Portugal / The Silver Coast & Central Portugal / AveiroAveiro
Painted Boats on a Lagoon Town's Canals
A lagoon town of canals crossed by painted moliceiro boats (once used to gather seaweed, now 45-minute cruises), Art Nouveau houses, the old station's azulejo panels, and ovos moles, egg-yolk sweets in wafer shells. The candy-striped beach houses of Costa Nova and the Ria de Aveiro's salt pans and birdlife are 15-20 minutes away. About an hour south of Porto by urban train, or 35-45 minutes on the Alfa Pendular, and an easy stop between Porto and Coimbra.
Highlights
- Moliceiro boat on the canals
- Art Nouveau houses
- Ovos moles
- Costa Nova's striped houses
- Salt pans of the Ria
Things to do
- Moliceiro boat cruise on the canalsMorning · 1h
- Art Nouveau walk and ovos moles tastingAfternoon · 2h
- Costa Nova's striped houses and beachAfternoon · 3h
- Cycle to the salt pans of the Ria de AveiroMorning · 2h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: May – September
Worth knowing
Wildfire Season
From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in the forests of the centre and north, the Algarve hills (Monchique) and Madeira, as in 2017, 2024 and 2025. Follow the civil-protection text alerts, obey road and trail closures, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check before a hike. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.