Aveiro

About Aveiro

Water is, and has been, the lifeblood of Aveiro since prehistoric times. Fronted by the Atlantic Ocean, bordered to the west by the Boco River, and intersected by a network of canals, Aveiro was originally a fishing village but has evolved to become one of Portugal's most attractive holiday destinations.

Because of its urban waterways navigated by gondola-type boats called moliceiros, a traditional Portuguese fishing craft now used to ferry tourists, Aveiro is often likened to the Italian city of Venice, but that's where the similarities end. The architecture in Aveiro is relatively modern and most of the buildings lining the canal sides, apart from the city's cathedral, only date back to the 20th century. They're a blaze of Art Deco color though with a heavy Brazilian influence that has created a pleasant, stunningly picturesque, but rare location that is listed on the prestigious Réseau Art Nouveau Network.

Aveiro is a city that has come a long way culturally since its bygone days of seaweed harvesting and salt farming too. Now with several museums, galleries, and some world-renowned music, dance and photography festivals held there every year, as a place to visit in Portugal, it's one to be reckoned with.

Things to do in Aveiro

Aveiro is seriously underrated when it comes to things to do compared with other major Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto. There's a countless list of activities plus many incredible places to visit in Aveiro that will literally leave you astounded. Aveiro is located in an area of exceptional natural beauty too, so it’s ideal for outdoor adventures, and while Aveiro itself has no beach, there are superb stretches of sand within a very short distance of the city.  

• Spend the day in the Dunas de Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve hiking through the dune formations, spotting local wildlife or working on your tan.
• Crane your neck to focus on the top of the Faro del Aveiro, the tallest lighthouse in Portugal.
• Spend a morning or afternoon browsing the exhibits in the Museu de Arte Nova.
• Learn where the seasoning on your dinner comes from by visiting the salt flats of the Salinas de Aveiro followed by a visit to the Ecomuseu Marinha da Troncalhada.
• Attend a workshop on how to make the local sweet delicacy of ovos moles de Aveiro then eat a plateful of the sugar-coated, soft-boiled egg yolks.
• Visit the historic Aveiro fish market that's been operating since the 18th century to see where the locals buy the produce for their tasty cuisine.
• Discover the taste of traditional Portuguese food by dining on fresh fish at the O Batel restaurant. Their seafood rice is a must-try dish.
• Float through the canals of Aveiro in a moliceiro to see the city's architecture from a different perspective.

Transit options in Aveiro

• The nearest airport to Aveiro is the Francisco Sa Carneiro International Airport in Porto eighty kilometers away. There are frequent metro and train services operating between the two.
• The main train station in Aveiro is the Aveiro Train Station located on R. Artur de Almeida Eca. The station receives trains from Porto and Lisbon.
• The bus station in Aveiro is situated directly opposite the train station. It operates local services only and there are no bus connections from there to the airport in Porto.

Luggage storage in Aveiro

A lot of the time you'll be in Aveiro you'll be either on the water in a boat, exploring its streets or visiting museums. Moliceiros aren't spacious enough to cope with bulky luggage and you could end up sinking the craft if you try to board with your suitcase. Entering Aveiro's museums or galleries with heavy bags isn't permitted either. Drop your bags at a Bounce luggage locker in Aveiro and you'll be all set to enjoy this beautiful Portuguese city in comfort.

Attractions and activities near Aveiro

Costa Nova: Costa Nova is a semi-developed resort ten minutes drive from Aveiro and one of the nearest beaches to the city. Located on a peninsula separated from the Portuguese mainland by the Aveiro Lagoon, the Praia de Costa Nova is a lengthy swath of sand and dunes several kilometers long that merges with the neighboring beach of Praia de Barre. One of Costa Nova's most outstanding features, and one that everyone goes there to see, are its colorful beach houses. The red, blue, green, and white striped wooden structures line the beach promenade in regimental, photo-worthy rows reminiscent of a British seaside resort - only one with sun rather than rain.

Porto: If you fly into Porto to get to Aveiro it would be a shame not to take a look at the city while you're there. Drop your bags at a Bounce luggage locker in Porto or at Porto Airport first, then set out to make the most of a few hours in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

In Porto, you can wander around the maze of cobbled streets, take a stroll along the Rio Douro or through the ornate gardens of the Palacio de Cristal. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Bolsa Palace or browse transport of bygone days in the Tram Museum, then catch up with the local marine life in the Sea Life Center. Before boarding your train to Aveiro take in some impressive views of the city and river by taking a ride on the Guindais Funicular Railway.