Praia de Sao Jacinto
Praia de Sao Jacinto
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4.0
94 reviews
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40
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42
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7
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4
Luis B
5 contributions
Aug 2020
We came to Sao Jacinto for a week in late August 2020. Very small town, extremely quiet, and it looks quite safe. The beach is simply huge; from the entrance, you can walk about 2.5 kms south until you reach the end and get to the "ria". Walking north, I have no clue how far you can go, but probably several kilometers. It's not exactly swimming-friendly, as it's windy most of the time (reaching +35 km/h sometimes), so lots of waves. Depending on the tide level and the part of the beach where you are, you can still walk into the sea as the slope is not too bad. When the tide is at its peak, it's not too nice as some sort of lagoons with dirty foam are formed, but that was only one day of the week we stayed here. I guess it has to do with new moon?
At the beach you can find toilets, a very small bar, lifeguards, and that's it. No sports rentals, deck chairs, etc.
At Sao Jacinto you have at least 3 small markets to buy some grocery. If you drive from Aveiro, worth stopping by one of the supermarkets there if you need more than basics. There are some restaurants (La Peixaria is really good, nothing fancy but awesome food). IMHO, the outstanding shop in Sao Jacinto is the bakery "Progresso", over the "marginal".
About the Natural Reserve, it's OK, nothing espectacular. Nice 7 kms walk, most of it pretty flat, and you can see some ducks and herons at the big lagoon. In the small lagoon we saw nothing as the rushes were to tall and too close to the observation hut. We couldn't spot any other animal.
Only setback about Sao Jacinto is time to any bigger city. Either with ferry, or driving up north and taking the bridge, it will take between 30' and an hour. The ferry can take up to 14 cars.
In summary, if you need some rest, a peaceful and isolated place, and you can cope with some breeze or wind all day long, then this could be your place. We enjoyed very much. But if you are looking for a combination of beach and bars, restaurants, shopping, then keep searching!
At the beach you can find toilets, a very small bar, lifeguards, and that's it. No sports rentals, deck chairs, etc.
At Sao Jacinto you have at least 3 small markets to buy some grocery. If you drive from Aveiro, worth stopping by one of the supermarkets there if you need more than basics. There are some restaurants (La Peixaria is really good, nothing fancy but awesome food). IMHO, the outstanding shop in Sao Jacinto is the bakery "Progresso", over the "marginal".
About the Natural Reserve, it's OK, nothing espectacular. Nice 7 kms walk, most of it pretty flat, and you can see some ducks and herons at the big lagoon. In the small lagoon we saw nothing as the rushes were to tall and too close to the observation hut. We couldn't spot any other animal.
Only setback about Sao Jacinto is time to any bigger city. Either with ferry, or driving up north and taking the bridge, it will take between 30' and an hour. The ferry can take up to 14 cars.
In summary, if you need some rest, a peaceful and isolated place, and you can cope with some breeze or wind all day long, then this could be your place. We enjoyed very much. But if you are looking for a combination of beach and bars, restaurants, shopping, then keep searching!
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
backpacker31
Boynton Beach, FL5,837 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
At the advice of the owners of my residencial in Aveiro, I was told I should take a boat over to nearby Sao Jacinto, a place where 'time stands still.'
A short 20 minute bus ride from Aveiro brought me to the industrial area and docks of Forte de Barra. Here, I borded a small boat/ferry that took me across the lagoon to Sao Jacinto - a 5 minute ride. The port/pier of Sao Jacinto consists of a small waterfront lined with several shops and restaurants - a real sleepy fishing village, perfect for exploring on foot at a leisurely pace.
A 30 minute walk (or a 7 minute taxi/jeep ride) from the waterfront brought me to Reserva Natural das Dunas de Sao Jacinto. There are several well marked color coded walking trails within this sprawling natural reserve. An interpretation center as well as park information and maps are available and accessed at the park entrance. Entrance fee is free. Note: bring plenty of water/snacks as there are no facilities within the park. I followed a 6.5km walking trail (blue trail) that passed pine forests, a large lagoon, impressive sand dunes and culminated with a long boardwalk that led to the Atlantic Ocean. With hardly a soul in sight (I saw 5 other people in the park during my three hour visit), this park and deserted beach is truly an undiscovered paradise. The park is home to numerous flora and fauna as well as migrating birds from around the world.
Back at the Sao Jacinto waterfront area, a direct 15-20 minute walk (or short taxi/jeep ride) brought me to a pleasant swimming beach. There are bathroom/changing facilities, restaurant/snack bar as well as a parking area for those who have come by vehicle. There are incredible sunsets to be viewed from this westerly facing beach.
When coming to Sao Jacinto, note the boat/ferry time table before setting off so as not to get stranded overnight - although staying overnight in Sao Jacinto is not a bad option!
Note, Sao Jacinto is the anti-Costa Nova and Barra. If you are looking for crowds and action, this is NOT the place for you. It is for those looking to escape the maddening crowds, get back to nature and enjoy some truly incredible seafood at very reasonable prices. (I highly recommend the fiish restaurant A Peixaria just steps from the Sao Jacinto waterfront).
A short 20 minute bus ride from Aveiro brought me to the industrial area and docks of Forte de Barra. Here, I borded a small boat/ferry that took me across the lagoon to Sao Jacinto - a 5 minute ride. The port/pier of Sao Jacinto consists of a small waterfront lined with several shops and restaurants - a real sleepy fishing village, perfect for exploring on foot at a leisurely pace.
A 30 minute walk (or a 7 minute taxi/jeep ride) from the waterfront brought me to Reserva Natural das Dunas de Sao Jacinto. There are several well marked color coded walking trails within this sprawling natural reserve. An interpretation center as well as park information and maps are available and accessed at the park entrance. Entrance fee is free. Note: bring plenty of water/snacks as there are no facilities within the park. I followed a 6.5km walking trail (blue trail) that passed pine forests, a large lagoon, impressive sand dunes and culminated with a long boardwalk that led to the Atlantic Ocean. With hardly a soul in sight (I saw 5 other people in the park during my three hour visit), this park and deserted beach is truly an undiscovered paradise. The park is home to numerous flora and fauna as well as migrating birds from around the world.
Back at the Sao Jacinto waterfront area, a direct 15-20 minute walk (or short taxi/jeep ride) brought me to a pleasant swimming beach. There are bathroom/changing facilities, restaurant/snack bar as well as a parking area for those who have come by vehicle. There are incredible sunsets to be viewed from this westerly facing beach.
When coming to Sao Jacinto, note the boat/ferry time table before setting off so as not to get stranded overnight - although staying overnight in Sao Jacinto is not a bad option!
Note, Sao Jacinto is the anti-Costa Nova and Barra. If you are looking for crowds and action, this is NOT the place for you. It is for those looking to escape the maddening crowds, get back to nature and enjoy some truly incredible seafood at very reasonable prices. (I highly recommend the fiish restaurant A Peixaria just steps from the Sao Jacinto waterfront).
Written July 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal23,966 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Aveiro is one of those unique cities able to offer a combination of urban sophistication, historical attractions and wide, sandy beaches on which to relax and soak up the sun.
The tourist has the multiple choice to enjoy Aveiro’s beaches, which include Sao Jacinto, Torreira, Costa Nova, Barra and Vagueira, all of them are accessible by car, bus or by boat via the lagoon and canals.
For instance, starting in the city centre of Aveiro it is about 7 km to reach the beaches from Barra & Costa Nova, and in between 30 km & 40 km over “Ovar” in order to reach the beaches off São Jacinto and Torreira.
For the last two you also can take the ferry in Aveiro, this will cost you 5 € for the car, and 2 € pro passenger the driver goes for free, this price is for a return ticket and takes about 15 minutes more or less.
We did the trip by car and it took us about 45 minutes to get to the São Jacinto Beach, very long and nice beach and dunes who are formatting the “Natural Reserve” captured in between the “Lagoon” on one side and the “Atlantic Ocean” on the other, here we can speak from an area covering almost 700 hectares. The area is a designated Natural Reserve in order to protect its unique ecosystem and encourage the many species to flourish.
Now in winter time the beach and the reserve are almost empty, just a few people enjoying beach walking, lots of space to park the car, lovely. We prefer this time of the year above the summer season to do this kind of trips and walks. However Sao Jacinto beach is perfect for surfing and body boarding and is partially covered by lifeguards during the summer months. The dunes make the perfect location for a nature trail, discovering the many birds, insects, small animals and plants that grow in this tranquil, protected environment.
Recommendable place for beach lovers in Summer and winter.
The tourist has the multiple choice to enjoy Aveiro’s beaches, which include Sao Jacinto, Torreira, Costa Nova, Barra and Vagueira, all of them are accessible by car, bus or by boat via the lagoon and canals.
For instance, starting in the city centre of Aveiro it is about 7 km to reach the beaches from Barra & Costa Nova, and in between 30 km & 40 km over “Ovar” in order to reach the beaches off São Jacinto and Torreira.
For the last two you also can take the ferry in Aveiro, this will cost you 5 € for the car, and 2 € pro passenger the driver goes for free, this price is for a return ticket and takes about 15 minutes more or less.
We did the trip by car and it took us about 45 minutes to get to the São Jacinto Beach, very long and nice beach and dunes who are formatting the “Natural Reserve” captured in between the “Lagoon” on one side and the “Atlantic Ocean” on the other, here we can speak from an area covering almost 700 hectares. The area is a designated Natural Reserve in order to protect its unique ecosystem and encourage the many species to flourish.
Now in winter time the beach and the reserve are almost empty, just a few people enjoying beach walking, lots of space to park the car, lovely. We prefer this time of the year above the summer season to do this kind of trips and walks. However Sao Jacinto beach is perfect for surfing and body boarding and is partially covered by lifeguards during the summer months. The dunes make the perfect location for a nature trail, discovering the many birds, insects, small animals and plants that grow in this tranquil, protected environment.
Recommendable place for beach lovers in Summer and winter.
Written December 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
Nr. Blackpool7 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Sao Jacinto is the portuguese translation for Saint Hyacinth ... genderised in the masculine, Jacinto is a common name for Portuguese men with the tranlation to Jacinto being the original Roman name 'Hyacinthus'.
Sao Jacinto and the neighbouring towns of Torriera and Murtosa have long stretches of good clean sandy beaches interspaced with sheltered sand dunes and sea grass.
Given the high salt content of the sheltered Aveiro Lagoon which creates the ideal conditions for conditions for the small fish forms known as 'Krill' the lagoon can often attract large flocks of Stork and Flamingo as well as Heron and other wading birds.
There are a few decent class restaurants in Murtosa and a very good 'Pousada' hotel 'The Pousada Ria de Aveiro' which is owned by the Portuguese government but operated by a private company with a focus on good attentive service.
Sao Jacinto and the neighbouring towns of Torriera and Murtosa have long stretches of good clean sandy beaches interspaced with sheltered sand dunes and sea grass.
Given the high salt content of the sheltered Aveiro Lagoon which creates the ideal conditions for conditions for the small fish forms known as 'Krill' the lagoon can often attract large flocks of Stork and Flamingo as well as Heron and other wading birds.
There are a few decent class restaurants in Murtosa and a very good 'Pousada' hotel 'The Pousada Ria de Aveiro' which is owned by the Portuguese government but operated by a private company with a focus on good attentive service.
Written September 25, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona H
East Sussex, UK175 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We visited at the beginning of May and only saw one other person on the beach. The sand is really soft and stretches for quite a distance. This is an area that is unspoilt and lovely to sit on the beach watching the sea.
If you are looking for lots of things happening and beachside cafes this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a quiet beach, I recommend a visit.
If you are looking for lots of things happening and beachside cafes this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a quiet beach, I recommend a visit.
Written May 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoaoManuelOliveira
Aveiro, Portugal107 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
The São Jacinto is in the end of a 15km sand and natural park area within Ria de Aveiro. Was a naval base and fishermen place for many years. The beach is full of sand and very quiet and you have space for everything you want to do there!
The natural park is near and you can spot many birds and nature.
The natural park is near and you can spot many birds and nature.
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maniakmike
Porto, Portugal50 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
The beach and natural park of São Jacinto are the perfect place for a bike ride. You can ride your bike from Porto (around 70km totally flat) or from Ovar. From São Jacinto you can take the ferry to Aveiro, where you can take the train back to Porto (only urban trains take bikes). The main interest of the park is the sand dunes in a pristine empty beach. The only downside are the huge waves. Even if the sea is flat, you have to be a good swimmer to try the water (and the water is almost always cold).
Written May 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FilipeCP
Espinho, Portugal14 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Highly dangerous due to wild dogs. Impossible to make more than 100m from parking. Talked with locals, the problem is well known but nothing is made to resolve this.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeroen D
Antwerp, Belgium21 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Very calm, wide and clean beach. Dunes in front of it. Two small bars and toilets available. Lifeguard present. Chill mode on.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben Lasse
Sao Jacinto, Portugal3 contributions
Jul 2020
Great beach, lots of sand, and magnificent water. All in the same place! A little bit cold the water.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
É possível ir de barco do centro de Aveiro até São Jacinto?
Written July 9, 2018
Sim. Vais a estação e Pegasse um autocarro até o porto da barra de lá um ferry a são Jacinto.
Written July 22, 2018
Ciao Piero, mi piacerebbe andare a Aveiro a fine luglio, puoi darmi un consiglio su dove alloggiare e cosa vedere?
Ti ringrazio
Written April 30, 2018
Bonjour,
Pourriez-vous m'éclairez sur le prix de la traversée pour une voiture et deux personnes, ainsi que sur le temps de trajet ?
Merci :)
Written June 28, 2016
Bonjour. Je ne me rapelle bien le prix, mais je pense que pas de 10€ . 20 minutes
Written July 6, 2016
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