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Things to do in
Aveiro

Our most recommended things to do in Aveiro

Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Tour

1. Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Tour

Cruise through the city of Aveiro on a boat ride onboard a traditional Moliceiro boat. Start along the Central Canal of the lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro. Traverse the center of the city, from the garden of Rossio to the old building of the Capitania of the Port of Aveiro. Follow another canal that formerly served as a waterway to the Antonio Maria Campos brick factory, where the Aveiro Cultural and Congress Center was established along with other public services. Then, cruise down Canal das Pirâmides (the pyramids canal), which was built at the beginning of the 19th century and stretches from the old fish market to the central canal. During the summer, enjoy a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of small white pyramids of salt that represent one of the most characteristic features of this region.

Aveiro: Scenic Guided Boat Tour

2. Aveiro: Scenic Guided Boat Tour

Explore the beautiful coastline of Aveiro on a guided boat tour. Discover the beauty of the picturesque canals, colorful Moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau buildings, and more. Board a Moliceiro boat and experience a unique way to appreciate the city's waterways. Enjoy the gentle breeze while passing through the Central Canal, Canal do Côjo, Canal das Pirâmides and Canal de São Roque. As you glide through the canals, you will pass by the salt flats of Aveiro, the old ceramic factory Jerónimo Pereira Campos, the Fishermen’s Quarter, and the fish market. Throughout the trip, you will get ample opportunities to click pictures of the canals, boats, and architecture. Experience the relaxed atmosphere of this charming city on a Moliceiro boat trip. 

From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

3. From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

In this tour, the walk difficulty level is easy/medium! You`ll walk only 5km and downstream! We leave from Porto towards Arouca town where we will stop shortly for bathrooms and coffee. After a short drive, we`ll arrive at the Walkways and go across the Suspension Bridge! It spans 516 meters-long across the valley and hangs 175m above the Paiva river! Notice: crossing the bridge is not mandatory. You have the option to skip it. Then, you`ll walk the Paiva Walkways downhill in a total length of 5km over a wooden boardwalk zig-zagging along the left bank of the river. Trail Areinho-Vau. The walk will be followed by another highlight of our day: lunch! (fish and vegetarian options also available) After a power nap in the van, we`ll arrive to Costa Nova! Costa Nova is one of the highlights of Portugal – a beautiful fishing village known for its striped colorful houses! Time to enjoy Aveiro, also known as the “Portuguese Venice''! Discover the city center on a short walk, enjoy some free time and relax on a boat trip to see the charming city through the canals! Finish the day back in Porto.

Aveiro: Half-Day Tour from Porto with Cruise

4. Aveiro: Half-Day Tour from Porto with Cruise

Experience the beauty of Aveiro’s channels on a tour aboard a colorful Portuguese gondola on this half-day tour from Porto. Ride along naturally-formed channels that connect to the river and to the sea.  Meet at a centrally-located spot in Porto and board a comfortable van for your transfer to Aveiro. Absorb the culture of this city that was once a fishing village, where residents made their living from the river, the sea, and salt production. Begins at the fish market square, where you’ll have great views of the city center. Head out on an hour-long cruise on a vibrantly-painted, wooden moliceiro boat. Glide thorugh the channels on this traditional, Portuguese vessel.  After the cruise your guide will show you the Costa Nova neighborhood that borders the sea. Admire some of the old traditional houses that are small in size, and painted in bright colors with vertical stripes. Return to Porto by van at the end of your tour. 

Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Cruise

5. Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Cruise

Embark on an adventure and take a trip to Aveiro, which is never complete without a Moliceiro boat trip. The Moliceiro is a traditional boat that is part of the Aveiro culture, similar to a Venetian gondola. Starting from the dock of Largo do Jardim do Rossio, pass through some of the most iconic sights of the city, such as the Art Nouveau, the Aveiro salt pan, the traditional neighborhood of Beira-Mar, the Jerónimo P. Campos ceramics factory, and the Fish Market. Marvel at the breathtaking city from its channels together with a guide. Expand your knowledge about the cities history and learn some secrets of Aveiro.

Aveiro: Boat Cruise and City Walking Tour with Sweet Tasting

6. Aveiro: Boat Cruise and City Walking Tour with Sweet Tasting

Experience the beauty of Aveiro on a boat cruise in an authentic Moliceiro craft. Stroll through the Beira Mar district on a walking tour with a local guide and take in the lively vibe at the Aveiro Fish Market. Be welcomed by your local guide at the Freedom Obelisk in the old town of Aveiro. Follow your guide to an iconic Moliceiro boat. Embark on a cruise aboard a colorful ship through the city's waterways. Glide on an elegant boat and snap pictures of landmarks like the City Council building, a 15th century mill, and the romantic Carcavelos Bridge. Watch the old parts of the city melt into the new as you see the shopping center and a ceramic factory that was converted into a convention center. Disembark and continue on your walking tour through the narrow streets of the Beira Mar neighborhood that was traditionally inhabited by fisherman and salt workers. Admire the vibrantly colored buildings along the canal. Make your way to the bustling Fish Market, the Centennial building, and pass by richly adorned Art Nouveau buildings before ending your tour.

Porto: Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities

7. Porto: Private Transfer to Lisbon with Stops up to 3 Cities

Tick off three of the most important cities on the Portuguese coast in just one day with this convenient private transfer service. Travel from Porto to Lisbon and enjoy optional stops in Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Nazaré, or Óbidos. After getting picked up from your hotel in Porto, travel towards the city of Aveiro. Enjoy some free time to explore the canals, Nouveau architecture, and colorfully painted Moliceiros boats of the city. Alternatively, you may wish to stop in Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Portugal. Here, immerse yourself in the city's modern area, the university, and its ancient past. Continue towards either Nazaré or Fátima for lunch and a walk around the city. In Nazaré, soak up the views of the Portuguese coast and see for yourself why the city is a surfer's paradise. Or, explore the many religious sites in Fátima. Finally, pay a visit to the medieval town of Óbidos. Here, enjoy some free time to explore the town's famously quirky bookstores, medieval streets, and liquor bars at your own pace. Get dropped off at your hotel in Lisbon after a full day's sightseeing.

From Porto: Aveiro, Costa Nova Tour with Boat Ride

8. From Porto: Aveiro, Costa Nova Tour with Boat Ride

A journey through two of the most beautiful cities in the north of the country with surprises, history and curiosities.Do you know what we are talking about? We'll tell you all the details... Aveiro We leave early in the morning to make the most of the day. A walk through the most beautiful areas of the city to work up an appetite and continue on to the Carcavelos Bridge, a symbol of Art Nouveau, which we will tell you about in detail and also a good place from which to go to the Chapel of São Gonçalinho, which houses relics from the 18th century. We have a few stories to tell you! But for stories, you should go to the Arte Nova Museum, which allows you to learn about the social and cultural context of the origin of the movement while you sit in Captain Major Pessoa's tea house and listen to live jazz music. Quite an experience!Next, we'll take a 45-minute ride aboard one of the traditional "Moliceiros" boats, similar in design to the Venetian gondolas. Before finishing, we will make a last stop at the Monument to José Estêvão Coelho de Magalhães, one of the most illustrious politicians in the history of Portugal. But what about all the recommendations and picturesque spots we've told you about? You have free time to explore the city at your leisure! Recommendation: Don't leave without trying the local gastronomy! Costa Nova We'll then leave Aveiro and head towards Costa Nova, one of Portugal's most spectacular beaches, known for the iconic striped houses that line the bay. You will be able to take pictures and enjoy a guided tour of the beach most loved by lovers of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or sailing. At the end, we will return to Porto. It promises to be an unforgettable experience, book now!

eSIM Europe and UK for Travelers

9. eSIM Europe and UK for Travelers

Whether you're a traveler exploring the UK or embarking on a multi-country European adventure, an eSIM card ensures you're always connected. Enjoy instant mobile delivery and 1- to 30-day coverage options with 500 MB to 10 GB. This eSIM is ideal for modern travelers using devices like the iPhone or other smartphones supporting the eSIM feature. Enjoy the convenience of prepaid coverage in all major European destinations with uninterrupted connectivity and no surprises. This eSIM covers the following locations: Austria (Österreich) Belgium (Belgien) Bulgaria (Bulgarien) Cyprus (Zypern) Croatia (Kroatien) Denmark (Dänemark) Estonia (Estland) Finland (Finnland) France (Frankreich) Germany (Deutschland) Greece (Griechenland) Hungary (Ungarn) Ireland (Irland) Iceland (Island) Italy (Italien) Latvia (Lettland) Lithuania (Litauen) Luxembourg (Luxemburg) Malta Norway (Norwegen) Netherlands (Niederlande) Poland (Polen) Portugal Slovakia (Slowakei) Slovenia (Slowenien) Spain (Spanien) United Kingdom (Vereinigtes Königreich) Czech Republic (Tschechische Republik) Romania (Rumänien) Sweden (Schweden) Switzerland (Schweiz) Ukraine

From Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Small Group Tour + River Cruise

10. From Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Small Group Tour + River Cruise

Meet the guide at the meeting point to start the tour. Relax in an airconditioned vehicle on the way to Coimbra. Start by exploring Coimbra, a historically university city, because of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and one of the largest in Portugal. One of the oldest cities in the country, it was the capital of Portugal before Lisbon, until 1255, and is home to the first National Pantheon, the Monastery of Santa Cruz. Stroll through the streets of Coimbra. Stop at important landmarks such as the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. If you select the option with monuments admission, visit the interiors of Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. After visiting the main monuments, you will have free time for lunch (at your own expense), the guide will be able to suggest restaurants where you can have lunch. After enjoying lunch, return to the VAN with the guide to continue the journey to Aveiro. Aveiro in the central region of Portugal, considered the small “Venice of Portugal”, where where you can visit the Fish Market, Aveiro's railway station. Explore the city's Art Nouveau architecture and historical center. Board a traditional, wooden moliceiro boat and experience the city from the water. Make your way to the Aveiro Salt Ponds passing by New Coast, typical striped houses. Look for stork nests along the way find. At the end of the tour, the guide will drop you off at the same place of meeting point.

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Frequently asked questions about Aveiro

What are the best day trips and excursions from Aveiro?

The best day trips and excursions from Aveiro are:

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What people are saying about Aveiro

Overall rating

4.4
(1,499 reviews)

Our guide, Claudia, was just lovely! We were very unfortunate with the weather (rain, wind amidst severe coastal weather warnings!) but it didn’t dampen our spirits! She was very knowledgeable, friendly, and organised, and the trip itself provided another angle on this beautiful area of the world.

Jose the driver was excellent and very knowledgeable for the area. He had great recommendations for what to do and where to eat. He was also very accommodating and we could take all the time we wanted. Would do it again.

The bridge was very impressive. The walk was primarily initially uphill, and downhill after the bridge and as the day went on. It was great, as the hard physical work came first.very impressive

Driver was friendly, on time, and when asked offered ideas on where to go/what to see/

Nuno was great and very friendly and made the journey relaxing and fun