Active Pursuits

In the Rota da Luz area near Aveiro, you can go windsurfing in many places, including Ria de Aveiro and Pateira de Fermentelos. The long stretches of sand and the formation of waves also provide ideal conditions for surfing; particularly good Rota da Luz beaches are Esmoriz, Cortegaça, Furadouro, Torreira, São Jacinto, Barra, Costa-Nova, and Vagueira. The whole stretch of the Ria estuary is ideal for water-skiing, and many rivers, notably the Pateira and the Ria, are suited for canoeing and rowing.

There's good fishing along the Rota da Luz. The tourist office provides helpful information. The local waterways contain carp, lampreys, and barbels, along with gray mullet, bass, and eels. The best places for trout are the rivers Paiva, Arda, Antuà, Caima, Alfusqueiro, and Águeda.

Horseback riders head for the Escola Equestre Aveiro, Quinta Chão Agra, Vilarinho (tel. 23/491-21-08; www.escolaequestreaveiro.com), 6.5km (4 miles) north of Aveiro on N109. It offers trekking rides across the wetlands around Aveiro. The cost is 25€ per rider for 2 hours. Call for reservations and more information.

Many visitors to the area like to go biking, particularly along the traffic-free route between Aveiro and Ovar. You can get free bikes near the tourist office on Rua João Mendonça (tel. 23/440-63-00).