The connection is part of a pilot project to provide an alternative to road access to Costa Nova Beach, similar to the ferry that previously served the crossing, which was suspended several decades ago.

The pilot project involves the Municipality of Ílhavo and the company Delmar Dock, and will connect Cais da Bruxa to Costa Nova between 9am and 10pm, with a journey time estimated at five minutes and a cost of five euros.

“The main objective is to provide parking and avoid road traffic jams in the summer,” explains the municipal note, quoting the Mayor of Ílhavo, Rui Dias, who states that there are few alternatives to manage the excess of vehicles on the beaches in the summer.

The local authority will assess the impact and public acceptance of the experimental ferry service, which ends in September, during the months of highest tourist pressure.

The partner company provides telephone numbers at the docks for users to secure their crossing at the appropriate time.

The river transport model is expected to be replicated at Praia da Barra in the summer of 2027, with support from the University of Aveiro and the Port of Aveiro.