Other urban centres near the Ria de Aveiro are Ílhavo, Gafanha da Nazaré, Estarreja, Ovar and Esmoriz.

Some beaches nearby include those of Barra, Costa Nova, Torreira, Vagueira, Furadouro, Cortegaça and Praia de Mira.

This 45 kilometres (28 mi) long lagoon stands as one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshland.

It is also renowned for its artisan fishing and as a center for the collection of flor de sal, an expensive salt variety.

[1] Ria de Aveiro is protected under the European Union's Natura 2000 network, under both the Habitats and the Birds Directives.