Beach break · Barra, Centro · 40°37′N 8°45′W
Costa Nova
An exposed beach and jetty break just south of Praia da Barra, with lefts and rights, a fickle temper and often few people in the water. It wants a west to north-west swell and an east wind.
Costa Nova sits a few kilometres south of Praia da Barra on the same long strip of coast, with groynes and jetties that shape the banks. The surf is a mix of sandbar peaks and the structure-assisted waves, with both lefts and rights.
It works best on a west to north-west swell, roughly 0.6 to 2.4 m, with a light easterly offshore. Onshore wind spoils it quickly. Sources disagree about the tide: some say it works at every stage, others prefer a rising tide, so check it on the day.
It is fickle, and it can be empty or busy depending on the day. Nearby, the jetty at Praia da Barra holds up better on bigger days and with northerly winds.
Nearby
Praia da Barra
The beach where the Ria de Aveiro meets the Atlantic, organised by a 500-metre breakwater at the port entrance. Quality banks on a west swell, and it can hold clean in a light north wind when the neighbours are blown out.
IntermediatesWinter
Praia de Mira
The beach of a quiet resort village on the long sandy coast south of Aveiro, with friendly banks that suit learners. Rarely crowded, but very exposed to the wind.
BeginnersYear-round for learning; winter for clean days
Furadouro
A quiet dune-backed beach near Ovar, exposed and consistent, one of the more reliable beach breaks on the northern coast. Uncrowded, with peaks along its length.
IntermediatesAutumn to springCommon questions
- What kind of wave is Costa Nova?
- Costa Nova is a beach break. It wants W to NW swell and works best with offshore from the e wind.
- Is Costa Nova good for beginners?
- Yes — it's rated all levels and works for people who are learning.