The charming Aveiro- 10 top sights to see in Venice of Portugal

Behind the surface of the pretty canal town and the Portuguese Venice, Aveiro is a popular day trip from Porto. This charming place might be your exquisite surprise and its relaxing vibes depict the soul of Aveiro.

Though Aveiro is not bursting with tourist sights and museums, it’s a place to enjoy its laid-back atmosphere.

Even visiting a beach requires taking a bus, but Aveiro lies directly on the shore. You’ll see the lovely striped houses on the beach and it’s a reason to stay more than a day.

Aveiro is easy to experience its allure and you don’t need much time, perhaps half of the day. It’s a fantastic place to absorb the Portuguese lifestyle beyond the marvelous Porto and its sunsets. Being so different to the popular Algarve, Aveiro is more about its canal vibes than the beach. Let me take you to the journey to the charming Aveiro that will inspire you with the traditional boats.

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Canals and bridges of Aveiro- the Venice of Portugal

Canals are the essence of Aveiro, though not as elegant as those of Venice or Brugge. Several canals flow through Aveiro’s historical center, but the most stunning one is Canal Central. It will welcome you with the spirit of Aveiro, being surrounded by colourful houses.

Leading to the salt fields, Aveiro is not a typical Portuguese coastal town.

Experiencing Moliceiro or the beautifully painted boat is a way to appreciate Venice more than you usually would. Spending 10-15€ per person will give you a best memory in the wonderful panorama of Venice-like towns. It’s fun to take pictures with Ponte Laços de Amizade, decorated with ribbons. Interesting to know, they serve as decoration purposes and are live souvenir from people’s trips.

In the past, the moliceiro boats were used to collect the seaweed and transport goods.

Enjoying the local delicacies

Thanks to the Portuguese mild climate, the ice coffee is here always a great idea. With your ice coffee in hand, observing the boats is a fantastic alternative to the boat ride. After all, chilling in one laid-back town invites you to relax.

With the pretty pavements in front of you, you’ll transferred in the Portuguese fantasy.

If you add the traditional pastries known as ovos moles, the sensation will be full. Inside the rice paper hides the overly sugared egg yolks in the shape of shells, boats or fish. Five centuries ago started the tradition of this delicacy by the local nuns.

Walking to the salty fields

If you try to find the shore in Aveiro and enjoy the beach vibes, you will only see the salty fields. Passing by canals you’ll reach them in 15 minutes walk from the Central Canal.

Visiting the salty fields is a fantastic way to educate yourself as there’s a museum and guided tours. More information about the guided tours find here and be ready to discover the traditional salt production system. https://zeca.pt/visita-as-salinas-de-aveiro/

Since the 12th century the lagoons of Ria de Aveiro are engaged in the salt production for the whole country. Inside the Ecomuseu Marinha da Troncalhada you can visit the salt pyramids and bring home some salt crystals.

If you’re eager to embrace an Aveiro adventure to the fullest, visit the salt mud spa. They’re located directly at the salty fields, which you can enjoy seasonally costing 4€.

Hiking at Passadiços Ria de Aveiro

Near the Aveiro Lagoon, indulge in the picturesque boardwalk hike. At Passadiços Ria de Aveiro you can observe the grassy waters while chilling in the Portuguese Sun.

The Museums of Aveiro

Besides the fabulous facade of Museu de Arte Nova, you can admire the marvelous interior of the Aveiro Museum.

Museu de Arte Nova graciously shines near the Central Canal, though it’s not so impressive inside. A lovely caffe Casa de Cha is a fantastic place to relax in the ambience of the Portuguese tiles.

The Aveiro Museum unveils the city’s history while you admire the ancient artwork and religious objects. In this ancient building from the 15th century the tomb of the Princess Saint Joanna is an absolutely highlight. Being devoted to religious purposes, the king’s daughter deserves the several paintings and artworks.

Admiring the golden woodwork of the chapel will lead you to another stunning church, Igreja de São João Evangelista. With incredible details where beautiful azulejos intertwine with the golden artwork, this church is unmissable.

Vista Alegre Museum in Ilhao is a stunning treasure of porcelain which is definitely worth it.

Relaxing in the maze of the cobblestone streets

At the colourful streets of Aveiro you can enjoy a cup of coffee, ice cream or try a traditional cuisine. Surrounded by the stunning pavements, you’ll notice the magic of Aveiro beyond the surface. The amazing patterns and black and while calcada will inspire you with creative photo opportunities.

Among these pedestrian streets, Praca da Milano will invite to try the local ice cream and souvenir shops.

Finding the lovely parks

Unfortunately, I didn’t see any park in the heart of Aveiro but I guess they still hiding centrally. The marvelous Parque Dom Pedro is such a feast to be relaxed with its arches, lakes and flowers. It’s actually located close to Aveiro Museum and it’s much worth visiting. Unfortunately, I missed it as I find the best things upon writing the blog posts.

Visiting Costa Nova Aveiro beaches

Costa Nova is a charming village to enjoy the beach life in Aveiro. Characterized by the colourful striped houses, your inspiration to spend a few days in Aveiro is certain.

On this lovely peninsula, you can visit the two most popular beaches, Praia da Costa Nova and Praia da Barra. There’s even the lighthouse so plenty of fantastic photos await you in Costa Nova.

Beyond the beach, there are a lot of seafood restaurants and a fish market.

Only 12 km is the distance from Aveiro so don’t hesitate to pick up a bus on a big avenue next to the train station.

Admire the beautiful architecture

Already mentioning the gorgeous Museu de Arte Nova, it’s the prettiest building in Aveiro. On the way from the train station to the historical center you’ll notice the amazing architecture.

Let’s start with the wonderful Portuguese tiles of the old train station. Learning about the city’s history is a fantastic way to admire the beautiful tiles.

Among the charming Art Noveau building near the Central Canal, you can admire also Casa dos Ovos Moles and Antigua Casa de Cooperativa Agricola.

Explore the ceramics of Aveiro

Depicting its artistic soul, several ceramics galleries shine in Aveiro. Beyond the craft and souvenir shops, you can admire the traditional salt production engraved into the ceramics. Let’s mention once again the Vista Alegre Museum in Ilhavo which celebrates the porcelain treasure.

Beyond Aveiro- Bussaco Mountain & its garden

If you’re staying a few days in Aveiro, consider to explore its surroundings and visit the Bussaco Mountain. Through this exotic forest, get a chance to be immersed in fantastic trails and serene vibes.

More photo opportunities await at the Bussaco Palace Hotel, a 5-star hotel bursting with elegance. Surrounded by the picturesque lakes, you can completely relax in its gardens.

Other stunning day trips from Aveiro include Vagos, Agueda or Mira.

Where to stay in Aveiro

Aveiro Rossio Hostel– beautifully designed hostel with plenty of activities in the heart of Aveiro;

Hotel do Mercado– cozy and spacious rooms including the fitness;

Melia Ria Hotel & Spa– awesome hotel near the canal view with the spa and indoor pool;

Hotel day Salinas– perfect location close to the wonderful park;

Final thoughts

Visiting Aveiro is definitely worth it more than a day trip from Porto. It will allow you to spend some time at the picturesque beaches of Costa Nova and do the hiking around. Even if you don’t take a boat ride, Aveiro will let you admire its relaxing surroundings.

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