Portugal Homes
Get the best property advice.
Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a lively coastal city known for its canals, colourful boats, Art Nouveau architecture, and close connection to the Atlantic Ocean. Located between Porto and Coimbra, Aveiro blends maritime heritage with youthful energy, thanks in part to its university, making it an ideal destination for culture, food, and seaside exploration.
1. Discover Aveiro’s Historic Centre
Aveiro’s historic centre is compact, picturesque, and rich in architectural detail.
Elegant Art Nouveau buildings line canals and central streets
Facades decorated with curved ironwork, stained glass, and floral motifs
Easy-to-follow Art Nouveau Trail highlights the city’s finest examples
Mix of historic houses, cafés, and modern urban life
Ideal area for walking, photography, and relaxed exploration
The city’s architecture reflects its prosperity during the early 20th century.
2. Cruise the Canals by Moliceiro Boat
The moliceiro boats are an iconic image of Aveiro
No visit to Aveiro is complete without seeing it from the water.
Traditional moliceiro boats, once used for harvesting seaweed
Colourfully painted with humorous and historic scenes
Short canal rides offer a unique perspective of the city
Pass by historic buildings, bridges, and salt flats
Relaxed, scenic, and informative
This experience is the reason Aveiro earned its Venetian nickname.
3. Explore Costa Nova and Its Iconic Houses
The brightly coloured beach houses of Costa Nova are an unmissable sight if you're in Aveiro
Just outside the city lies one of Portugal’s most photogenic seaside towns.
Costa Nova is famous for its striped wooden houses
Originally built as fishermen’s storage sheds
Now brightly painted summer homes and cafés
Long sandy beach backed by dunes and the Atlantic Ocean
Popular for swimming, walking, and seaside dining
It’s an essential stop when visiting Aveiro.
4. Taste Aveiro’s Signature Sweet: Ovos Moles
Aveiro is synonymous with one of Portugal’s most famous desserts.
Ovos moles are made from sweet egg yolk custard
Wrapped in delicate rice paper shaped like shells or fish
Created by convents centuries ago
Protected designation of origin
Available in bakeries throughout the city
A must-try treat with deep local roots.
5. Relax at Praia da Barra and Visit the Lighthouse
Aveiro’s coastline offers wide beaches and maritime landmarks.
Praia da Barra is one of the region’s most popular beaches
Long stretches of sand ideal for walking and sunbathing
Strong Atlantic waves attract surfers
Home to the Barra Lighthouse, the tallest in Portugal
Iconic red-and-white stripes visible from afar
It’s perfect for combining beach time with sightseeing.
Getting to Aveiro
Aveiro is one of Portugal’s easiest cities to reach.
Located about 1 hour south of Porto by train
Direct rail connections to Lisbon and Coimbra
Well connected by major highways
Closest airport is Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
Its central location makes it ideal for day trips or longer stays.
Getting Around Aveiro
The city is flat and easy to navigate.
Historic centre is highly walkable
Public buses connect the city to beaches and nearby towns
Bike paths and rental bikes are widely available
Taxis and ride-hailing services are affordable
Exploring on foot or by bike is especially enjoyable.
Shopping in Aveiro
Shopping combines tradition with modern convenience.
Local shops selling ceramics, salt products, and souvenirs
Artisanal stores featuring nautical and Art Nouveau themes
Shopping centres and pedestrian streets in the city centre
Markets showcasing regional produce
It’s easy to find authentic gifts and local products.
Food, Cafés, and Nightlife
Aveiro offers a relaxed but lively food scene.
Strong focus on seafood, especially eel and cod dishes
Traditional restaurants and modern bistros side by side
Canal-side cafés perfect for afternoon breaks
Youthful nightlife influenced by the university population
Dining here is casual, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea.
Why Visit Aveiro?
Aveiro offers variety in a compact setting.
Historic architecture and scenic canals
Beaches and coastal towns minutes away
Distinctive local cuisine and sweets
Relaxed atmosphere with cultural depth
Whether you visit for a day or stay longer, Aveiro delivers charm, colour, and coastal elegance, making it one of Portugal’s most rewarding small cities to explore.
Portugal Homes
Get the best property advice.