Just 250 km from Lisbon, Aveiro is a charming city famous for its canals, colorful moliceiro boats, and the delicious local treat called ovos moles. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” it is perfect for a day trip or a peaceful weekend. Getting there is easy, taking about 2.5 hours by train or car. Once you arrive, you can explore the picturesque streets, admire the unique Art Nouveau buildings, and visit the nearby beaches. With its relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery, Aveiro is a must-visit for anyone exploring Portugal.
How to Travel from Lisbon to Aveiro
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Aveiro, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Getting from Lisbon to Aveiro is easy, with several transport options to suit your plans.
The train is the most popular choice, with regular departures from Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and is comfortable, convenient and perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Driving is another great option. The journey along the A1 motorway also takes around 2.5 hours and gives you the flexibility to explore nearby places such as Costa Nova. Just be aware that parking in the center of Aveiro can be tricky at busy times.
You can also travel by bus, with services departing from Sete Rios station. Buses take a little longer than trains, but are still a good option if you’re on a budget.
For a stress-free experience, consider booking a guided tour. Many tours include transport, a moliceiro boat ride and stops at top attractions such as the canals and Costa Nova’s famous striped houses.
Best Things to Do and See in Aveiro
Explore the Canals on a Moliceiro
The canals are the heart of Aveiro and a must for anyone visiting the city. The best way to experience their charm is to take a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat. These colourful boats, once used to collect seaweed, now offer relaxing cruises through the canals, giving you a unique view of the city’s beautiful streets and buildings. Most cruises last around 45 minutes and are perfect for learning about Aveiro’s history while enjoying the scenery. It’s a peaceful and fun way to explore the ‘Venice of Portugal’, but don’t forget your sunscreen on sunny days!
Discover Costa Nova's fishing village
Costa Nova is a picturesque seaside village near Aveiro, famous for its colourful striped houses known as “palheiros”. These distinctive cottages, once used to store fishing gear, are now charming homes and popular photo spots for visitors. The village has beautiful sandy beaches, a lively fish market and some of the best seafood restaurants in the region. Take a stroll along the boardwalk that connects Costa Nova to Barra Beach, where you can enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Costa Nova is definitely a must see for anyone visiting Aveiro!
Experience the salt pans of Aveiro
The Salinas de Aveiro are a unique and historic part of the city’s culture. For centuries, these salt flats played a crucial role in Aveiro’s economy, producing high quality salt and flor de sal using traditional methods. Today, visitors can explore the Troncalhada Eco-Museum to learn about the salt-making process and admire the beautiful salt flats. Guided tours allow visitors to watch and even try their hand at salt harvesting. A visit to the Salinas is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Aveiro’s history while enjoying its stunning natural surroundings.
Visit the Museu de Aveiro
The Aveiro Museum, housed in the beautiful Convent of Jesus, is an excellent place to explore the city’s history. Built in 1461, the convent features stunning architecture, including tranquil cloisters and chapels. Inside the museum, visitors can view a collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures and ceremonial pieces. A highlight of the museum is the marble tomb of Princess Saint Joana, who lived in the convent in the 15th century. The peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to learn about Aveiro’s past. If you are visiting the city, this museum is a must.
Try the famous Ovos Moles
No visit to Aveiro is complete without tasting ovos moles, the city’s famous sweet. Made from egg yolk and sugar, these creamy delicacies are wrapped in thin rice paper. They have a super sweet and slightly rich flavour that makes them well worth a try. You can find ovos moles in almost every café and pastry shop in Aveiro, and they make the perfect souvenir to take home. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or just want to try something local, ovos moles are a must when you’re in town!
Explore the Art Nouveau scene
Aveiro is famous for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings, especially along the main canal. These colourful structures, with their curved lines and detailed wrought iron accents, give the city a unique charm. As you walk around, you’ll see these architectural treasures that make Aveiro feel like an open-air Art Nouveau museum. To learn more, visit the Museu de Arte Nova, housed in one of these stunning buildings. Don’t miss the tea house inside the museum, where you can enjoy a local delicacy. It’s the perfect way to experience the city’s artistic history.
Visit the cathedral of Aveiro
The Aveiro Cathedral, or Sé de Aveiro, is one of the city’s most important landmarks, located right in the heart of the city near the Aveiro Museum. Originally built in the 15th century as a Dominican monastery, the cathedral blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles due to renovations over time. Inside, you’ll find beautiful altars, detailed woodwork, and religious artefacts. Don’t miss the chance to climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Aveiro. A visit to the cathedral is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and architecture.
Walk around the old town
The historic centre of Aveiro is a wonderful place to explore on foot. Walk through narrow streets filled with colourful buildings and beautiful Azulejos tiles. As you wander, you’ll come across charming churches, statues, and artwork. Follow the canals to see the iconic Moliceiros boats and colourful bridges along the way. Aveiro is small, so it’s easy to get lost in its beauty and discover hidden corners. Take your time, enjoy the sights, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this lovely city.
Where to Stay in Aveiro
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Aveiro is truly memorable.
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Transportation in Aveiro
Exploring Aveiro is easy thanks to its compact size and excellent transport network.
Walking is the best way to enjoy the charming streets, colourful canals and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. Don’t miss a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat to experience the canals up close. For a fun and eco-friendly way to explore, you can hire a free ‘BUGA’ bike from the city. If you want to visit the stunning beaches nearby, such as Costa Nova, local buses are a quick and easy way to get there. Taxis and ride-share options are also available, making it easy to get around at your own pace.
Best Tours in Aveiro
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Aveiro is truly memorable.
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