While a trip to Portugal often brings to mind Lisbon or Porto, a lesser-known city in the country deserves just as much attention. Quieter, smaller, and crisscrossed by several canals, Aveiro offers a completely different atmosphere. In fact, nicknamed the “Little Venice of Portugal, ” it’s a city best explored from the water!
A getaway among canals and beaches
To start your tour, it’s hard to miss the moliceiros—those brightly colored boats that glide along Aveiro’s canals. Once used to harvest seaweed, they now take visitors on a 40-minute cruise through the city center. This is undoubtedly the best way to explore Aveiro, passing under small bridges and past the elegant Art Nouveau facades that line the quays.
Once back on dry land, you’ll discover the historic center, which isn’t very large and can easily be explored in a few hours. Nestled between the canals, you’ll come across lively squares, outdoor cafés, and charming shops. This is also the perfect time to sample ovos moles, the local specialty. These little treats made from egg yolks and sugar have been a must-try in the city for centuries.
Just ten kilometers away, the scenery changes completely. Head to Costa Nova, a seaside resort known throughout Portugal for its wooden houses painted with wide red, blue, yellow, or green stripes. Originally, these huts were used by fishermen to store their gear before becoming homes. Today, they’ve become one of the most photographed sights in the country.
Costa Nova alsooffers a chance to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. Its long sandy beach attracts both strollers and surfers, while the waterfront restaurants showcase fresh seafood.
Between the canals of Aveiro and the beaches of Costa Nova, this getaway truly captures everything that makes Portugal so charming: a pleasant city, hearty cuisine, and a stunning coastline.