Explore Aveiro in Portugal: 10 Unforgettable Bucket List Experiences
Explore Aveiro in Portugal: 10 Unforgettable Bucket List Experiences
Nestled along Portugal’s scenic Silver Coast, Aveiro is a charming city that delights visitors with its unique mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Famous for its beautiful canals, typical colourful “moliceiro boats” and stunning Art Nouveau buildings, this is a destination you should add to your Portugal bucket list. I’ve recently revisited Aveiro and I was captured once again by its beauty. So I’ve prepared a guide to explore Aveiro in Portugal: 10 Unforgettable Bucket List Experiences.
Aveiro’s history is deeply connected with the sea and salt production, dating back from Roman times when it became a key salt-trading hub. During the Middle Age, Aveiro thrived as a prominent port town, thanks to its strategic location at the coast. However, in the 16th century a severe storm blocked its harbour, causing economic hardship. The city rebounded in the 19th century with the opening of a canal system that reconnected it to the ocean. Today, Aveiro’s historic salt pans and beautifully preserved architecture reflect its rich maritime heritage, blending the past with the vibrant charm of a modern city.
Often known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its meandering canals and typical moliceiro boats, Aveiro also has a lot to offer nearby the city. One of Aveiro’s most distinctive feature is its stunning coastal villages like Costa Nova and Barra, where candy-striped beach houses and Portugal’s tallest lighthouse provide a striking backdrop for scenic exploration.
Aveiro is very well connected with other Portuguese cities by train or bus, so you can easily combine it with Lisbon, Porto or Coimbra. If you have a car, you should definitely include Aveiro in a roadtrip around Portugal. It is located less than 1 hour driving from Porto or Coimbra, and 2 hours and a half driving from Lisbon.
This city is an unforgettable journey! The welcoming streets, lively markets and diverse landscapes create a mosaic of experiences, from tranquil nature escapes to bustling local life. Explore Aveiro in your next getaway in Portugal! Here’s a list of 10 unforgettable bucket list experiences in Aveiro you won’t want to miss!I
Explore Aveiro Canals and Take a Boat Ride in a Moliceiro
Located near the Ria, Vouga’s river estuary where its waters merge with the sea, Aveiro is crossed by a network of enchanting channels. The main canal is the Central Canal, crossing many of the most known spots in the city centre. So a stroll by this canal is a great way to start exploring the city.
But there are other smaller canals like Canal of Pyramids, named like this due to two pyramids that used to sign the entrance of the city. Or Saint Roque’s Canal, near the old fisherman’s neighbourhood. Or even Cojo Canal that used to connect the city with an old factory.
In Aveiro you will see the traditional moliceiros all over the city, sailing in its beautiful canals. These brightly painted boats were once used for seaweed harvesting, and now they offer visitors a relaxing way to see the city’s sights from the water. A boat ride in a moliceiro is an experience you can’t miss. The canal tour brings a unique perspective of Aveiro, blending local history with unforgettable views.
There are some tours combining a tuk tuk and a moliceiro ride to visit to the most relevant sites of the city. That’s a good plan for visitors doing a day trip to Aveiro to see its key highlights in a short time.
Stroll around the City Centre and its Art Nouveau Buildings
Strolling around Aveiro’s centre is like walking in an open-air museum. The city is well known for its Art Nouveau buildings which bring an unforgettable touch of elegance to Aveiro’s streets. The city’s vibrant and artistic flair is evident in the intricate facades of the buildings that line its streets, particularly along the scenic João Mendonça Street and Praça do Peixe (Fish Square).
Art Nouveau in Aveiro is characterised by elegant, curved lines, detailed wrought-iron balconies and elaborate tile work that often depicts nature-inspired motifs like flowers and animals. This architectural style gained popularity in the early 20th century, when wealthy Portuguese emigrants returned home, bringing with them European influences and funding the construction of these beautiful structures.
Exploring these buildings let you experience Aveiro’s artistic side. It’s worth to visit Art Nouveau Museum, also known as Casa Major Pessoa. Housed in one of the city’s most iconic Art Nouveau buildings, the museum provides an immersive experience that explores the style’s origins and impact.
In the city centre you will find many shops, coffees and restaurants where you can try the delicious traditional food from the region. The city’s gastronomic highlight is undoubtedly its seafood, with fresh fish, eels and the popular caldeirada de enguias (eel stew) taking center stage. But what truly sets Aveiro apart is its signature sweet treat, ovos moles. This dessert, made from egg yolks and sugar, is an artisanal specialty often molded into sea-inspired shapes, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage.
Don’t miss the “I Love Aveiro” colourful staircase that has become a favourite photo spot for visitors. Surrounded by historic buildings and close to the picturesque canals, the staircase is a charming place to pause, take in the view, and snap a memorable photo that captures Aveiro’s lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Walk by Aveiro Railway Station
Aveiro Railway Station is a stunning example of Portuguese architectural charm, standing as a gateway to the city’s vibrant culture and history. More than only a transportation hub, this station is a feast for the eyes. Built in the early 20th century, it is adorned with vibrant azulejos, the famous Portuguese tiles.
Even if you are not traveling by train, I recommend to walk around the station. As you approach the building, the dazzling blue and white tiles in its facades immediately captivate, showcasing intricate designs that have become well known in Portuguese decorative arts.
Cross Aveiro’s Iconic Bridges
Walking or cruising through Aveiro, you will find its iconic bridges, each with its own character and beauty. The Friendship Bridge (Ponte dos Laços de Amizade) is particularly memorable, adorned with colourful ribbons tied by visitors as a symbol of friendship and love. Bring a ribbon if you’d like to add your own personal touch to the Friendship Bridge!
Another unique bridge is the Carcavelos Bridge in Saint Roque’s Canal, one of the most famous bridges in the city. It was built in 1953 to replace the old one that had fallen 11 years before, and it is located in Beira-Mar neighbourhood.
Very close to Carcavelos Bridge, don’t miss Circular Pedestrian, also known as Botirões Bridge. This pedestrian steel bridge above São Roque Canal and Botirões Canal has a very unique form of eternity symbol.
Visit Sé de Aveiro Cathedral and São Gonçalinho Chapel
Sé de Aveiro Cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Dominic, is a remarkable historic and architectural gem located in the heart of the city. Originally founded as a Dominican convent in the 15th century, the cathedral reflects a blend of Baroque and Gothic influences, showcasing Portugal’s rich architecture heritage.
Its majestic facade has intricate stone carvings and classic bell towers. Inside, the cathedral is adorned with altars, religious statues, and detailed tile work, offering a peaceful ambiance and a glimpse into the city’s religious history.
Another well-known religious site in the city is São Gonçalinho Chapel. It is dedicated to Saint Gonçalo, a beloved local patron revered by the city’s fishing community, who sees him as a protector of sailors and fishermen.
Nestled in Beira-Mar neighbourhood, this small whitewashed chapel has become the focal point of one of Aveiro’s most lively and unique celebrations: São Gonçalinho Festival held in January. During the festivities, locals and visitors gather to honor the saint by tossing cavacas (typical hard, sugar-glazed sweets) from the chapel’s roof to the crowds below. This is a playful and symbolic gesture that is said to bring good fortune and blessings.
Discover Aveiro Salt Pans
Aveiro’s salt pans, called Salinas, are an essential part of the city’s heritage, deeply tied to its culture and economy. Located in Ria de Aveiro lagoon, these traditional salt pans have been in operation for centuries, making Aveiro one of Portugal’s most important salt-producing regions.
The process remains largely unchanged, relying on the natural rhythm of the tides and the expertise of the marnotos — the skilled salt workers who oversee each step of the harvest. From spring to late summer, the salt pans become a striking landscape of geometric pools, glistening under the sun as seawater evaporates and leaves behind pure white salt crystals.
Visiting the salt pans offers a fascinating glimpse into this ancient craft. Guided tours provide insights into the delicate process of salt production and its importance in local life. Beyond their historical value, the salt pans also support a unique ecosystem, attracting various bird species and making the area popular among nature lovers and photographers.
Additionally, the salt harvested here is still used in local cuisine and sold as a high-quality artisanal product, prized for its purity and mineral-rich flavour. Watching the salt-harvesting process and exploring this area at sunset is an unforgettable experience, with shimmering pools reflecting the sky and salt crystals and creating a striking white landscape.
Climb one of the highest lighthouses in the world in Barra Beach
For an unforgettable beach experience and towering views of the coast, head to Barra Beach less than 15 minutes driving from Aveiro. With its long stretch of golden sand, it is perfect for a walk by the sea or a great beach day during summer. It is also a good choice for some water sports like surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing or sailing.
Barra Beach is home to Portugal’s tallest lighthouse, Farol da Barra with 62 meters high, which is also one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. You can visit it on Wednesdays and if you are up for the climb, admire incredible panoramic views to the Atlantic’s rugged charm.
Admire Costa Nova Colourful Stripped Houses
A not to miss visit in Aveiro’s region is undoubtedly Costa Nova. Exploring this coastal village is like stepping into a postcard with its iconic, brightly striped houses lining the coastal avenue.
Originally built as fishermen’s storage huts in the late 19th century, the palheiros are now cherished landmarks, painted in vibrant hues of red, blue, yellow and green. Each house tells a story of the village’s sea heritage, with the unique stripes reflecting a time when locals used bold colours to make their homes visible against the coastal backdrop.
Beyond the houses, Costa Nova is steeped in maritime tradition. The village’s roots lie in fishing, and you can still see evidence of its close connection to the sea in the local culture and cuisine.
Costa Nova’s stunning beach and scenic walkways are perfect for soaking up the coastal atmosphere. The wide sandy beach stretches along the Atlantic, ideal for sunbathing, surfing, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze. A wooden walkway winds along the dunes, providing a pleasant pathway for leisurely strolls with sweeping views of the sea.
Stay in a Boat Hotel in Costa Nova
Staying at Costa do Sal Boat Lounge Hotel is a truly unique bucket list experience. This floating hotel offers an immersive stay, allowing guests to sleep just above the calm waters of the lagoon where it is located. The rooms provide a cozy, nautical and classy atmosphere with panoramic views to the lagoon.
The facilities and activities offered right from the boat’s doorstep makes this stay even more unforgettable. The outdoors lounge and the rooftop bar offer unparalleled views to the lagoon and Costa Nova coastal village. While staying there, don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the sun or watch the sunset from the boat’s rooftop. I also recommend to enjoy a gourmet meal on board prepared with local flavours and typical delicacies.
Costa do Sal Boat Lounge Hotel is deeply rooted in history. Built in 1906, it was a passenger’s vessel in France and the Netherlands for decades. Later in 1996, the boat arrived to Portugal where it operated as a hotel in Lisbon World’s Fair Expo 98, and as a cruise boat in Douro River. In 2021 it underwent a remarkable transformation into a floating hotel. Today it stands as a unique symbol of maritime heritage, blending its century-old history with modern amenities, inviting guests to a truly memorable setting.
Perfectly located at walking distance to Costa Nova’s iconic stripped houses, Costa do Sal Boat Lounge Hotel is perfect for those who wish to explore the colourful and photogenic charm of one of Portugal’s most famous seaside villages.
Enjoy nature at Pateira de Fermentelos, Portugal’s Largest Lagoon
If you are a nature lover, don’t miss Pateira de Fermentelos located 30 minutes driving from Aveiro. This hidden gem is Portugal’s largest natural lagoon. Its serene waters, diverse wildlife and scenic trails makes it an unforgettable spot for hiking, kayaking or simply enjoying nature.
Pateira de Fermentelos is home to more than 150 bird species, so it is the a perfect place for birdwatching enthusiasts. When I visited the lagoon, it was partially covered with water hyacinths. At sunset, it gets particular beautiful with the golden hues of the sun going down in the serene waters.
For more travel inspiration in Portugal, visit my articles “Alentejo Perfect Roadtrip” or “One Weekend Around Lousã“.
