Câmara Municipal de Ovar

The Municipality of Ovar is situated on Portugal’s western seaboard, in the Aveiro District of the Norte Region. Covering an area of 147.5 km², it comprises seven civil parishes—Arada, Cortegaça, Esmoriz, Maceda, Ovar, São João de Ovar and Válega—each with its own distinct character. Bordered by the Ria de Aveiro to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Ovar enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, dry summers.

Founded in the Middle Ages, Ovar grew around agriculture and fishing before developing a celebrated ceramics industry in the 18th and 19th centuries; today it is famous for its hand-painted earthenware and decorative tiles. The municipality has a population of roughly 55 000 inhabitants, many of whom work in small and medium-sized enterprises in textiles, footwear, food processing and tourism.

Governed by a democratically elected Municipal Assembly and led by a Mayor (Presidente da Câmara), Ovar’s local government invests heavily in infrastructure, cultural events and social services. Annual highlights include the Foam Festival (“Festa da Espuma”) on its golden-sand beaches, the Carnival of Ovar—one of Portugal’s most exuberant—and regular ceramics and gastronomy fairs that draw visitors nationwide.

Ovar maintains active twinning agreements with towns in Spain, France and Cape Verde, fostering cultural exchange and economic cooperation. Its well-developed road and rail connections link it directly to Porto (45 km to the north) and Aveiro (20 km to the east), while nearby Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport provides easy international access. With a blend of coastal scenery, historic charm and innovative industry, Ovar offers both residents and visitors a dynamic and welcoming environment.