that there is an extensive green meadow next to the beach.

The Costa Nova Haystacks

Throughout the 19^th century, fishermen from Ílhavo began to move to Costa Nova because the new shore line gave them easier access to sea than in São Jacinto. So, they began to build haystacks, storages and shelters for the seamen and the fishing boats of the Lagoon. The first haystacks were built with local materials and stood on top of stakes pitched on the dry sand of Costa Nova. The outside planks were horizontal and painted in bright red welcoming the sea with colour and energy. The interior space was wide and didn’t have any divisions as it was simply a storage house. As the years went by, some fishermen began to transform the haystacks and turned them into living spaces where several families would live during the summer.

The origin of the name Costa Nova do Prado

The Costa Nova Haystacks

You might also like