Marinha da Noeirinha Urban Beach in Aveiro: Saltwater Spa and Family Bathing

The story of this spot stretches back more than 200 years. Yet it was only in 2018 that the former salt pan-once a site for extracting the local “white gold”, and left derelict for almost 30 years-was reborn as the Marinha da Noeirinha leisure and bathing area, widely known as an “urban beach”.

Marinha da Noeirinha “urban beach” in Aveiro

Rich in nutrients and minerals, the salty water is drawn from the channels and tidal inlets of the Aveiro lagoon. Warmer than seawater-around 25°C-it is refreshed every day and reaches a maximum depth of 1.50 metres. With no swell, it is particularly well suited to family days out with young children.

“Renewal happens slowly and the beach has no waves, which makes the water temperature higher, and it can reach 25°C,” Virgílio Porto, manager at Aveiro Emotions (owner of Marinha da Noeirinha), tells Boa Cama Boa Mesa.

Relax and care for your skin

As well as a generous bathing area, Marinha da Noeirinha’s “urban beach” offers more than just a dip, including a 100% natural salt spa. Thanks to its high salinity, it is described as “ideal for skin wellbeing, since this salt contains healing and antiseptic properties due to the sodium that eliminates toxins in the body and helps relieve arthritis symptoms”, according to the Aveiro Emotions website. One hour in the spa costs €5, or €3 when combined with the “urban beach”.

Guided visits, birdwatching and local produce

Another option is a guided tour of the salt pans, where visitors can explore the history, curiosities and the production method of Traditional Aveiro Sea Salt, with the added chance to watch birds. There is also an on-site shop selling salt, fleur de sel and other regional products.

Opening times and ticket prices

Marinha da Noeirinha’s “urban beach” (Avenida Doutor David Cristo, Marinha da Noeirinha, Aveiro) is open every day from 09:00 to 19:00. A full day’s access to the bathing area costs €7 for adults and €5 for children aged 5 and over. You can also add a salt-pan visit (€14 and €10 or €12 and €8.50, respectively), depending on whether you choose a full day or a half-day session (morning or afternoon).

Sleeping on the eco houseboats

There is also the option to stay overnight immersed in nature on Marinha da Noeirinha’s self-sufficient, 100% eco-friendly houseboats (Tel. 963300535), from €140. With two suites, they can accommodate up to five adults, who can take in an unusual view over the salt pans-especially from the rooftop terrace.

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