In São Jacinto, in the district of Aveiro, we find the São Jacinto Dunes Reserve. This is a protected area for flora and fauna, with the dunes being a particular highlight.
Despite the district to which it belongs, the town of São Jacinto is located on a peninsula and is separated from its district by the 'Ria de Aveiro'.
Here, in addition to the beach and excellent food, there is also a protected area with a trail that’s worth exploring.
The trail is located in the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve, which covers a total area of more than 700 hectares. The reserve stretches from the estuary to the sea, offering a landscape well worth exploring.
How to Get to São Jacinto and the São Jacinto Dunes Reserve
You can reach São Jacinto by land or by river.
If traveling by land, you’ll have to pass through the municipality of Ovar (if coming from Porto) or the municipality of Murtosa (if coming from Aveiro). Both are destinations that are also worth visiting!
If you come by land, regardless of where you’re coming from, you’ll have to pass through the village of Torreira, which is part of the municipality of Murtosa, and travel the 12 km that separate it from São Jacinto.
Another option is the ferry trip that departs from Barra Port in Aveiro. The ticket costs 2.40€ per person or 7.20€ per light vehicle with driver (one-way, in 2025), and you can check the Schedules and updated prices here. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at the terminals or at the ferry boarding area.
We really recommend taking one of the ferry trips and taking a tour of Ovar or Murtosa. That way, you can enjoy both experiences.
Access to the São Jacinto Dunes Reserve is a bit farther from the central area (about 2 km from the ferry). There is free parking for cars in this area.
São Jacinto Dunes Reserve Interpretive Center
To visit the São Jacinto Dunes Reserve, you must register at the Interpretive Center. Therefore, you’ll need to visit the center during its hours of operation. The center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There is also a guided tour option that follows the Nature Discovery Interpretive Trail. This tour takes place twice a day, and advance reservations are required.
Even if you plan to walk the trail on your own, we recommend that you call first to confirm that the Reserve is open. Please keep in mind that the Reserve may be closed due to issues such as dogs running loose or fires.
In our case, we called, were answered right away, and then set off for the Reserve. We arrived around lunchtime and checked in. The fact that the estimated time to finish the trail was after the center had already closed wasn’t a problem at all.
The Interpretive Center features an exhibition divided into two parts. On one side is the São Jacinto Dunes Reserve; on the other, the history of the Aveiro Estuary.
Nature Discovery Trail
The São Jacinto Dunes Reserve has a trail, the “Nature Discovery” Trail, which offers two possible routes.
The green route is 3.30 km long, and the red route is 7.1 km long; both are loop trails. The red route follows most of the green route’s path but includes two points that the shorter version does not: the boardwalks (and the trip to the sea) and 'Pateira Grande'.
In our case, we naturally chose the red route, checked in at the Interpretive Center, and set off on the trail.
As always, we had the GPS file on our cell phone, but we didn’t need it. Not only is it quite obvious at all times where the path goes, but there are also frequent signs pointing to both branches of the trail.
The only point where we had doubts was at 'Pateira Pequena' (small lagoon). Aside from that moment, there were no doubts at all.
The trail winds its way mainly through sand and forest, offering a magical blend of two forms of nature that are usually so distinct.
One of the highlights is, without a doubt, reaching the walkways that lead down to the sea. This is also the only part of the route where you have to go back the same way you came, but it’s well worth it.
Next comes one of the sunniest stretches—and, consequently, one of the toughest parts of a sunny day. But we quickly find ourselves back under the trees and head toward another incredible spot: the Pateria Grande (Big Lagoon).
Although we knew from the start that the reserve hid a duck pond, it was still a huge surprise. It’s a large duck pond, completely hidden. Here you’ll find dozens of ducks, including various species.
Leaving the 'Pateira' Observatory, the trail back to the Interpretive Center begins, entirely in the wonderful shade of the trees.
São Jacinto: Beyond the Nature Reserve
When you visit the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve, be sure to take the opportunity to visit the small but incredible village of São Jacinto.
Be sure to enjoy a good meal—the specialties here are fish and seafood. The most famous restaurant is, without a doubt, A Peixaria, but there are other excellent options, such as O Terminal.
In addition, you can take a break at the beach. With its long stretch of sand and a view of the Aveiro Lighthouse in the distance, this beach is one of the quietest in the region.
While in São Jacinto, you can stroll through the village and visit the Church of Nossa Senhora das Areias, the current parish church, which has a hexagonal shape.
Every year in August, this town hosts the São Jacinto Dunes Festival, which typically features renowned Portuguese singers, fireworks, and aerial shows. Also during this celebration, the military base—officially known as the 10th Infantry Regiment—is sometimes open to the public.
São Jacinto is, therefore, the perfect destination for a day trip. Whether you’re looking for a beach, a nature hike, or simply good food, São Jacinto should be on the itinerary of anyone visiting the region.
