Discover Gafanha da Encarnação

There are several aspects to consider when choosing Gafanha da Encarnação as a destination: the Casas Gafanhoas preserved in the town, the Ria and Costa Nova beach, and a range of water activities. Consider whether you are particularly interested in local history, a route along the Canal de Mira, or tours and competitions.

Houses and local history

Some houses known as Casas Gafanhoas have been preserved in Gafanha da Encarnação. They derive from the Casas Gandarezas of the Gândara region farther south and can be seen throughout the town. Anyone interested in the town’s architectural history can look out for a type of building that is not confined to a single location.

Another chapter in the town’s history is represented by the former chicory factory and greenhouse building beside the Ria. It was recently restored for tourism purposes. Its former use and subsequent restoration give the building two distinct historical contexts; its industrial history is as much a part of the local landscape as the tourism purpose of the restoration.

Getting around between the town and the coast

For road directions, there are two connections to distinguish: Rua de Ílhavo connects Gafanha da Encarnação with Ílhavo. The A25 runs north of the town and provides quick access to the IC1, IC2 and A1, as well as to Portugal’s interior and neighbouring Spain. This gives you both a connection to Ílhavo and a regional road link as separate points of reference.

Costa Nova beach is part of the Freguesia de Gafanha da Encarnação. The Mercado Municipal da Costa Nova is located at Rua José Estêvão, on Praia da Costa Nova. The Cais Criativo Costa Nova is also there, on Avenida Nossa Senhora da Saúde. These two location details help you distinguish the market from the events venue when planning your visits to Costa Nova.

Ria route and natural setting

The Frente Ria Costa Nova–Vagueira connects the beaches of Costa Nova and Vagueira along the western shore of the Canal de Mira in the Ria de Aveiro. It is both an eco-route and a cycling route. The route offers a chance to experience the natural features within the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area in the Natura 2000 network under the Birds Directive. Signage and rest areas are also part of the route’s facilities.

For trip planning, the route’s course and character are the key details: it runs along the Canal de Mira and connects two beaches; it is designated as both an eco-route and a cycling route. This makes it easy to distinguish from individual boat trips or guided walks, without confusing their specific durations with a route length.

Boat trips, walks and water sports

Ria Príncipe’s boat trips last between 40 minutes and two hours. This range gives you a concrete reference for estimating how much time to allow for shorter and longer tours. The duration of each trip is therefore a different guide for choosing an outing than a route whose length is not specified here. Check the terms for boat trips directly with the provider.

A guided walk through Costa Nova explores the importance of shellfish in the Ria de Aveiro and its connection with the Costa Nova fish market. It also covers the town’s historical and social development; a local snack is included in the walk. This guided tour brings together local history and food culture. Confirm its availability with the organiser in advance.

The Travessia da Ria a Nado and the Aquatlo can also be distinguished by their courses. The report on the 2026 competition gives the Travessia distance as 750 metres between Largo da Bruxa and Costa Nova and locates the course in the Freguesia de Gafanha da Encarnação. The Aquatlo adds an 800-metre run to the open-water swimming course, for a total distance of 1,550 metres. The figures therefore distinguish the Travessia swimming distance from the Aquatlo’s combined distance.

For experienced participants, the Ria de Aveiro Kite Club also offers wakefoil, wakesurf and ski. According to the description, these activities are aimed at a more experienced audience and add other water sports to the boat trips and guided activities. It is best to check the relevant booking terms directly with the provider.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Ilhavo.