AVEIRO: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Portugal trips often revolve around Lisbon and Porto - but take a closer look at the map, and Aveiro stands out, nestled between the two. With its canals, colorful charm, and relaxed atmosphere, this small city is a joy to explore. And just a short ride away, Costa Nova is effortlessly picturesque, with its striped houses and breezy coastal vibe.
Planning a visit? This guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Aveiro.
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AVEIRO HIGHLIGHTS
These are the places in Aveiro and nearby that you shouldn’t miss:
Aveiro’s Canals – Take a ride on a moliceiro and soak up the city’s Art Nouveau charm.
Historic Center – Wander through tiled streets, visit the Sé de Aveiro, and stop for ovos moles.
Museu de Aveiro – Discover the city’s history inside a former convent.
Costa Nova – Just a 45-minute bus ride from Aveiro, famous for its colorful striped houses and golden sandy beach.
Praia da Barra – Home to Portugal’s tallest lighthouse and perfect for a beach day - also about 45 minutes by bus.
GETTING TO AND AROUND AVEIRO
Here’s how to get to Aveiro and make your way around the city:
Walking – The best way to explore Aveiro - the compact historic center and canal-side paths make it easy to get around on foot .
Moliceiro Boats – For a unique view of the city, hop on a moliceiro boat and glide through the waterways that earned Aveiro its "Venice of Portugal" nickname.
Train Travel – Aveiro is located between Porto and Lisbon, making it an easy stop. The train takes about an hour from Porto and 40 minutes from Coimbra, so adding it to your itinerary is simple.
Car Rental – Only worth it if you want to explore beyond Aveiro at your own pace, especially Costa Nova, São Jacinto, or even Coimbra. Parking is available, but you won’t need a car if you’re staying in the city.
Buses to Costa Nova & Praia da Barra – Bus Line 36 runs between Aveiro, Costa Nova, and Praia da Barra, with frequent departures throughout the day. The ride takes about 45 minutes from Aveiro’s bus station.
Day Trip from Porto – Short on time? Join a guided tour and make the most of your visit - just make sure it includes Costa Nova for those iconic striped houses. You can check out this one.
AVEIRO ITINERARY
Aveiro is small and easy to explore in a day, even a few hours. But don’t miss Costa Nova - just 45 minutes by bus and absolutely worth it. If you can’t fit it in, consider staying overnight and heading there the next day.
DAY 1
Morning: Hop on a moliceiro boat and let the canals lead you through the heart of Aveiro. The salt pans, the art nouveau buildings, the pastel reflections on the water - it’s all serene, effortless, beautiful.
Afterwards, if you love architecture, head to the Art Nouveau Museum for a closer look at the intricate details and craftsmanship.
Lunch: The Mercado do Peixe is where Aveiro’s soul is. It’s busy, full of energy, and smells like the ocean in the best possible way. While the market itself is all about fresh seafood stalls, the surrounding Praça do Peixe is lined with restaurants serving the catch of the day.
Grab a table and order a plate of grilled sardines or bacalhau com natas (codfish in cream sauce) - a classic you don't want to miss.
Afternoon: This is the time to get lost in Aveiro’s historic streets. Stop by the Sé de Aveiro (Aveiro Cathedral), then make your way to the Museu de Aveiro. It’s housed in a former convent and tells the story of Princess Joana, a royal who chose a life of simplicity here. The painted ceilings alone? Worth the visit.
Don’t forget to grab a box of ovos moles - Aveiro’s signature sweet.
Evening: Take a slow walk along Canal Central, then head to O Telheiro for dinner. The arroz de marisco (seafood rice) is rich and flavorful, and the bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes) is a must-try. Grab a seat by the window and enjoy the view.
DAY 2
Morning: Head out to Costa Nova, where the striped wooden houses, ocean breeze, and the Passadiços Costa Nova, a 6 km wooden footpath along the dunes, set the perfect scene. It’s one of those effortlessly charming places - simple yet undeniably beautiful.
To get to Costa Nova from Aveiro, take the Line 36 bus operated by Busway Ciraveiro from the Terminal Rodoviário de Aveiro, near the train station. The bus runs hourly and takes around 45 minutes to reach Costa Nova - Largo Arrais Ançã. A one-way ticket costs between €2 and €3, payable to the driver. For the latest schedules, check the Busway Ciraveiro website.
Lunch: Canastra do Fidalgo is the spot for fresh seafood. Order the seafood platter, sit back, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Afternoon: Stay in Costa Nova to kayak, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the slow pace. Or head to Praia da Barra for a walk along the wide, sandy beach. Up for a view? Climb Farol da Barra, Portugal’s tallest lighthouse.
Evening: Back in Aveiro, have dinner at Salpoente, a beautifully restored salt warehouse known for its modern take on bacalhau dishes. Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance.
WHERE TO STAY
Staying overnight? Here are some great options:
Hotel Aveiro Palace – A historic hotel in the heart of the city, offering classic charm, modern comfort, and an unbeatable location for exploring on foot.
Hotel das Salinas – A bright and contemporary hotel right on the canals - wake up to some of the best views in the city.
Costa Nova Hotel – A beachside retreat just steps from Costa Nova’s striped houses and sandy dunes.
MS Collection Aveiro - Palacete Valdemouro – A luxurious palace-turned-hotel with impeccable service and an elegant atmosphere.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
If you have time, here are two more activities to add to your itinerary:
Tuk-tuk tour in Aveiro: Hop in and let a local show you around - iconic spots, hidden corners, and a fun ride along the way. Book here →
Ria highlights boat tour: Drift through the Ria de Aveiro, where the water is calm, the views are stunning, and everything just feels peaceful. Book here →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Is Aveiro, Portugal worth visiting?
Definitely. Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal", is a city of colorful moliceiro boats, art nouveau buildings, and laid-back charm. From its canals to Costa Nova’s striped houses and Praia da Barra’s sandy beach, there’s plenty to love. Perfectly located between Porto and Lisbon, it’s an easy stop to add to your itinerary - and absolutely worth it.
How many days to spend in Aveiro?
You can see the highlights in a day, even just a few hours. The canals, a moliceiro ride, and a stroll through the historic center are all easy to fit into a short visit. But if you want to visit Costa Nova, take it slow, and enjoy Aveiro without rushing, stay overnight. The extra time lets you walk along the beach, try fresh seafood by the water, and soak in the relaxed coastal vibe. And with the canals reflecting the city lights, Aveiro at night is something special.
Does Aveiro have a beach?
Aveiro itself doesn't have a beach, but it's in close proximity to beautiful coastal areas. Costa Nova, approximately 11 km away, is renowned for its expansive sandy shores, iconic striped wooden houses, and the Passadiços Costa Nova, a 6 km wooden footpath offering scenic ocean views. Praia da Barra, about 2 km from Costa Nova, is another excellent beach option, featuring Portugal's tallest lighthouse. Both Costa Nova and Praia da Barra are about 15-20 minutes by car and around 45 minutes by bus from Aveiro, making them easy day trips.
Is Aveiro expensive?
Not really. Aveiro is more affordable than Lisbon or Porto, making it a great place to visit on a budget. Hotels, especially outside the historic center, tend to be reasonably priced. Fresh seafood is surprisingly affordable, and even high-end restaurants like Salpoente offer great value for the experience. A moliceiro boat ride is around €14 per person, and most attractions don’t cost much. Public transport is cheap, and since the city is small, walking is the easiest way to get around without spending anything. Aveiro is one of those places where you can have an amazing trip without spending a fortune.
BEYOND AVEIRO
More time in Portugal? Here are a few amazing places near Aveiro that are worth exploring:
Coimbra – A historic city with Portugal’s oldest university and medieval streets that feel like a step back in time. The mix of academic history, culture, and old-world charm makes it a fascinating place to explore. We’ve put together a full guide if you want to learn more.
Ílhavo – A small town known for its Maritime Museum and connection to Costa Nova, blending maritime history with scenic coastal beauty. It’s the perfect stop if you love the sea and want to dive deeper into the region’s fishing traditions.
São Jacinto Nature Reserve – A peaceful escape where sand dunes, pine forests, and wildlife come together. If you’re into hiking, birdwatching, or just want a quiet spot by the coast, this is the place to go.
Porto – Just an hour from Aveiro, Porto is a city of iconic landmarks, colorful riverside streets, and unbeatable food. The Ribeira district, Dom Luís I Bridge, and historic port cellars are just the beginning. Planning a trip? Check out our detailed itinerary for everything you need to know.
Luso & Bussaco Forest – Luso is a quiet spa town famous for its mineral water, but the real gem is Bussaco Forest, just next door. With lush greenery, historic walking trails, and the stunning Bussaco Palace, it’s a magical place to get lost for a while.