Forget about mentally preparing yourself before entering the water, or that sensation of thermal shock that makes your skin prickle. Less than an hour’s drive from Porto, there’s a saltwater spot with no waves and temperatures hovering around 25 degrees — Noeirinha Beach, in Aveiro.
Located on a former salt flat that lay abandoned for three decades, Noeirinha Beach is now a summer destination offering experiences that go beyond simply spreading out a towel and “toasting” in the sun. But we’ll get to that later—first, it’s time to go for a swim.
A “hidden” beach in a former salt flat
With the arrival of hot days, many Porto residents seek out calm waters with pleasant temperatures. Right next to Invicta, the pool at Canide Norte Beach, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, is a prime example. However, the time you can spend there is limited, and the maximum depth of one meter isn’t exactly ideal for big dives. So, as an alternative, we’ve sought out other ideal spots for those who want to get in the water without “suffering” and go a little further. Noeirinha Beach has that to offer—and much more.
Despite having been consigned to oblivion and neglect, the site—set in a former salt flat — was given a new lease on life in 2018 as a swimming and recreation area. Steeped in history and, above all, comfort, there are several features that make this a place worth considering for a brief outing or getaway outside of Porto. After all, the water is always clean and calm, and it’s refreshed daily. Plus, the lack of waves and the maximum depth of 1.50 meters make this artificial beach perfect for families with children or beginners learning to swim (though always with proper supervision).
Nurturing Body and Mind at the Salt Spa
In addition to swimming, there are other experiences you can enjoy at Marina da Noeirinha, including relaxing and taking care of your body and mind. For example, if you want to avoid spending a lot of money on a luxury hotel spa , you’ll also find a plan tailored to your needs here. After all, one of the main attractions of this spot is its 100% natural saltspa ( where admission costs 5€).
Exploring the “white gold”
In Aveiro, instead of the golden hue of ordinary gold, it’s the white of traditional sea salt that shines brightest. So, in addition to swimming and the salt spa, you can get an up-close look at the history of this place througha guided tour of the salt flats ( for €8), where you can discover the secrets of the artisanal production of “white gold.” Between interesting facts and getting in touch with nature, you can also go birdwatching in their natural habitat.
Useful Information
📍Where: Avenida Doutor Cristo s/n, Marina da Noeirinha, 3800-366 Aveiro
📅When: Every day, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
🎟️Full-price ticket: €7 for a full day for adults and €5 for a half-day; €5 for a full day for children ages 5 to 12 and €3.50 for a half-day
ℹ️Information: Please check the website and official contact information forall details, as prices and hours are subject to change
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