Costa Nova
Aveiro, Portugal: Excellent water quality
Located 7.49 km from Ílhavo, Costa Nova is a Blue Flag beach that meets rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out.…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Costa Nova
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Costa Nova?
Located 7.49 km from Ílhavo, Costa Nova is a Blue Flag beach that meets rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open throughout its operating season, though visitors should check local safety arrangements before heading out. May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. The Blue Flag designation makes it a reliable choice for families and travelers concerned with environmental practices.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Aveiro, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Portugal certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Costa Nova faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Apr | 14°C | 11°C | Low |
| May | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| Jun | 18°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 18°C | High |
| Aug | 20°C | 17°C | High |
| Sep | 19°C | 16°C | Med |
| Oct | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Nov | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Dec | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
The best time to visit Costa Nova is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 20.5°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 17.5°C in July.
How crowded does Costa Nova get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, Costa Nova sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Costa Nova open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Costa Nova
Is Costa Nova safe to swim?Costa Nova is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Costa Nova?Peak water temperature at Costa Nova reaches around 17.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 10°C.
What is the beach like at Costa Nova?Costa Nova on the Aveiro coast of Portugal. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Costa Nova have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Costa Nova meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Costa Nova sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to Portugal? Blue Flag Beaches Portugal , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Costa Nova
How do I get to Costa Nova by car?Costa Nova is approximately 7.49 km from Ílhavo. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Costa Nova?The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), approximately 70.3 km away.
Can I get to Costa Nova by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ílhavo. The nearest recorded bus stop is 600 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Costa Nova?Costa Nova lists Aveiro as the nearest railway station, 9.86 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Costa Nova
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Costa Nova. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Costa Nova
- Public toilets Public toilets 68 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 74 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 359 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 362 m
Cafés near Costa Nova
- Peixe na Costa Restaurant 126 m
- Restaurante Clube de Vela Restaurant 358 m
- Bar do Guincho Restaurant 359 m
Parking near Costa Nova
- Parking Parking 10 m
- Parking Parking 13 m
- Parking Parking 15 m
- Parking Parking 30 m
- Parking Parking 49 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (street-side parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 720 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 600 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 40.6177°N, 8.7523°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Portugal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Nova FAQ
Is Costa Nova suitable for children?
Costa Nova has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Portugal.
Is Costa Nova free to access?
Access to Costa Nova is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Aveiro, Portugal, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Costa Nova?
The best time to visit Costa Nova is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 17.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Costa Nova?
Costa Nova is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Costa Nova?
Costa Nova is located in Aveiro, Portugal. It is approximately 7.49 km from Ílhavo. The nearest airport is Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) (OPO), 70.3 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Costa Nova?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 4 toilet locations near Costa Nova, including 68 m away, 74 m away, 359 m away, and 362 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Costa Nova?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 3 cafés or restaurants near Costa Nova, including Peixe na Costa (126 m), Restaurante Clube de Vela (358 m), and Bar do Guincho (359 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Costa Nova?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 10 m from Costa Nova, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Portugal, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore PortugalWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Costa Nova
- ABAE (Associação Bandeira Azul da Europa)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.