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Things to do in Aveiro, Portugal - Blog Voyage - Découvrir Ensemble

Things to do in Aveiro, Portugal

Last update : 25 February 2024
Summary

For those who dream of escaping to Portugal, we suggest a visit to Aveiro, a colorful destination where life is good! Known as the “Little Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro now has a population of 80,000, and still perpetuates ancient traditions such as hand-harvesting salt and making ceramics. This Portuguese town is clearly worth a visit, and we hope this article will make you want to discover it even more. Let’s hit the road!

Visiting Aveiro, where to stay?

Aveiro Rossio Bed & Breakfast

We recommend this hotel as it’s very well located right in the heart of the city, which can be very convenient if you want to explore the center on foot. We loved the comfort of the rooms and its hearty breakfasts.

Costa Nova hotel

Costa Nova Hotel

If you want to spend your vacation at the foot of Aveiro’s beaches we recommend this small hotel. The hotel is top-notch and perfectly matches the architectural style of Costa Nova, immersion guaranteed!

Visiting Aveiro, what to do? Must-sees

1. Aveiro city center

What immediately catches the eye in Aveiro’s center is its beautiful palette of colors! From the colorful facades of the houses to the bright colors of the traditional boats that ply the city’s canals. These boats are called Moliceiro. Borrow one for a tour of the city, costing 7 euros for a 45-minute cruise commented by guides who speak French, English and Portuguese.

Visit Aveiro
 

Aveiro’s historic center

A very large part of Aveiro’s historic center is reserved for pedestrians, making it a dynamic place enlivened by the many café terraces and street shops. In Aveiro’s old town, you’ll be seduced by the many buildings, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Portuguese alleyways. What also gives this seaside resort its charm is that it’s not overrun with tourists.

Visit Aveiro
 

Visit Aveiro city center by bike

To visit Aveiro, the city offers totally free self-service bicycles, the BUGAs. To use them, simply hand in your ID at the stands in the market square.

Visit Aveiro
 

 

2. The Costa Nova district

The Costa Nova district is one of our favorite places in Aveiro. We love strolling through this old fishing district. The area offers a traditional setting and is particularly famous for its Palheiros, the region’s typical wooden houses with brightly colored stripes.

You’ll also find some excellent seafood restaurants here. If you’re visiting Aveiro, Costa Nova is a must! To round off your day, head for Aveiro’s sand dunes and beaches, very famous in Portugal.

Costa Nova Aveiro Costa Nova Aveiro Costa Nova
 

3. Aveiro’s beaches

The Costa Brava beach

Aveiro has magnificent wild beaches as far as the eye can see. Separated from the roadside by huge sand dunes, the beaches are accessible via numerous wooden walkways. On site, you’ll find small beach bars where you can enjoy a gourmet moment overlooking the sea. Costa Nova beach is known as a surfer’s paradise, and as lovers of good waves, we were delighted!

Costa Nova
 

Barra beach

For families with children, we recommend Barra beach. It’s much quieter than Costa Nova. To get there, just look out for the Aveiro lighthouse, with the sandy beach just below. You’ll fall in love with the cliffs and coves of this great beach! The crystal-clear waters are almost worth the beaches of the Algarve.

Visiter Aveiro Costa Nova Beach
 

A must… The sunset!

The sunset on the beach is a must! This beach is virtually deserted at this hour, which makes the moment even more magical. You’ll feel like you’re all alone in the world (or almost)! Remember to cover up, as the wind is strong in the early evening, even in the middle of August.

Visit Aveiro
 

Visiting Aveiro, what to eat? Specialities 

Portugal is known the world over for its good food at affordable prices. Aveiro is no exception, with excellent local specialities. Go for the famous Portuguese cod fritters and pastéis de nata, or dare to try the city’s own specialties! On the menu: Ovos Moles d’Aveiro, (soft eggs) or tripas d’Aveiro, a double pancake with your choice of filling.

Portuguese food
 

Visit Aveiro, surroundings 

After your stay in Aveiro and if time allows, we recommend you plan a tour of the surrounding area, there’s so much to see! You can visit Lisbon and its Belem Tower or the beautiful city of Porto.

miradouro santa luzia lisbonne

 

Thank you for reading

We hope that the tips and good addresses on our travel blog will help you visit Aveiro!

You can also follow our daily adventures on Instagram 🙂
Clem & Alex

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