More than 80% of Murtosa lies within the Ria de Aveiro Special Protection Area. The lagoon landscape is particularly attractive for birdwatching: dozens of different bird species can be found here throughout the year. At the same time, trails, traditional boating and regional crafts tell different stories about Murtosa. When planning your trip, you can choose between nature watching, activities by the water and cultural history.

The Ria, fields and nature trails

The Percurso dos Campos da Ria is a specific option for exploring the area: the trail is 15.5 km long, rated easy and passes through the parishes of Bunheiro and Murtosa, between the Ria de Aveiro and Murtosa’s cultivated fields. The combination of lagoon and agricultural landscape is an explicitly described feature of the route.

Murtosa also has more than 50 km of cycle paths, running through the lagoon, agricultural fields and town centres. NaturRia includes cycling and walking trails along the Ria de Aveiro, as well as rest areas. The trails offer safe, scenic walks and information about local fauna and flora. A walking and cycling path also runs through the oldest part of the parish, known as “Murtosa Velha”. This means you can choose either a named route with a set length or a wider network of cycling and walking trails.

Waterscapes and maritime tradition

Praia do Bico, on the Canal da Murtosa, is a river and estuary beach. It is easy to access and surrounded by various leisure facilities and services. The calm waters of the Ria de Aveiro are suitable for sailing and windsurfing, while the rougher ocean side is suited to surfing. Traditional Arte Xávega fishing can still be seen today on Murtosa’s beaches.

For much of the 20th century, Cais do Bico was an important landing, embarkation and trading point. Its historical role was linked to traditional boating and the natural resources of the Ria de Aveiro. You can also watch Moliceiros and Bateiras being built and repaired. Craftspeople in Murtosa also make detailed wooden miniatures of typical regional boats, including Moliceiros, Bateiras, Xávegas and Chinchorros.

Crafts, museums and historic buildings

Traditional crafts also include painted wooden Cangas for agricultural equipment. They were made by craftspeople who specialised in agricultural implements. Casa-Museu Custódio Prato offers a glimpse into rural and agricultural life in the past. At the COMUR-Museu Municipal, eel preserves in Escabeche sauce are presented as unique on the Iberian Peninsula.

Capela de São Simão was founded in 1609 as a funerary chapel. Its main structure is cylindrical, with a rectangular chapel attached on the eastern side. Capela de Santa Teresa da Quinta da Caneira has a different history: it was built in 1890 as a private religious chapel within the historic Quinta da Caneira. Igreja Paroquial da Murtosa and Capela de São Paio da Torreira are also cited as noteworthy local monuments.

Festivals throughout the year

Romaria de São Paio da Torreira takes place each year around 8 September. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates in advance. Murtosa currently also hosts three major regattas of Moliceiro boats.

Discover more destinations: Bunheiro, Águeda, Oliveira Do Bairro, Ilhavo, Castelo De Paiva, Torreira, Caves Aliança, Vale De Cambra.

For the broader travel overview: Aveiro.