Aveiro
Often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a coastal city known for its canals full of traditional moliceiros and modern architecture.
Aveiro is 70 kilometers (43 miles) south of Porto and is an important industrial city in Portugal, thanks to its maritime influence. With its canal system and moliceiro boats that resemble gondolas, the city is often compared with Venice.
The city is found just along the Aveiro River, one of the most important and beautiful in Portugal. Stretching for 47 kilometers (29 miles), this estuary is a result of the withdrawal of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of four large channels.
One of the most popular things to do in Aveiro is book a ride on its famous boats, called moliceiros. Originally constructed and used for transporting the aquatic plant moliço, these boats stand out for their bows and sterns. You'll often find these parts of the boats decorated with colorful illustrations depicting daily life, religious stories, and sometimes erotic scenes.
But Aveiro doesn't end at the river. It may be a small city, but there's still plenty to do here to have fun.
The old town of Aveiro is dotted with public squares and charming building facades boasting classic Art Nouveau-style architecture. It's a great area to walk around and get lost in and leads right into Beira Mar. This neighborhood has a longstanding maritime history colorful houses, and stunning bridges like Ponte dos Carcavelos and the Botirões. In Peixe Square, you'll find the fish market that's open daily with fresh finds. On the other side of the river, you'll find the more modern neighborhood, home to the Misericórdia church, Aveiro City Hall, and its municipal theater.
Other notable sites you should see in Aveiro are the salt flats. Salt production has always played an important role in the city's history, having been the main source of income for decades. Learn more about its storied past and its industry on a tour of the flats that includes a visit to Aveiro beaches and a ride in a moliceiro.
Costa Nova, Aveiro Salt Flats & Moliceiro Cruise
Aveiro also has a great culinary scene. No surprise here, much of its gastronomy features seafood. No visit to Aveiro is complete without trying the wide variety of fresh fish and seafood in the city. Some of our favorites are fish soup, cod fish samosas, and mussels. Try them all on a food tour of Aveiro with a visit to other markets and museums.
Costa Nova
Costa Nova Beach, the most famous beach in Aveiro, is renowned for its brightly painted houses lining the promenade. Located about 12 kilometers (7.2 miles) from the city, it's a must-visit spot. While there, take the opportunity to explore the Mercado do Peixe, which offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.
The best option during your visit to Costa Nova is to reserve a tour of Aviero beaches.
How to Get There
There are several ways you can reach Aveiro:
Excursion
The most comfortable way to get to the beautiful coastal city of Aveiro is to hire an excursion. After a 45-minute bus ride, you can take a short walk through the historic center, know the two neighborhoods that are divided between the estuary, see its modernist buildings and eat some of its typical sweets such as “ovo moles”. All this with an English-speaking guide to make sure you don't miss any detail of the visit.
In addition, with the excursion you will also have time to visit one of the best beaches in Portugal, Costa Nova. There you will be able to observe a large number of people practicing various water sports and see the painted houses that are all along the promenade and that are a great attraction for tourists.
Aveiro and Costa Nova Day Trip
Train
From the stations of Sao Bento or Campanha in Porto and General Torres in Vila Nova de Gaia trains leave every day between 5:30 am and 11:30 pm. The urban trains (U) run for an average of one hour and fifteen minutes at a cost of € 4 (US$ 4.20) each way. With the intercity (IC) it will take you a little less time, but the ticket is more expensive, minimum € 14 (US$ 14.70) each way. Both trains stop at Aveiro station, which is about fifteen minutes from the city center.
Bus
This is the least recommended option. There are many companies leaving from the Campanha bus terminal but the route is not direct and usually takes more than an hour. The price of some buses starts at € 6 (US$ 6.30) but they do not leave every day.
