Murtosa: Ria, Trails and Cultural History

Murtosa offers nature, trails and cultural history as distinct themes to help you plan your trip. Praia do Bico, two named routes and several places connected with the history of fishing and the Church give these themes a tangible focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Murtosa, first consider whether the Ria and nature, the trails or the historical heritage will shape your trip.

Praia do Bico, Ria and NatureRia

Praia do Bico is on the Canal da Murtosa, in the Ria de Aveiro, within the Freguesia da Murtosa. In 2016, it was designated as a bathing area. It is also part of the visitor-accessible NaturRia nature trail and is set in a natural environment rich in biodiversity. Praia do Bico is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If accessibility is important for your plans, check the conditions before your visit.

Two routes through the Ria area

The Percurso do Canal da Murtosa is an easy 11.6-kilometre circular route in the Freguesia da Murtosa. The Percurso dos Campos da Ria is also rated easy, covers 15.5 kilometres and passes through the Freguesias do Bunheiro and da Murtosa. The routes therefore differ both in length and in the areas they cover. The Canal route combines a circular layout with a shorter distance; the Campos da Ria route is 3.9 kilometres longer and passes through two named Freguesias. This makes it possible to compare the routes by length, circular layout and area covered. Trail conditions can change; check the current situation before setting out.

Fishing and local history

The COMUR – Museu Municipal preserves the memory of eel canning in Murtosa. After the museum displays were installed, the museum opened to the public on 21 February 2015. Eel canning thus has a dedicated place in local cultural history.

Arte Xávega is also part of Murtosa’s fishing history. This traditional fishing method can still be observed on the municipality’s beaches, although conditions may vary seasonally. Today, tractors rather than oxen haul the nets ashore. Historically, Arte Xávega was the first form of fishing practised in the settlement and the residents’ only means of subsistence. Its former economic role and the practice still visible today therefore represent distinct periods.

Churches, squares and maritime history

Igreja de São Lourenço was inaugurated on 19 November 1939; the parish of São Lourenço was founded on the same day. Together with Praça Jaime Afreixo, the church forms a historically and symbolically significant ensemble that reflects the religious, commercial and urban development of Vila Murtosa. The Igreja Matriz da Murtosa, a Baroque church dating from the first half of the 18th century, is also part of the area’s architectural history.

Cais do Bico reveals another aspect of the town’s history: for much of the 20th century, it was an important point for embarkation, disembarkation and trade. The church ensemble and the quay thus represent different historical themes, from the town’s development to its maritime transport and trade role.

Discover more destinations: Cortegaça, Anadia, Pedorido, Vila Nova de Monsarros, Canedo, Nogueira do Cravo, Alvarenga, Espinhel.

For the broader travel overview: Aveiro.