Hidden Gem on Portugal’s Coast: Casa dos Jacintos and the Quiet Charm of São Jacinto near Aveiro

Nestled between the Ria de Aveiro lagoon and the Atlantic, São Jacinto emerges as one of the region's unexpected gems. Alex Alves sat down with Ana Butt, the host of Casa dos Jacintos, to uncover the allure of this tranquil spot where the Ria meets the sea, time slows, nature flourishes, and a genuine connection to the Aveiro region's cultural heritage awaits those adventurous enough to wander off the beaten path.

Alex Alves: Thank you, Ana, for meeting me today to talk about São Jacinto, home to Aveiro's Blue Flag-awarded beach, the Praia de São Jacinto. I understand that many visitors are in the 55+ age group and often stay at Casa dos Jacintos. Could you start by telling us what attracts travelers in this particular demographic to São Jacinto?

Ana Butt: Where to begin? "Peace and quiet" comes to mind first, at least for me. For active and mobile visitors and those simply looking to kick back and relax, São Jacinto is an incredible destination.

Or you may be looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape while still having access to various activities that enrich the body and the mind. Then, São Jacinto checks all the boxes, too.

Our village is situated between the sea and the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. It offers a beautiful natural environment ideal for long, leisurely walks, biking along the Ria, or birdwatching in the Dunas Natural Reserve. Some visitors enjoy plein-air painting on the promenade. Others are honing their nature photography skills or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

For those who appreciate nature and a serene setting, São Jacinto offers a little bit of everything year-round. Our guests find vast beaches, much biodiversity worth exploring, and the calming presence of the lagoon. Plus, we have fast and reliable internet connections for remote work.

Even downtown Aveiro can feel worlds away from where we are.

Ana Butt (Casa dos Jacintos)

Let's face it: we're not exactly a hub of bustling activity here. Our village is known for its slow pace of life.

It's perfect for couples or families looking for time out from the city or simply wanting to enjoy their vacation without the rush of busy tourist spots. Even downtown Aveiro can feel worlds away from where we are. Still, it's easy enough to get there using the new electrical ferry.

That's why the Casa dos Jacinto tagline reads "Worlds Away, Next Door." 

Alex Alves: What about vacationers who still need their occasional "city fix"?

Ana Butt: We get quite a few of them. They like that Casa dos Jacintos is only five minutes on foot from the São Jacinto ferry terminal. From there, it takes only about  25 minutes to downtown Aveiro, or by bicycle in about 45 minutes. Safe bike paths almost all the way.

Its location makes São Jacinto an ideal day trip base camp and launchpad for exploring the natural, historical, and cultural treasures of Aveiro and the whole region, all the way to Porto, Viseo, or Coimbra, or the much busier beach towns nearby, Barra or Costa Nova with its candy-striped houses. Many of our guests do precisely that. 

Alex Alves: Sounds like a healthy way to spend your vacation. What else about Casa dos Jacintos draws travelers in this group?

Ana Butt: Yes, health and safety considerations play an essential role in vacation planning, especially for older guests.  Some of them prefer our ground-floor apartment because it has no stairs. This advantage makes it a favorite for older travelers with mobility concerns.

Our guests appreciate glimpses into the rich past of our unique location.

Ana Butt (Casa dos Jacintos)

Both Casa dos Jacintos apartments were designed with comfort, relaxation, and a sense of "home away from home" in mind. The house itself has a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We've worked hard to create well-lit spaces that feel modern and comfortable and convey a sense of place.

Alex Alves: Can you give an example?

Ana Butt: Sure, one of the key features that speaks to younger guests and 55+ travelers alike, as they tell us, is the artwork by local artists and the prints of historic maps and etchings on display in both apartments. Many visitors appreciate these glimpses into the rich past of our unique location.

I think it's because such elements create an instant connection with the Ria and Aveiro, which São Jacinto is a part of, as a place. Whether our guests are interested in quiet time alone or digging deeper into the culture and history of our region, Casa dos Jacintos becomes their "base camp". They stay with us to pursue the options that suit their pace and interests.

Another major draw is the building's location. Casa dos Jacintos is situated near the Cais dos Pescadores on São Jacinto's lagoon shoreline. We're in a quiet corner close to essential amenities like several restaurants, a bakery and cafe, a household goods store, and a new modern pharmacy.

So our guests can enjoy their stay knowing they're not far from anything they might need, even outside the summer season. Those who stay longer than just a few days often do their weekly grocery shopping at the farmer's markets and supermarkets in nearby Gafanha da Nazaré, Aveiro, and Ilhavo. 

Alex Alves: How do you balance creating a relaxed atmosphere with that mix of discovery and healthy activities that many of your guests in the 55+ group are looking for when they visit the Aveiro area?

Ana Butt: That's a great question. The key is connecting our guests with various activities that allow them to engage with the local area without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, many guests love exploring the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve. It's a protected area that offers easy walking trails. You can see native plants and observe birds and other wildlife. We encourage our guests to book guided walks and take photo tours with local experts who explain the area's unique ecology and share interesting facts about the local flora and fauna.

For those who prefer something more leisurely, local companies offer solar boat cruises on the Ria de Aveiro or Moliceiro boat tours through the canals of Aveiro. Such tours are popular with visitors. The boat rides are relaxing and give visitors a sense of adventure. They can explore the water channels and learn about Aveiro's historic salt ponds and seaweed harvesting.

I also want to point out that the City of Aveiro organizes cultural experiences throughout the year involving local artisans and local and global artists. Add to that street fairs, regional food and wine events with a nationwide and even international draw, and events with a neighborhood focus, like here in São Jacinto.

And did I mention the sunsets over the lagoon? They are spectacular—perfect for an evening stroll on the Ria promenade.

Alex Alves: How do you see São Jacinto fitting into the broader picture of Portugal travel destinations for visitors in the 55+ age group?

Ana Butt: São Jacinto is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. It's off the beaten path and won't be overtaken by mass tourism anytime soon, making it perfect for travelers looking for something quieter and more authentic. Our village is small. It offers a close connection to nature, Portuguese history and culture, and friendly local people.

São Jacinto adds that laid-back 'island feeling' to the Aveiro region mix.

Ana Butt (Casa dos Jacintos)

Aveiro is already a fantastic destination year-round due to its rich recreational and cultural offerings, mild climate, affordability, and accessibility.

São Jacinto adds something unique to this mix—unspoiled beaches and dunes and that laid-back "island feeling". Technically, we're located at the southern tip of a peninsula, but it feels more like an island. The serenity you experience here is hard to find in more crowded areas.

Visitors looking for beach clubs, boutiques, and tourist shops will prefer Barra or Costa Nova, which are fun places to hang out—though not so much fun when trying to find a spot to park your car.

Alex Alves: What role do local restaurants play in guests' experience at Casa dos Jacintos, especially for those who prefer traditional Portuguese food?

Ana Butt: Oh, food plays a massive role in their experience here! One of the joys of visiting a place like São Jacinto is the opportunity to enjoy fresh, local ingredients—many of our guests like seafood, which is abundant in the region. São Jacinto is known for its fish and shellfish delicacies fresh off the boat.

Guests who want to immerse themselves in the local food culture can also find cooking classes in Aveiro, where they learn how to prepare traditional dishes like Caldeirada, Fishermen's Stew, or Aveiro's famous ovos moles traditional sweets, made with egg yolks.

Alex Alves: How does Casa dos Jacintos integrate with the local community and environment to offer an authentic experience?

Ana Butt: We are very proud of our connection to the local community and environment. Sustainability is a big focus for us, and we try to minimize our environmental impact while supporting local businesses in São Jacinto and Aveiro.

We work with local artisans, farmers, and businesses to ensure our guests get a truly authentic Aveiro experience. Whether it's the artwork they buy as souvenirs or the sea salt they bring home, it all comes from nearby creators and producers passionate about what they do.

We also encourage our guests to take part in community events when they're happening. São Jacinto may be small, but it has a vibrant local culture, with festivals and gatherings that offer a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life. For example, the Festa de São Jacinto is a local celebration with music, dancing, and fantastic food.

Alex Alves: What feedback do you typically get from guests, particularly those 55 and older?

Ana Butt: The feedback we receive is overwhelmingly positive, especially from older guests. Many of them comment on how relaxed and comfortable they feel here. Some told us it feels like a home away from home. That's exactly the atmosphere we aim to create.

Another common theme is the sense of discovery they experience. São Jacinto is not where you go when you're looking for action, to put it mildly. Yet our guests are pleasantly surprised by how much there is to see and do here without feeling rushed. They love the slower pace and the ability to immerse themselves in nature and culture.

We've also had guests mention that they feel safe and well taken care of, which is vital for travelers as they get older. That, combined with the peaceful setting, makes São Jacinto and Casa dos Jacintos an excellent choice for those looking for a stress-free refuge.

São Jacinto visitors love the slower pace and the ability to immerse themselves in nature."

Ana Butt (Casa dos Jacintos)

Alex Alves: It sounds like you've found the perfect balance for this type of traveler. What are your plans for the future of Casa dos Jacintos?

Ana Butt: I envision Casa dos Jacintos as a haven for active, health-conscious travelers who are looking for something unique. We want to offer a personalized experience combining relaxation with cultural enrichment. As more visitors discover São Jacinto, we will focus on preserving this spot's tranquility and unique mix of history and natural beauty.

I also want to continue growing our sustainable practices and deepen our connection with the local community. We're committed to making Casa dos Jacintos not just a place to stay but a home away from home that people like to return to because it allows them to connect with nature, the rich cultural heritage around the Ria, and themselves.

Alex Alves: Thank you, Ana, for this interview. I understand better now why visitors are drawn to São Jacinto and Casa dos Jacintos.

Ana Butt: It was a pleasure talking to you, thank you for the opportunity. I always enjoy sharing what makes Aveiro and São Jacinto such a special place to visit.

Alex Alves
Alex writes about travel, tech, and business.

Are you planning to visit Aveiro? Discover the quiet charm of São Jacinto, right next door, for your next coastal escape. Book your stay at Casa dos Jacintos and enjoy Aveiro's best kept secret like a local.