Aveiro

The Basics

Built on the lagoon of an estuary, Aveiro was an important salt production center in Roman times; nowadays it’s a popular tourist destination. For most visitors, a city tour on abarco moliceiro is a must. Once used for harvesting seaweed, these brightly painted traditional boats are similar in shape to the Venetian gondola. Some sightseeing cruises include lunch and round-trip transport from nearby cities. Aveiro is close to both Coimbra and Porto, and it’s easy to explore several towns in the region on a single trip.

If you’re craving time in nature, head to the São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve for a hike. Or, hit the beaches of Barra and Costa Nova, which attract families and surfers in equal measure. Look for Costa Nova’s striped wooden houses, as well as the Barra lighthouse, whose light can be seen 26 miles (42 kilometers) away.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Getting onboard abarco moliceiro may be challenging for travelers with limited mobility.

How to Get There

Located on Portugal’s northern coast, Aveiro is less than an hour’s drive from the Porto airport. Local trains travel between Porto and Aveiro daily.

When to Get There

The ideal times to visit Aveiro are spring and summer, when longer days and warm weather make exploring more enjoyable. If possible, plan your trip around one of Aveiro’s several festivals, such as the monthlong March Fair, which celebrates the arrival of spring with musical performances, food stalls, and more.

Art Nouveau in Aveiro

In the early 20th century, wealthy Portuguese returned from Brazil and built themselves villas in the art nouveau style fashionable at the time. Stroll through Aveiro’s Rossio district to see some of the best examples, then check out the Art Nouveau Museum, housed in a former private residence.

What is Aveiro known for?

Aveiro is best known for its canal systems, which are navigated by colorful boats that look a little like a local version of Italian gondolas. The small city is also reasonably well known for its collection of art nouveau buildings around its historical center.

What are moliceiros, and can you ride them in Aveiro?

Moliceiros are colorful traditional boats that Aveiro locals once used for harvesting seaweed and traveling along the city’s canals. Today, though, they’re mostly used for taking tourists on rides along the local canals. Visitors will find the boats at the Moliceiros Pier on the north side of the Central Canal.

What are the best things to do in Aveiro?

A cruise around Aveiro’s canals may be the most famous activity for visitors, but it’s just one of the best things to do in Aveiro. Other visitor activities include seeing the tiles at Aveiro Station, walking through Infante Dom Pedro Park, and admiring the religious art at the Aveiro Museum.

What is the best time of year to visit Aveiro?

The best time of year to visit Aveiro depends on your plans. If you want to make the most of Costa Nova's beaches, it’s best to go in summer, between June and August. But to visit the city and see its sights, try coming on either side of summer in April, May, September, or October when it will be less busy.

Are there any beaches near Aveiro?

Yes, there are beaches near Aveiro for visitors looking to combine their city exploration with some time at the seaside. Costa Nova is a seaside community just outside the center of Aveiro that offers long sandy beaches that run south from the Aveiro Lighthouse past rows of homes painted in colorful stripes.

Is Aveiro a good destination for a day trip?

Yes, Aveiro is a destination well suited to a day trip thanks to its size and assortment of attractions. A day trip to Aveiro works best when coming from Porto, as you can simply take the train there on Porto’s urban train line in less than one hour.