A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Ilhavo: Discover this enchanting tourist destination in Portugal

Ilhavo is a beautiful Portuguese city located in the Aveiro region, known for its rich maritime history and delicious cuisine. This charming tourist destination offers the perfect combination of stunning beaches, traditional charm, and a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your visit.

Beaches and impressive landscapes

One of Ilhavo's main attractions are its beautiful beaches. Praia da Barra is one of the most popular, with its extensive golden sand strip and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea. Another notable beach is Praia da Costa Nova, famous for its colorful striped houses that make it a unique and picturesque location.

Aside from the beaches, Ilhavo also features impressive natural landscapes. The Aveiro Lighthouse is an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also explore the Natural Reserve of São Jacinto Dunes, a protected area with a great diversity of flora and fauna.

Museums and cultural heritage

Ilhavo is known for its rich maritime history, which you can explore at the Maritime Museum of Ilhavo. This museum houses an impressive collection of traditional boats as well as interactive exhibits that allow you to immerse yourself in the maritime life of the region.

Another place of cultural interest is the Vista Alegre Porcelain Museum, located just outside Ilhavo. Here you can discover the history of Portuguese porcelain and admire unique and delicate pieces.

Local cuisine

The local cuisine of Ilhavo is another highlight of this tourist destination. You must try fresh fish and seafood, such as grilled codfish or delicious fried shrimp. Don't miss the famous "ovos moles," a traditional sweet made with egg yolk and sugar.

Additionally, Ilhavo offers a wide variety of restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy typical dishes from the region, such as "caldeirada de peixe" (a fish stew) or "leitão à Bairrada" (roast suckling pig).

Outdoor activities

If you're a lover of outdoor activities, Ilhavo offers a wide range of options. You can practice water sports like surfing, windsurfing, or sailing in the area's beaches. You can also enjoy biking trips through the beautiful natural landscapes surrounding the city.

For birdwatchers, the Aveiro Ria is a perfect spot to enjoy the diversity of species that inhabit the area. You can take boat rides or walks along nature trails to discover the beauty of this unique ecosystem.

Gastro Products of Ilhavo

• Codfish

  Ilhavo is famous for its fishing tradition and its connection with codfish. Codfish is a highly appreciated fish in Portuguese gastronomy, and in Ilhavo you can find numerous delicious recipes that include it as the main ingredient. From grilled codfish to Gomes de Sá-style codfish, lovers of this fish cannot miss the chance to try these delicacies.

• Creamy Eggs

  Creamy eggs are a typical sweet from Ilhavo that you must try. These sweets are made with egg yolk and sugar, and they come in small shapes of different figures, such as seashells or fish. They are soft, sweet, and melt in your mouth, making them a true pleasure for those who love desserts.

Sports Activities in Ilhavo, Portugal

Surf and Bodyboarding

Portugal is famous for its waves and Ilhavo is no exception. With several nearby beaches, it's an ideal place to practice surfing and bodyboarding, whether you're a beginner or an expert.

Cycling

Ilhavo offers several cycling routes, both in the city and its surroundings. You can explore the beautiful coast, the vineyards, and the picturesque nearby villages by bicycle.

Hiking

The Ilhavo region is rich in natural landscapes, which makes it an ideal place for hiking. You can explore the coastal trails, forests, and sand dunes.

Vela

With its coastal location, Ilhavo is an ideal place for sailing. You can rent a boat and explore the coast, or even take lessons if you're a beginner.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Ilhavo, both at sea and in the nearby rivers and lakes. You can rent a boat and fishing gear or join a guided fishing tour.

Places near Ilhavo (Portugal)

If you are in Ilhavo and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some cities and towns nearby that offer unique tourist and culinary experiences:

Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal", enchants with its canals and colorful houses. Apart from its architectural charm, this city offers a delicious gastronomy based on fresh fish and seafood. Don't miss out on the famous "ovos moles"!

Costa Nova, a charming coastal village in Portugal, is famous for its colorful striped houses and delicious gastronomy. Enjoy its white sand beaches, sample the fresh seafood and don't miss out on the traditional pastries of Aveiro. An unforgettable tourist and culinary experience!