AVEIRO: YOUR ULTIMATE ITINERARY
Often called the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro attracts visitors with its colorful moliceiro boats, art nouveau architecture, and serene canals. Known for its salt pans, vibrant streets, and rich maritime traditions, Aveiro offers a charming blend of history, nature, and local culture. From the picturesque Costa Nova to the bustling fish market, Aveiro is a city waiting to be explored. To help you uncover the magic of this coastal gem, we’ve created the ultimate travel guide to Aveiro. Get ready to experience one of Portugal’s most delightful destinations!
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HIGHLIGHTS
Before diving into our recommended itineraries, here’s a quick overview - a helpful snapshot of what to expect and a concise summary to simplify your planning:
Day 1: Canals, Culture, and Coastal Charm
Scenic Canals of Aveiro, Art Nouveau Museum, Mercado do Peixe, Historic City Center, Sé de Aveiro, Museu de Aveiro, Canal Central
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Coastal Beauty
Praia da Barra, Farol da Barra, Costa Nova
Tuk-Tuk Tour in Aveiro, Aveiro Walking and Boat Tour, Ria Highlights Boat Tour
Coimbra, Ílhavo, São Jacinto Nature Reserve, Porto, Luso and Bussaco Forest
GETTING AROUND AVEIRO
Aveiro’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, particularly around its charming canals and vibrant city center. For a unique perspective, hop on a moliceiro boat and glide through the city’s picturesque waterways.
The Aveiro train station offers convenient connections to Porto (about 1 hour) and Coimbra (around 40 minutes), making it an excellent addition to any Portuguese itinerary. If you’re arriving by car, parking is readily available throughout the city, and a rental car provides easy access to nearby highlights like Costa Nova, São Jacinto, and other local gems.
1-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Canals, Culture, and Coastal Charm
Morning: Start with a moliceiro boat ride through Aveiro's scenic canals. These colorful boats, once used to harvest seaweed, now provide a relaxing way to see the city’s art nouveau buildings and salt pans. Next, visit the Art Nouveau Museum, which highlights the city’s architectural heritage.
Lunch: Head to Mercado do Peixe, Aveiro’s fish market, to savor fresh seafood dishes like bacalhau com natas or grilled sardines.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the historic city center. Wander through its charming streets lined with tiled buildings, stop by the Sé de Aveiro (Aveiro Cathedral), and visit the Museu de Aveiro housed in the former Convent of Jesus. Don’t miss sampling some ovos moles, Aveiro’s signature sweet treat, at a local pastry shop.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening walk by the Canal Central, beautifully illuminated at night. A great option near Canal Central is O Telheiro, known for its fresh seafood dishes like arroz de marisco and bacalhau à brás. It offers a cozy atmosphere with views of the canals, perfect for a relaxed dinner.
2-DAY ITINERARY
Planning a 2-day itinerary in Aveiro? Make the most of your visit by including these must-see activities:
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and Coastal Beauty
Morning: Start your day at Praia da Barra, a beautiful beach just a short drive from Aveiro. Relax on its golden sands, enjoy the refreshing Atlantic waters, or visit the Farol da Barra, Portugal's tallest lighthouse. If you're feeling adventurous, climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.
Lunch: Head to Costa Nova, just 5 minutes away, for a seaside lunch. Stop by Canastra do Fidalgo, a popular restaurant offering fresh seafood dishes.
Afternoon: Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Costa Nova’s iconic striped houses (palheiros) and its scenic promenade. Enjoy some gelato and unwind on the sandy beach.
Evening: Return to Aveiro for a final evening walk along the canals and through the charming city center. For dinner, treat yourself at Salpoente, a beautifully restored salt warehouse offering modern takes on Portuguese cuisine, with a special focus on cod dishes.
WHERE TO STAY
Aveiro offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Hotel do Mercado: A stylish hotel with sleek design and a welcoming ambiance, conveniently located near Aveiro’s cultural and historical sights.
Hotel Aveiro Center: A tranquil and well-appointed hotel providing a relaxing stay just a short walk from Aveiro’s lively city center.
Hotel das Salinas: A cozy and contemporary hotel featuring bright interiors and a prime location near Aveiro’s main attractions.
Costa Nova Hotel: A charming seaside retreat offering comfortable accommodations steps from Costa Nova’s iconic striped houses and golden beaches.
Hotel Aveiro Palace: A historic hotel combining classic charm and modern comfort, perfectly situated along Aveiro’s vibrant canals.
Hotel Moliceiro: A boutique hotel with sophisticated decor, modern amenities, and picturesque canal views, ideally located in the heart of Aveiro.
MS Collection Aveiro - Palacete Valdemouro: A luxurious boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored palace, offering an elegant stay with personalized service in the heart of Aveiro.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES TO EXPLORE
If you find yourself with extra time in Aveiro, consider including these activities in your plans:
Tuk-Tuk Tour in Aveiro: Explore Aveiro’s most iconic landmarks and hidden corners on a fun and informative tuk-tuk ride. Book here →
Aveiro Walking and Boat Tour: Combine a guided walk through Aveiro’s charming streets with a relaxing boat ride on the canals. Enjoy tasting the famous ovos moles and tying colorful ribbons as a memento of your visit. Book here →
Ria Highlights Boat Tour: Take a captivating journey through the enchanting Ria de Aveiro, an idyllic coastal gem in Portugal. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of this unique ecosystem, surrounded by serene waterways and picturesque landscapes. Book here →
BEYOND AVEIRO
While Aveiro has lots to offer, there are also several amazing places nearby worth exploring:
Coimbra: A historic city with Portugal’s oldest university and charming medieval streets, offering a glimpse into the nation’s rich academic and cultural heritage. Check out our ultimate Coimbra itinerary →
Ílhavo: Famous for its Maritime Museum and proximity to Costa Nova, Ílhavo combines cultural insights with scenic coastal beauty.
São Jacinto Nature Reserve: A peaceful retreat perfect for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts, offering stunning coastal landscapes.
Porto: Just an hour away, Porto offers iconic landmarks like the Ribeira district and the Dom Luís I Bridge. Check out our ultimate Porto itinerary →
Luso and Bussaco Forest: Discover the charming town of Luso, famous for its mineral water, and explore the nearby Bussaco Forest, home to lush greenery and the stunning Bussaco Palace.