Costa Nova

A picturesque fishing village famous for its distinctive striped beach houses in vibrant colors, creating one of Portugal's most photographed coastal scenes. It offers a perfect blend of authentic fishing culture, excellent seafood restaurants, and a long sandy beach.

Things to do

• Photograph the Striped Beach Houses — Wander the narrow streets lined with iconic red, blue, yellow, and white vertically striped houses that define Costa Nova's visual identity.
• Beach Swimming and Sunbathing — Enjoy the long, wide sandy beach backed by the colorful houses, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and coastal walks.
• Visit the Fishing Harbor — Observe working fishermen and traditional moliceiros boats (decorated wooden fishing vessels) at the harbor, especially early morning when boats return with the catch.
• Explore Barra Lighthouse and Breakwater — Walk to the nearby red-and-white striped lighthouse and along the stone breakwater for panoramic coastal views and photography opportunities.
• Seafood Restaurant Dining — Dine at waterfront restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and shellfish with views of the harbor and beach houses.

Food to try

• Arroz de Marisco — A rich seafood rice dish cooked with shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid, a specialty of the Beira Litoral region showcasing the day's catch.
• Espetada de Peixe Grelhado — Fresh whole fish grilled over charcoal and served simply with lemon, olive oil, and sea salt, exemplifying coastal Portuguese simplicity.
• Caldeirada à Portuguesa — A traditional fisherman's stew combining multiple white fish varieties, potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth.
• Percebes (Goose Barnacles) — These prized and expensive delicacy crustaceans are boiled simply and eaten with bread, best enjoyed fresh at local restaurants.
• Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato — Fresh clams sautéed with garlic, white wine, cilantro, and olive oil, a beloved Portuguese classic highlighting Costa Nova's seafood tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Visit Early Morning at the Harbor — Arrive before 8 AM to witness the authentic fishing culture when boats return with catches and the village comes alive before tourist crowds.
• Respect Photography Boundaries — While the striped houses are famously photogenic, residents appreciate discretion; avoid photographing inside private properties and respect locals' privacy.
• Seasonal Fishing Rhythms — The village's character changes with fishing seasons; visit during warmer months (May-September) for the most active harbor and best weather, though quieter off-season visits offer authentic local atmosphere.
• Portuguese Greeting Customs — Greet locals with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia' (good morning), and always say 'Obrigado' (thank you); Portuguese people appreciate politeness and effort with their language.