Guide to Aveiro, Portugal: Top Things to Do & See
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is home to winding canals, traditional Portuguese food, and salt flats. You will find interesting architecture, delectable seafood, and friendly locals in this small village in Northern Portugal. This quick guide to Aveiro will cover everything you need to know for the perfect trip to Aveiro.
Aveiro is located between Porto and Lisbon which makes it a perfect and easy stop in between. Many travelers see both cities; so break up the 4 hours bus ride with a stop in Aveiro! Aveiro is also located on the coast so you can have a beach day at Costa Nova on your visit.
This post is all about your quick guide to Aveiro, Portugal.
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Best Places To Stay In Aveiro
Since Aveiro is a small village, there are not many hotels to choose from, I have made a list of the best options including luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels in Aveiro.
Luxury Aveiro Hotels
MS Collection Aveiro - Your best option for a luxury stay in Aveiro is the MS Collection Aveiro. At the MS Collection you will find elegant room decor, two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, and more. Receiving splendid reviews the MS Collection is centrally located and is a fabulous boutique hotel.
Melia Ria Hotel and Spa - You will find Melia Ria Hotel and Spa in the heart of Aveiro. At the luxury hotel you can find a restaurant, pool, bar, fitness center, and spa. The Melia Ria Hotel is a lovely place to relax after a day of adventure in Aveiro.
Mid-Range Aveiro Hotels
Aveiro Hotel Palace - The newly renovated Aveiro Hotel Palace is a great place to stay in Aveiro. The bright, spacious rooms with soundproof walls are equated with your own outdoor patio, a TV, a private bathroom and more. Located in the heart of Aveiro you will find restaurants and shopping right outside.
1877 Estrela Palace - The centrally located Estrela Palace is a lovely place to stay because of the comfortable rooms, in house cafe, bar, and private terraces with views of Aveiro.
Budget Aveiro Hotels
Hotel das Salinas - Hotel das Salinas is one of the best options for a budget hotel in Aveiro because of the location, amenities, and staff. The hotel is thoughtfully decorated and aesthetically pleasing.
Costa Nova Hotel - Complete with an outdoor pool, garden, and lounge the Costa Nova Hotel is right on the famous Costa Nova Beach.
Getting Around / Getting To Aveiro
If you are visiting Aveiro you are most likely in transit to Porto or Lisbon as it is located in between the two cities.
The closest airport is the Porto Airport. I would suggest spending a few days in Porto before visiting Aveiro. From Porto you can either rent a car, take a bus, or take the train. Aveiro is only an hours drive from Porto so it is an easy day trip if you have an extra day in Porto. I took the train from Porto and it was easy.
Lisbon is a bit farther away from Aveiro than Porto, so it would be best to do an overnight or to do a stop on the way to Porto in Aveiro. You can take the bus, train, or drive from Lisbon.
If you are doing a day trip to Aveiro from Porto than opt for a tour. I love tours because they are less stressful than navigating public transportation. This tour has great reviews and is affordable.
Private transportation is surprisingly cheap from Porto.
What To do In Aveiro
Explore The Aveiro Canals
Aveiro is most famous for its canals. If you can, try to do a gondola ride. There are many gondola tour companies to choose from. Read about each one. Some go longer than others and some go to lagoons too!
If you don’t want to spend the money on the gondola ride you can easily walk or bike along the canal.
Visit Costa Nova
The instagram famous Costa Nova is the closest beach to Aveiro. Known for the striped houses making the perfect backdrop for a photo, Costa Nova is a must visit in Aveiro.
Costa Nova has a cute little town with a few shops and cafes that leads out to the Atlantic ocean.
Take some cute pictures and enjoy the beach at Costa Nova!
Learn About Aveiro Salt Flats
Take a drive over to the Aveiro Salt Flats that anyone can visit for free.
Be sure to see the Salt Flats Museum in the heart of Aveiro so you can learn about why Aveiro has salt flats, canals and lagoons.
Go Shopping
Aveiro has some of the best shopping in Portugal. You can find quality items for fair prices. Aveiro has many shops and cafes to pop into. In cities like Lisbon and Porto the shopping will be more expensive for the same items, but in Aveiro you can find better prices for almost everything.
Almost all of the shops are locally owned and are super unique. I would have bought a lot more if I wasn’t backpacking.
My favorite shops in Aveiro are ALE-HOP Aveiro and A Casa de Rosa.
Wander The Streets
From the canals to the cobblestone streets the city of Aveiro is truly gorgeous. Just to wake up in Aveiro is so special. To walk down the streets and admire the unique architecture with a coffee in hand is a dream.
Aveiro is littered with amazing ceramic art you can admire. It also has the blue and white tile just like the rest of Portugal.
Museu Maritimo Museum
Cod is one of Portugal's most famous dishes! You can learn more about the history of cod, cod fishermen, and cod fisheries at the Museu Maritimo Museum.
Inside you can see real life cod fish and climb aboard an old cod fishing ship.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Apresentação
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Apresentação is a stunning church that I came by unexpectedly. The inside of the church is almost completely golden and has amazing details. The church is located in the in Aveiros' downtown area and is an easy add to your Aveiro itinerary.
Admire Aveiros Street Art
I was surprised to see the amount of art throughout Aveiro. Portugal is known for there azul tiles, and Aveiro definitely had their fair share of them. The street art is everywhere in Aveiro. You can see a lovely carving at the Aveiro Railway Station, tile paintings, and murals through the city.
For more information and places to see street art in Aveiro visit this website.
Take a Day Trip To Porto
Located just an hour north of Aveiro is the beautiful city of Porto. Porto was once the Capital of Portugal and is home to stunning views of Douro River, amazing port wine, delectable seafood, gorgeous cathedrals, and palaces. Porto is one of my favorite cities in Europe and is totally worth a visit.
Read Next - The Ultimate Guide To Porto, Portugal
What To Eat In Aveiro
best Coffee in aveiro
porta do cafe - If you are a coffee fanatic like me you have to try breakfast and coffee at porta do cafe. porta do cafe is a hole in the wall cafe that is locally owned and delectable.
Cafe Central - Cafe Central is located in the center of Aveiro and is a great spot for breakfast, brunch, or just a coffee.
Monlou, Cake and Coffee House - Monlou Cake and Coffee House is an adorable coffee shop that offers everything breakfast and brunch. The photo above of the pancakes are from Monlou Cake and Coffee House.
Milagre Coffee Shop - Located in the downtown area you will find Milagre Coffee Shop. Milagre Coffee Shop serves amazing coffee, frappes, and breakfast.
best RESTAURANTS In Aveiro
Restaurante Dóri - If you are looking for traditional Portuguese food than Restaurante Dóri is a lovely option. Enjoy a meal with a view of the water at Restaurante Dóri.
Subenshi Sushi - If you are sick of portuguese food opt for some drool worthy sushi at Subenshi sushi right in the downtown area of Aveiro.
Tasca do Sal - Tasca do Sal is one of the best restaurants in Aveiro for traditional Portuguese food. You will find views of the Aveiro Canals and outdoor seating at Tasca do Sal.
Ristorante San Marco - Ristorante San Marco was my favorite restaurant in Aveiro. The italian restaurant is situated in the downtown area and serves homemade, pasta, pizza, italian desserts, and more. Ristorante San Marco is definitely one of the best restaurants in Aveiro.
Tours To Take in Aveiro
Canyoning Trip - If you love the outdoors, this canyoning trip is for you. This canyoning trip from Aveiro is perfect if you want to see more of Northern Portugal as well!
Day Trip From Porto - The easiest way to see Aveiro from Porto is by doing this day trip. Aveiro is only an hour south from Porto, so it is a great day trip!
Private Day Trip From Porto - This private day trip is a bit more expensive, but it is worth it if you are traveling with a group.
Free Aveiro Walking Tour - Guruwalk offers free walking tours of Aveiro! If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive way to see the city with fellow travelers, this tour is for you. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead here.
When To Visit Aveiro
You could go to Portugal any season and have great weather. In the summers Aveiro is around 80 degrees F and in the winter around 60 degrees F.
If you are looking for good surf go in the winter as the waves are better.
If you are looking for less crowds and good weather go in May or September. If you have read my blog before you know that I only travel in shoulder seasons as they are less expensive and the reap the benefits of in season travel.
Aveiro FAQs
Is Aveiro worth visiting? Yes! Aveiro is such an amazing little city. You will find unique waterways, the striped houses of Costa Nova, fresh seafood, and more in Aveiro.
Is Aveiro near Porto? Yes. Aveiro is an hour south of Porto. Aveiro is an easy Porto day trip or stop on the way to Lisbon from Porto.
Is Aveiro safe? Yes. Aveiro is one of the safest cities in Europe.
Is Aveiro nice? Yes. You will find luxurious hotels, restaurants, shopping, and more in the seaside town.
Does Aveiro have an airport? No. The closest airport is the Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) which is 86 km to Aveiro.
A Quick Guide To Aveiro Wrap Up
Aveiro is truly an amazing city. The mom and pop shops, boutique hotels, access to the coast, and more make Aveiro a lovely destination. I hope that this quick guide to Aveiro helps you plan the perfect trip to Portugal. If you liked this post all about a quick guide to Aveiro I think you will love my posts on The Ultimate Guide to Porto, A Complete Guide To Lisbon, and A Quick Guide To Nazare.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
this is the best guide to aveiro on the internet!