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Things to Do in Aveiro: Portugal’s Most Charming Canal Town
Imagine a place where colorful boats glide through peaceful canals, salt pans shimmer under the sun, and the scent of fresh pastries drifts through the air, welcome to Aveiro, Portugal.
Often called the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ this charming coastal town offers far more than pretty photo ops. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Porto or looking for a relaxed weekend escape, Aveiro is full of surprises, and not just the moliceiro boats.
We’ve explored Aveiro firsthand and fell in love with its mix of Art Nouveau architecture and laid-back atmosphere. In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Aveiro, from must-see spots to lesser-known gems we personally enjoyed.
1. Explore the Canals of Aveiro
Aveiro’s picturesque canals are what earned it the nickname “Venice of Portugal.” Lined with colorful buildings and traditional azulejo tiles, they’re a must-see, and even better to experience by boat.
While you can enjoy walking along the water and crossing charming bridges, the real magic comes from a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective.
If you’re planning a Portugal itinerary, Aveiro’s canals alone make it worth the detour.
🤩 Check prices of a boat tour in Aveiro!
2. Go for a Moliceiro Boat Ride
To truly soak in Aveiro’s charm, hop aboard a moliceiro, the city’s iconic, colorful boats once used for seaweed harvesting. Today, they offer relaxing rides through the canals, complete with views of tiled facades and arched bridges.
Even if you’re only visiting for a day, this is a must. The guides usually share fun facts and local history during the ride, often in multiple languages.
One heads-up: partway through, the crew snapped a photo of us. We said yes without realizing it cost €5 for a printed keepsake at the end, so just be aware!
🤩 Don’t miss a moliceiro boat ride while visiting Aveiro!
3. Stroll Through the Old Town
Wandering Aveiro’s old town feels like stepping into a postcard, traditional Portuguese architecture, splashes of street art, and cozy corners everywhere you look.
You’ll find charming cafés, local shops selling handmade crafts, and peaceful squares perfect for a coffee and a bit of people-watching.
Art Nouveau architecture is a standout here, with decorative details woven into many facades. For a deeper look, pop into the Art Nouveau Museum, it offers great insight.
Also worth visiting is the Aveiro Museum, set inside a stunning 15th-century convent, where religious art and local history come together beautifully.
4. See the Azulejos at the Old Train Station
Right next to Aveiro’s modern train station stands its charming old counterpart, a must-see, especially if you’re arriving by train from Porto.
The building’s façade is covered in stunning azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue-and-white tiles), showcasing scenes from the country’s history and daily life. It’s a quick stop, but the tilework is beautiful and makes for great photos.
5. Explore Aveiro’s Salt Heritage
Aveiro has a long history of salt production, and you can see the salt pans that surround the city as a reminder of this centuries-old tradition.
To dive deeper, head to the Troncalhada Salt Museum just outside the center. It’s a small but fascinating spot where you can learn how salt was harvested and why it remains important to the region.
Some salt ponds also allow you to float in high-salinity water, like a mini Dead Sea experience. I didn’t get to try it in Aveiro, but I did float in a salt pool near Olhão in the Algarve, and it was amazing, definitely worth checking if available during your visit!
6. Snap Photos of the Striped Houses in Costa Nova
Just a short bus ride from Aveiro, Costa Nova is a seaside village famous for its candy-colored striped houses. Originally used by fishermen to store equipment, these charming buildings are now one of the most iconic (and Instagrammed) sights in the area.
Stroll the promenade, soak in the ocean breeze, and admire the playful architecture that makes Costa Nova so unique.
Tip: The bus didn’t show up on Google Maps when I visited. It sets off on the opposite side of the canal where all the Moliceiro set off on R. do Clube dos Galitos. You can get the ticket inside the bus, a return ticket is about €5.
7. Relax at Costa Nova Beach
After admiring the striped houses, head straight to Costa Nova Beach for some well-earned relaxation. With soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of space to spread out, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking up the Atlantic breeze.
Feeling active? You can rent a bike to explore the coastline or try out water sports if you’re up for an adventure.
Where to Eat in Aveiro (Vegan-Friendly!)
Aveiro is famous for its seafood and a local sweet called Ovos Moles, but as a vegan, I didn’t try either. That said, I didn’t go hungry!
One standout spot I can recommend is Green Point, a cozy restaurant near the old train station with a great selection of vegan dishes. Everything I tried was flavorful and thoughtfully prepared, perfect for plant-based travelers exploring the city.
How to Get to Aveiro
Aveiro sits about 75 km (47 miles) south of Porto, making it an easy stop between Porto and Lisbon, though Lisbon is a bit farther.
By Train:
The train is affordable, efficient, and offers scenic views. Check timetables here.
- From Porto, trains to Aveiro take 1 to 1.5 hours and run frequently from Sao Bento station.
- From Lisbon, the ride takes around 2.5 hours one way.
By Guided Tour:
If you’d like to combine Aveiro with nearby Coimbra, consider a guided day tour. It’s a stress-free way to see both cities without managing logistics.
By Car:
Planning a road trip between Lisbon and Porto? Aveiro makes a perfect pit stop with its canals, beaches, and charm right along the route.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability for Aveiro & Coimbra tours from Porto!
Beyond Aveiro: Discover More of Portugal’s Hidden Gems
Aveiro truly is one of Portugal’s most charming cities, from its colorful canals and striped houses to its salt flats and beaches, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with it.
That said, especially in the summer months, Aveiro can get a bit crowded. If you’re looking to explore Portugal beyond the usual tourist spots, why not venture off the beaten path?
I’ve rounded up some of the most underrated towns and natural gems across the country in this guide to hidden gems in Portugal, perfect if you’re craving something quieter, more authentic, and just as beautiful.
No matter where you go, Portugal never disappoints, but if you start with Aveiro, you’re off to a great beginning.
Read more on what to do in the North of Portugal:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in North Portugal
- Ultimate 3 Day Porto Itinerary
- Best Boat Tours in Porto
- The 5 Best Douro Valley Wine Tours
- One Day In Porto Portugal: Ultimate Itinerary
- 7 Best Day Trips from Porto by Train
- We Tried Out 11 Vegan Restaurants in Porto
- Is Aveiro Worth Visiting? A trip to Portugal’s Venice
- Aveiro Portugal: Things to Do for an Unforgettable Time
- Is Coimbra Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons Why It Is!
- Amazing Day Trip from Porto to Guimarães
- Day Trip to Braga from Porto: Is it Worth it?
- Best Beach Near Porto
- Day Trip To Porto From Lisbon: Is It Worth It?
- Lisbon and Porto Itinerary: 7 Epic Days in Portugal
- Amazing 10-Day Portugal Itinerary by Train
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