Murtosa – Nature on the Ria de Aveiro

Murtosa brings together the lagoon landscape of the Ria de Aveiro, agricultural fields, coastal towns and diverse birdlife. More than 80 percent of the area lies within the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area. Dozens of different bird species can be found here throughout the year, making the landscape especially appealing for birdwatching. If you want to make nature and trails the focus of your stay, the varied landscapes offer a practical point of reference when choosing your destination.

Lagoon, fields and trails

Murtosa has more than 50 kilometres of cycling paths that run through the lagoon, agricultural fields and town centres. This gives you a choice of different settings: a ride can take in both the lagoon landscape and fields, as well as town centres. In addition, NaturRia includes cycling and walking trails along the Ria de Aveiro, as well as rest areas. The NaturRia trails also provide information about local fauna and flora.

One specific example is the Percurso dos Campos da Ria. This easy route is 15.5 kilometres long and passes through the parishes of Bunheiro and Murtosa. It runs between the Ria de Aveiro and Murtosa's agricultural fields. Its length provides a guide when planning a trip, and its stated difficulty level is easy. This distinguishes it from the cycling paths that run through Murtosa's lagoon, fields and town centres.

Beach and waterscapes

Praia do Bico on the Canal da Murtosa is a mix of river and estuary beach. It is easy to access and surrounded by various leisure facilities and services. The area on the exposed seaward side is suitable for surfing, while the calm waters of the Ria de Aveiro are suitable for sailing or windsurfing. These differences can help you choose between a beach-focused stay and activities on the lagoon, without treating the different waters as the same.

At the beaches of Murtosa, you can also see the traditional Arte Xávega fishing method. It adds a cultural dimension directly connected with fishing to the nature and water experiences. For travellers interested not only in trails and birdwatching but also in life on the Ria, this combination is another aspect of the destination.

Boating, crafts and local history

The connection with the Ria is also reflected in the history of Cais do Bico. For much of the 20th century, it was an important place for embarking, disembarking and trade. Its role at the time was linked to traditional boating and the natural resources of the Ria de Aveiro. Today, Murtosa hosts three major regattas featuring Moliceiro boats. Visitors can also watch Moliceiros and Bateiras being built and repaired.

Traditional crafts include finely detailed wooden miniatures of the region's boat types: Moliceiro, Bateira, Xávega and Chinchorro. Painted wooden Cangas for agricultural equipment are also part of the tradition; they were made by artisans specialising in agricultural implements. Casa-Museu Custódio Prato offers insights into rural and agricultural life in the past. At COMUR-Museu Municipal, eel preserves in Escabeche sauce are presented as unique on the Iberian Peninsula. Eels in Escabeche are also a typical local dish.

Chapels and cultural events

Capela de São Simão was founded in 1609 as a funerary chapel. Its architecture combines a cylindrical main structure with a rectangular chapel attached on the east side. Another historic example is Capela de Santa Teresa da Quinta da Caneira: it was built in 1890 as a private religious chapel within the historic Quinta da Caneira. The two buildings represent different periods of construction and contexts of use.

Igreja Paroquial da Murtosa and Capela de São Paio da Torreira are listed among the area's notable monuments. Romaria de São Paio da Torreira is also part of the annual cultural calendar; it takes place each year around 8 September. If you are planning a visit around this event, it is advisable to check the specific dates.

Discover more destinations: Bunheiro, Oliveira Do Bairro, Torreira, Oliveira De Azeméis, Vagos, Arouca, Santa Maria Da Feira, Sever Do Vouga.

For the overarching travel guide: Aveiro.