Ílhavo is a coastal town with picturesque landscapes, a developed fishing industry, and a rich maritime heritage. One of Ílhavo’s main attractions is the Maritime Museum. It’s worth seeing the interactive exhibitions, learning about the history of local fishing communities, and even boarding a traditional fishing boat.
The Ílhavo Ship Museum is incredibly interesting. This unique museum displays a collection of traditional Portuguese fishing vessels. The famous Costa Nova beach delights with its beautiful white sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. he mostly famous for its colourful striped houses, squashed onto a tiny strip of land between the beach and the lagoon. Ílhavo is renowned for its fresh seafood, and the waterfront restaurants offer a variety of delicious dishes, most notably fresh fish and seafood.
Location
Ílhavo is a city located in the Aveiro district in central Portugal.
Praia da Costa Nova
A distinctive and one of Portugal’s most famous beaches, with its colorful “palheiros” (palheiros houses) painted in contrasting stripes, Costa Nova is one of the most popular destinations for coastal walks. This extensive beach with white sand and beautiful scenery is a quiet and unique place, and water sports are often practiced here by both tourists and locals.
Museu Vista Alegre
The Vista Alegre Museum houses one of the most important national collections, documenting the complete history of porcelain production in Portugal. Priceless artifacts are displayed alongside those produced in trial runs or selected for their value, telling the story of porcelain production since 1824. The Vista Alegre Museum also houses designs, books, and machines used to prepare the raw materials necessary for porcelain production.
Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo
In a beautiful building with modern architecture, we find the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo.
The MMI is a testament to the strong connection of the Ílhavo people to the sea and the Aveiro Estuary. Cod fishing in the seas around Newfoundland and Greenland, the activities of the Estuary, and the Ílhavo diaspora along the Portuguese coast are the museum’s heritage references.
Aveiro Salt Flats
Here, visitors can see the methods of artisanal salt production, the salt flats’ characteristic landscape, flora and fauna, and the experiences and traditions linked to this centuries-old activity. Visitors can also enjoy salt baths here.
Centro de Religiosidade Marítima
The Maritime Religious Center of Ílhavo is located in the former Volunteer Fire Department of Ílhavo. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic building, this sacred art and maritime museum offers a unique experience, even for those less inclined toward religious themes.
The Maritime Religious Center is divided into four permanent exhibitions, each devoted to a specific theme: The Sea and Piety, Piety in Ílhavo, Faith in Ílhavo, and Treasure. Additionally, there is a temporary exhibition area.
