Best things to do in Aveiro
Nicknamed the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro has a compact centre of handsome buildings and open squares, though what strikes most are its canals, alongside a preponderance of Art Nouveau buildings and the nearby Vista Alegre factory.
The best districts
Art Nouveau Quarter: The legacy of returning wealthy emigrants in the early years of the 20th century; at the top of the pedestrianised Rua Coimbra, Praça da República is flanked by the blue snowflake-design tiled facade of the 17th-century Igreja da Misericórdia and the Câmara Municipal, a century older.
Beira-Mar: With its cobbled streets, traditional houses covered in azulejos and lively canals filled with colourful moliceiro boats, this is the city’s beating heart.
Sao Jacinto: On the north side of the lagoon from Aveiro, and accessible by boat from Forte da Barra, this is a thriving little port with a handful of appealing dockside cafés and restaurants.
Museums
Museu de Aveiro: A wonderful museum housed inside the 15th-century Convento de Jesus. Its finest exhibits all relate to Santa Joana, a daughter of Afonso V who lived in the convent from 1472 until her death in 1489. Her tomb and chapel are strikingly beautiful and there’s a fine collection of art and sculpture.
Vista Alegre: Portugal’s celebrated porcelain works has a museum, the founder’s palace and a tiled and frescoed 17th-century chapel to visit, as well as a Vista Alegre shop (porcelain, crystal, silverware) and factory shop for seconds.
Historical monuments
Aveiro Cathedral: Built in the 15th century, this largely Gothic church features a mix of Baroque and Renaissance elements, with stunning altars and intricate carvings inside.
Aveiro train station: An unlikely contender, but the town’s small station sports some stunning azulejo tile panels depicting Aveiro’s maritime history and everyday life.
Day trips in the area
Coimbra: Situated on a steep hill above the Rio Mondego, this is a wonderfully moody place of ancient alleys and lanes, twisting and climbing around the country’s oldest university. The presence of around 20,000 students ensures the city is well-stocked with good-value cafés, bars and restaurants, some playing Coimbra’s jaunty version of fado.
Figueira da Foz: Central Portugal’s finest resort, boasting one of Europe’s widest beaches and some great local walks.
Mata Nacional do Buçaco: Spend the day in the shaded Buçaco forest and then drop down into the neighbouring spa town of Luso for afternoon tea.
Activities for families in Aveiro
Aveiro is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re exploring the city itself (preferably by moliceiro) or venturing further afield.
Canal trips: Barcos moliceiros are traditional flat-bottomed lagoon boats with raised prows, colourfully adorned with paintings of flowers and scantily dressed women. Once used to transport kelp, they now almost exclusively serve as cruise boats and a trip on them is something of a must.
Interactive museums: The Maritime Museum in Ilhavo features life-size boats, interesting maritime exhibits and a dedicated codfish aquarium perfect for curious young minds, while the Science Centre of Aveiro gives kids the chance to get hands-on courtesy of lots of interactive displays and fun experiments.
Free things to do in Aveiro
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Aveiro on a minimum spend, from lounging on the beach to exploring its pretty neighbourhoods by bike.
Beaches: Aveiro’s nearest beach lies 9km west at Praia da Barra, a large, developed stretch of sand overlooked by the Iberian peninsula’s tallest lighthouse. There’s more of the same at Costa Nova, 3km south of Barra, though the development here is ameliorated by an attractive line of candy-striped wooden buildings facing inland over the lagoon.
Cycling: Family bike ride? Bicycles are available free from the green-trimmed “Loja BUGA” kiosk at the back of the Forum Aveiro shopping mall, just across the footbridge. You’ll need to show ID to get a bike, but you get use of it for a whole morning or afternoon.
Ria de Aveiro salt pans: While guided tours require tickets, walking around the salt pans at sunrise or sunset is completely free. Enjoy the views and look out for local wildlife, such as flamingos and storks.
Nature and outdoor activities in Aveiro
With its mix of wetlands, lagoons and coastline, Aveiro is the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts.
Kayaking: Take a gentle paddle down the meandering and picturesque Rio Mondego between Penacova and Coimbra.
Birdwatching: The São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve is home to more than 100 bird species, including goshawk, teal and widgeon. You can pick up a free map from the visitor centre for a self-guided 7km walk through the reserve, which takes around two and a half hours.
