São Jacinto Beach
A vast, wild expanse of white sand bordered by dunes, offering a serene escape with powerful Atlantic waves.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny days for beach activities
São Jacinto Beach
Best Time
Sunny days for beach activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, wild expanse of white sand bordered by dunes, offering a serene escape with powerful Atlantic waves.
"Probably one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to. Vast, wild, and empty."
Pack a Picnic 🍕
No services on the beach, so bring all food and drinks from Aveiro.
Sun Protection is Key 🌞
There's no natural shade; bring an umbrella or wear protective gear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vast White Sands
Miles of pristine white sand stretching as far as the eye can see, perfect for long walks and feeling truly remote.
São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve
Adjacent to the beach
Explore the unique coastal ecosystem of the dunes, offering a glimpse into protected natural beauty.
Crashing Waves
Experience the raw power of the Atlantic with impressive, often large waves, ideal for surfers or just awe-inspiring views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildness
Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack a Picnic 🍕
No services on the beach, so bring all food and drinks from Aveiro.
Sun Protection is Key 🌞
There's no natural shade; bring an umbrella or wear protective gear.
Wooden Walkway Access 👂
Easy entry via a wooden path from the parking area.
Wild Waves 🌊
Be cautious if swimming; waves can be powerful and unpredictable.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack a Picnic 🍕
No services on the beach, so bring all food and drinks from Aveiro.
Sun Protection is Key 🌞
There's no natural shade; bring an umbrella or wear protective gear.
Wooden Walkway Access 👂
Easy entry via a wooden path from the parking area.
Wild Waves 🌊
Be cautious if swimming; waves can be powerful and unpredictable.
Explore the Dunes 🌿
Discover the unique flora and fauna of the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
São Jacinto Beach is lauded for its stunning, vast white sands and wild, natural beauty, offering a sense of seclusion. Visitors appreciate the raw power of the waves and the peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. However, the lack of amenities and occasional concerns about water quality due to nearby facilities are noted drawbacks.
"This is an incredible beach with a great feel and vibe to it. Wooden walkway to the beach makes for a quick entrance and exit.
Only drawback was the sea smelt a bit like sewage and had an ominous brown foam on the top. The beach is next to a treatment plant, so possible they’re piping it out to sea?"
Nicola Rowan
"Awesome beach hidden nearby Aveiro! It is very secluded and has no restaurant or other services nearby.
There is a parking lot and access is done using a wooden walkway.
After that you have to walk on a long stretch of white sand to reach the sea!"
Thiago Russo
"Probably one of the best beaches I’ve ever been to. Vast, wild, and empty (there were around 10 other people visible on the beach in later September). Could have watched the crashing building-sized waves indefinitely. They were so mesmerising that my partner passed out face down on the sand almost immediately. Meanwhile, not being a great beach Ken myself, I went for a jog up and down the strandline - it was magical and soothing.
Notes & Tips:
- Access: Walkable from the Sao Jacintho ferry terminal (~2km). It runs about once an hour from the Aveiro ferry terminal. I recommend getting here via taxi as ~€6 and the cycle would be long, hot and not very picturesque as it is through a port/industrial region.
- Shade: For pasty people such as myself, there is none. So bring a… parasol? Gazebo? Wetsuit and sombrero? Factor 50 every 15 minutes seemed to just about work.
- Food: There are a couple of cafe’s in Sao Jacintho, but nothing near the beach. Bring a picnic from one of the small supermarkets in Aveiro (I recommend the mini Mercado on Rua da Palmeira - simply because the guy working there was immensely friendly and kind).
- Swimming & Surfing: No shops or anything, so you would need to bring your own equipment. However you’d have to be pretty nuts as the day we went, the waves were monstrous and wild - a big part of the appeal. Saw two locals go for a paddle - but no one else.
- The Nature Reserve: Intended on checking this out alongside the beach, but could not work out how to access or if it would even be worth it on foot. Couldn’t easily access from along the beach (very wild - as one might expect)."
Stefan Bostock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach São Jacinto Beach by car, taxi, or ferry followed by a walk. The ferry from Aveiro to São Jacinto runs about once an hour. From the São Jacinto ferry terminal, it's about a 2km walk to the beach.
Taxis are also available and are recommended for a quicker journey, costing around €6.
Driving through the port and industrial area might not be the most scenic route.
Yes, there is a parking lot available near the beach access point.
While possible, cycling might be a long and hot journey, especially as the route passes through industrial areas.
Access to the beach is via a wooden walkway from the parking area, making it relatively easy to reach the sand.
The wooden walkway provides good access, but the vastness of the beach means a lot of walking on sand once you're on it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, São Jacinto Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets.
As a natural beach, São Jacinto Beach is open 24/7. However, access might be limited during very early or late hours due to its natural setting.
Information on specific fees for the Natural Reserve can vary. It's best to check local park regulations or visitor information for the most up-to-date details.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and the dunes.
Yes, São Jacinto Beach can be visited year-round, though weather conditions will significantly impact the experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sand at São Jacinto Beach is predominantly white and very fine, contributing to its vast and pristine appearance.
No, there are no restaurants or services directly on the beach. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or find them in the nearby town of São Jacinto.
It is often described as vast, wild, and empty, especially outside of peak season. You might only see a handful of other people.
The waves can be quite powerful and large, making it a popular spot for surfers but requiring caution for swimmers.
Swimming is possible, but the strong waves mean you should exercise caution. Some visitors have noted an unusual brown foam on the water, possibly related to nearby facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the expansive white sand dunes, the dramatic crashing waves, and the unique coastal landscape of the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for photography, highlighting the textures of the sand and the vastness of the ocean.
The natural dunes themselves are a key feature. The wooden walkway also provides a distinct visual element.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and water.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone usage in natural reserves and coastal areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since there are no amenities on the beach, packing a generous picnic and plenty of drinks is a must for families.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Being prepared is key for solo visitors. Ensure you have all your provisions (food, water, sun protection) as there are no services.
🏄♂️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
It's important to note that there are no surf shops or rental facilities directly on the beach, so you'll need to bring your own equipment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve
While the reserve is a significant natural attraction, accessing it directly from the beach can be challenging due to the wild nature of the terrain.
For those interested in nature and conservation, the reserve is a must-see. It highlights the delicate balance of coastal environments and the efforts made to preserve them. The visual appeal of the undulating dunes against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean makes for a memorable experience.
Beach Access and Amenities: What to Expect
Crucially, there are no restaurants, cafes, or shops directly on the beach.
Given the lack of facilities, it's wise to plan your visit accordingly, especially if you intend to spend several hours. The absence of commercial development is a key part of the beach's appeal for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature, but it requires a bit more planning from visitors.
Surfing and Swimming Conditions
Visitors should be aware that there are no surf schools or rental shops directly on the beach, so any surfing or water sports equipment would need to be brought from elsewhere.
While some locals do venture into the water, the general advice is to be mindful of the conditions. The beach's vastness means you can often find quieter spots, but the ocean's power remains a constant factor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit