🇵🇹 Costa Nova Striped Houses (Palheiros da Costa Nova)
Costa Nova · 일랴부 (Ílhavo)
Location
Overview
Costa Nova is a coastal village on a narrow sandbar in Ílhavo, central Portugal, famous for its 'palheiros' — wooden houses painted in bold red, blue, green and yellow stripes. Originally 19th-century fishermen's warehouses for nets and gear, the stripes helped owners identify their huts in fog and evolved into the village's iconic look. The village sits between the Ria de Aveiro lagoon with its fishing harbor on one side and a broad Atlantic beach on the other, making it a lovely place for a stroll.
The striped palheiros houses — the village symbol and origin of its 'Pajama City' nickname
Fishing harbor and morning fish market on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon side, with fresh regional seafood
Praia da Costa Nova, a wide golden Atlantic beach — Blue Flag rated and a well-known surf spot
Watersports on the calm lagoon: kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing
Golden-hour photography of the striped houses at early morning or late afternoon — best light and fewer crowds
Good to know
SafetyThe Atlantic beach has strong waves and currents, and the water is cold even in August. Swim only in lifeguard-supervised zones and always check the warning flags (red = no swimming). Follow current on-site guidance.
MannersMost striped houses are private homes or rentals where people actually live. Exteriors can be freely photographed from public streets, but do not peer inside, enter uninvited, or disturb residents' privacy.
SeasonPeak summer (especially weekends) brings heavy crowds and parking pressure. For a quieter visit, come on a weekday or in spring/autumn, and aim for early morning.
SafetyParking exists along the promenade and beach-access roads but fills up fast in summer. Arrive with time to spare and never leave valuables visible in your car.
CautionCosta Nova itself is fairly safe, but pickpocketing can occur in nearby Aveiro's train station, canals and crowded cafes. Watch out for distraction tactics like petition or donation requests, and keep belongings close.
RulesOpening days and hours for the fish market and shops vary by season and day of week (typically Tue–Sun). Check the latest details before you go.
Practical info
About a 15-minute drive from Aveiro (roughly 12 km), ~30 minutes by bus, or ~20 minutes via a ride app like Bolt. The beach and promenade are free and public. Half a day suffices, but an overnight stay is recommended for a relaxed visit. Confirm current prices, hours and transport before visiting.
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