Aveiro, nicknamed the "Venice of Portugal", is built around canals where moliceiros glide, old boats with painted prows once used to harvest seaweed from the lagoon. The town is about 35 to 40 minutes from Porto by direct train, which makes it an easy day or half-day trip. A stop at Costa Nova, on the coast about ten kilometres away, lets you see the brightly striped palheiros and end the day at the beach.
Highlights
The canals and the moliceiros
The central canal and its colourful boats, decorated with humorous scenes, can be explored on foot or on a boat ride of about 45 minutes. The fare is not set by an official site: it is displayed where the boats depart, and it is best to check it on the spot.
Costa Nova
This fishing village on the sand spit between lagoon and ocean is known for its palheiros, wooden houses painted in stripes. Costa Nova beach and neighbouring Barra beach can be reached by bus or by bike from the town.
Ovos moles
Aveiro's signature pastry, sweet egg yolks in a thin wafer shaped like a shell, is sold in the pastry shops of the centre; it is the edible souvenir of the town.
Practical info
Tips
- We found no official 2026 fare for moliceiro rides or for the Costa Nova bus: ask for prices where the boats depart and at the bus station. The train timetable can be checked on the CP website. For another day trip, see Amarante from Porto, and for your arrival in Porto our guide from the airport to the centre.
How to get there
Train from Porto Campanhã or São Bento to Aveiro, about 35 to 40 minutes on a direct service. The station is a 10-minute walk from the central canal. Costa Nova can be reached by bus or by bike from the centre.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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