Murtosa Nautical Station

Located in the heart of the Aveiro Lagoon, both emotionally and geographically, in an area of ​​great scenic and environmental richness, the Municipality of Murtosa has an ancestral relationship with water, clearly evident in what were, and continue to be, the main economic activities of the municipality: agriculture and fishing. The ultimate expression of this amphibious relationship is the moliceiro boat, probably the most beautiful vessel in the world, which has its home in Murtosa. A leisurely stroll on the open lagoon in a traditional moliceiro, under sail, guided by people who know the lagoon like the back of their hand, is a remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Here we find the highest density of quays and anchorages in the Aveiro Lagoon, testimonies of a time when the lagoon was the true communication route between the riverside territories and Murtosa was one of the main commercial hubs of the region. In a municipality where over 82% of its territory lies within the special protection area of ​​the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, the lagoon's biodiversity is displayed in all its splendor at every turn, making it a true mecca for birdwatchers.

We are in the flattest municipality in Portugal and, as such, the invitation is irresistible: leave the car behind and explore, on foot or by bicycle, the beautiful trails that, for dozens of kilometers, run along the Ria and cross the vast agricultural fields. And you don't even need to bring your bicycle: the municipality provides them free of charge at environmental education centers, tourist offices, and hotels. Between the Ria and the sea, Murtosa offers a range of bathing areas of recognized quality, with blue flag status, from the ocean beach of Torreira, with its extensive sandy area where the traditional fishing technique known as "Arte Xávega" is still practiced, to the estuary beaches of Bico and Monte Branco.

To speak of Murtosa is to speak of a rich and distinctive gastronomy, where eel, fried or in stew, deserves special mention. And speaking of eel, the COMUR-Murtosa Municipal Museum is a must-see, as are the Monte Branco Beach Shipyard-Museum, the Murtosa Ethnographic Museum, and the Custódio Prato House-Museum, places full of history and identity. No visit to Murtosa is complete without mentioning the São Paio da Torreira Pilgrimage, the largest and most famous festival in the lagoon region, which annually brings together thousands of people in a celebratory atmosphere. This is evident in what were, and continue to be, the main economic activities of the municipality: agriculture and fishing. The ultimate expression of this amphibious relationship is the moliceiro boat, probably the most beautiful vessel in the world, which has its homeland in Murtosa. A leisurely stroll along the open Ria de Aveiro lagoon in a traditional sailing boat, guided by people who know the lagoon like the back of their hand, is a remarkable and unforgettable experience. It allows the whole family to enjoy countless memorable nautical experiences, from sailing to kitesurfing, paddle surfing and canoeing – an offering brought together by the Murtosa Nautical Station.

The Murtosa Nautical Station brings together more than thirty partners, including companies and institutions, with the aim of promoting and enhancing Murtosa, the geographical and emotional heart of the Ria de Aveiro, as a leading nautical tourism destination, through the provision of integrated, high-quality and sustainable products in balance with society, the environment and the economy.