Top 11 Natural Monuments around Vagos

Super dunes and super beach. You have to make a stop here.

What to Do: Hiking and Cycling: The region is served by trails and paths (such as the GR 58 - Ria de Aveiro) that allow you to explore the coast and the banks of the estuary on foot or by bicycle. Surfing: The region's beaches, including Areão beach, are important areas for surfing. Ecotourism: Access points such as those provided by the Vagos Municipal Council facilitate responsible visits. Access: Access to the beach and the estuary's waterfront is from Gafanha do Areão or Vagueira, often via dirt tracks or pedestrian and cycle paths that follow the right bank of the estuary.

Main Features: Privileged Location: The beach is situated in a unique area, bordered by the ocean and the tranquil channels of the Aveiro Lagoon, providing a diverse landscape of sea and estuary. Extensive Dune System: The beach is protected by an extensive and high dune system, whose preservation is guaranteed by wooden walkways designed with environmental concerns in mind. Tranquility and Nature: Ideal for those seeking a quieter and more secluded beach, away from the busier beaches, making it a great place to relax and observe nature. Birdwatching: The area is conducive to birdwatching due to its proximity to the lagoon and its habitats.

Areão Beach, located in the municipality of Vagos (between Vagueira and Gafanha da Boa Hora), is a place of great natural beauty where the Aveiro Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean, albeit indirectly through the Mira Canal which ends nearby. It is a point of interest that is part of the Great Route of the Aveiro Lagoon.

Praia de Mira is a river beach located in the municipality of Mira, district of Coimbra, Portugal. It is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, surrounded by natural landscapes. Praia de Mira is a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and contact with nature.

Mira da Barrinha Beach boasts a lagoon nestled against the sands of the world's longest-serving Blue Flag. Opened on August 1st, it invites you to take a dip in the calm waters of Barrinha Lagoon, which features sand, fine grass, a floating pool, and a bar.

Salt mining in the Aveiro region dates back to a time before the Ria de Aveiro itself existed, with the first written document about Aveiro salt production dating back to before the founding of the nation. Over the centuries, the instability of the inlet (isolation from the sea) was a decisive factor in the variation in the number and production of salt pans. This resulted in periods of decline interspersed with periods of great favorability for production. This occurred in 1572, when, given the favorable condition of the inlet and the high and progressive commercial and maritime index, Aveiro became one of the best ports in Portugal, with a significant increase in salt trade and cod fishing. In 1808, the new inlet (an artificial system that allows seawater to enter) was finally opened, a fact of exceptional importance for the future of Aveiro and the entire region. (Source: Wikipedia) (Source: Wikipedia)⁶

Known as Palheiros de Mira due to the typical wooden huts of the fishermen, Praia de Mira was a fishing village until the mid-20th century. Its daily life is now portrayed in the ethnographic museum, housed in an old restored hut. Today, it is a popular destination, with fine white sands, imposing dunes and the strong waves of the Atlantic, perfect for surfing. Beyond the dunes, in the Mata Nacional, the scent of pine envelops Lagoa da Barrinha, a serene refuge where the calm waters invite you to sail, canoe and windsurf.