Things to See & Do in Fontão, Portugal [and Beyond]: Your Insider’s Guide

Welcome to Fontão - a quiet village with a slower rhythm, tucked between Portugal’s golden coastline and the charming canals of Aveiro. Whether you’re staying at Citrus Tree House for a long weekend or a two-week escape, you’ll find that the area has a way of combining unspoilt beauty with easy-going hospitality.

This guide is a hand-picked mix of our favourites - from well-known spots worth the hype, to little gems you won’t find on a typical tourist itinerary. It’s your starting point for exploring… and maybe even a reason to come back.

1. Costa Verde Beaches - From Famous Shores to Secret Coves

The Costa Verde (Green Coast) lives up to its name, with long stretches of soft sand framed by green hills and dunes.

• Praia da Barra – Wide, golden sands and the iconic Aveiro lighthouse. Perfect for a variety of water sports, like kite-surfing, body boarding, sea fishing and more! It's also a good spot for sun bathing, breezy walk or a late-afternoon ice cream.

• Costa Nova – Known for its candy-striped houses and photogenic boardwalk, but also a great spot for seafood lunches and long beachside walks.
  

Hidden gem: Ask a local about smaller coves between Barra and Vagueira or visit Praia de São Jacinto with its long stretches of sand dunes - ideal if you want quieter sand and fewer beach umbrellas.

2. Aveiro - “The Venice of Portugal”

A 15/20-minute drive from Citrus Tree House takes you to Aveiro, a colourful city laced with canals and traditional “moliceiro” boats.

• Stroll the Art Nouveau streets, visit a variety of museums and stop for coffee in a pastelaria.

• Try the famous ovos moles, a sweet egg and sugar treat wrapped in wafer, a much-loved spot for these traditional treats is M1882 - Ovos Moles de Aveiro.

• Enjoy a trip on a Moliceiro boat and take in the colourful surroundings, charming canals and soak in the historical sites.
  

  

3. Local Markets & Village Life

Portugal’s weekly markets are more than shopping - they’re community gatherings.

• Sever do Vouga Market (Saturday) – A lively mix of produce, flowers, clothes, and local crafts.

• Mercado Manuel Firmino – Great for stocking up on fresh vegetables and regional products.

• Visit the Mercado do Peixe in Aveiro for fresh fish, produce, and a glimpse into local life.

Tip: Go early for the best selection, and don’t be shy about trying the local produce.

4. Walks & Nature Trails

Fontão invites you to slow down and explore at your own pace, while Aveiro offers vibrant canals, coastal walks, and lively markets.

• Sever do Vouga hiking paths - A range of hikes and walks with waterfalls, picnic spots and shaded sections in forest paths to more advanced hiking paths, like the Great Route of the Magic Mountains.

• Serra do Caramulo trails - A short drive away there are various trails to explore, with rolling hills, panoramic viewpoints, and rural charm.

• Parque Natural Local Vouga-Caramulo - A must for outdoor lovers, this park combines family-friendly routes with challenging hikes. You’ll find lush valleys, wildflowers, charming watermills, canopy trees, and unique geological formations.

  
  

Springtime adds an extra level of beauty and peace with it's wildflowers in bloom and orange blossom scent - perfect for leisurely photography.

5. Food & Drink Highlights

Beyond the beaches and markets, food is a reason to visit this part of Portugal.

• Local food and traditional dishes to try include:

  • Ovos Moles – A sweet specialty of Aveiro made from egg yolk and sugar, wrapped in a delicate wafer-like shell. Try it at: Confeitaria Peixinho, one of the oldest and most famous pastry shops in town, or at another local gem, M1882 - Ovos Moles de Aveiro.

  • Tripa de Aveiro – A thin, crepe-like pancake, often filled with chocolate, cream, or jam, and eaten warm from a street stall. Try it at: The kiosks along the canal near Rossio de Aveiro.

  • Arroz de Marisco – A rich, tomato-based seafood rice cooked with prawns, clams, and mussels, served piping hot in a clay pot. Try it at: Maré Cheia, a well-loved seafood restaurant near the fish market.

  • Bacalhau and Bacalhau à Lagareiro – Oven-baked cod drizzled with olive oil and served with golden potatoes - a Portuguese comfort classic. Try it at: Restaurante O Bairro, known for fresh fish and delicious seafood dishes. and many more delicious dishes!
    

  For recipes and go-to local dish ideas to try during your stay, check out our Citrus Tree House recipe ideas.

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

  6. Day Trips Worth the Drive

  
  

  If you fancy exploring further:
  

  • Porto – Less than 90 minutes away, with riverside charm, port wine cellars, and world-class architecture.

  • Bussaco Forest – Ancient woodland with palace gardens and quiet walking trails less than an hour away from Citrus Tree House.

  • Albergaria-a-Velha – For a glimpse of traditional Portuguese town life and a local village steeped in its tradition with pilgrimages, plus some fantastic bakeries and restaurants.

Your Stay, Your Pace

Whether you spend your days hopping between beaches, wandering through markets, or simply enjoying the heated saltwater pool and wood fired pizza oven back at Citrus Tree House, there’s plenty to fill your time here. The best part? You can do it all at your own pace - with space to unwind in between.

Keep an eye out for our more seasonal guides, where we share our favourite things to do in autumn and winter - from cosy market trips to citrus picking.