COSTA NOVA || A Coastal Haven of Colourful Houses in Portugal

COSTA NOVA || A Coastal Haven of Colourful Houses in Portugal

Where are the beautiful, cheerful striped homes of Costa Nova?

This small coastal haven attracts many tourists, but the prices also reflect a tourist premium. I recommend enjoying lunch in Coimbra before making the trip to Costa Nova, as the eateries that line the beach carry a hefty premium on food prices, as much as three times more for the same dish in Coimbra.

Despite the tourist premium, Costa Nova was a quick detour from our drive up from Coimbra to Aveiro, and the cool sea breeze was a welcome break from Lisbon and Coimbra's heat. The cheerful homes painted in red, yellow, blue, green, pink and more are sure to offer an instant boost to your mood.

So bring a beach blanket, and some snacks, and feel the sand through your toes and the power of the rolling waves as the water sifts across your feet.

Colourful, striped houses line the beach walk. You’ll feel an urge to pose in front of every single house to snap a photo as inspiration for your future home. Who wouldn’t want to live in one of these quaint, cheery homes?

The striped homes aren’t just along the beach. Even in the quiet neighbourhood streets you can spot pops of colour.

You’ll be able to find a house in your favourite colour along the beach, even if it’s a deep forest green.

This red and white striped home made our minds fast forward to Christmas and peppermint candy canes.

Stripes aren’t the only pattern you’ll find, a checkered pattern takes the facade to a whole new level.

This has got to be one of our favourites with the bright and spunky yellow.

We saw signs for rental vacation homes as we wandered the neighbourhood streets, so you can stay for a few days in the colourful coastal homes if you like!

We happened to arrive on a day when winds were high and the waves were rolling in strong, nonetheless who can say no to an open and quiet sandy beach?

Photography by Florence Leung