Travel Guide | Aveiro & Costa Nova, Portugal

Stroll Along Aveiro’s Canals
You’ll quickly see why this small town is known as “the Portuguese Venice.” Aveiro’s system of canals (and long boats) is reminiscent of the Italian city. The canals are fed by the neighboring lagoon and definitely give Aveiro its character. Spend some time walking along the banks, discovering historic and newer neighborhoods, enjoying the eclectic mix of architectural style, relaxing in one of the canal-front parks, or dining al fresco watching the boats float by.

Would you rather float than walk? No problem, simply hop aboard a Moliceiro Tour. Moliceiros, the long boats, were originally made to collect seaweed from the lagoon to use as fertilizer and colorfully painted depicting scenes from around the area. The 45-minute tour is a great way to see different areas of the city including some salt farms on the border.

Renting a bike is another great way to explore Aveiro, especially the area around the lagoon which features salt farms, corn fields, and a variety of wildlife including flamingos. Look out for one of the 20 BUGA depots, the city’s bike rental system. If you want to stop at an attraction just lock it back up at another one of the depots.

Alternatively there are a number of tuk tuk companies that offer rides and/or tours around the city.

Admire Art Nouveau Buildings in Rossio
Many emigrants who had made their fortunes in Brazil returned to Portugal in the early 20th-century, settled in Aveiro, and built themselves elegant Art Nouveau style houses. As you stroll/bike/ride/float along canals keep your eyes open for these beautiful, ornamental properties and their curving lines, shapes inspired by natural forms, and wrought iron detailing.

Shop the Forum
This two-story open-air shopping center is right by the canals and features a mix of international stores like Zara as well as Portuguese favorites like Bershka. The food court has a great variety of options as well, perfect for a quick lunch.

Beach Please!
Located on a long peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and Aveiro lagoon, Costa Nova is a charming village with long sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and colorful striped cottages.

Relax on the warm sand of Praia da Costa Nova, dip your toes in the ocean, or walk along the wooden promenade.

Costa Nova is historically a fishing village so if you’re into seafood this is the place! You can literally eat it straight from the water at the fishing market.

Mosteiro de Jesus
Address: Av. Santa Joana s/n, 3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
This former convent was built between the 15th and 17th centuries. It’s architecturally and decoratively beautiful—the Baroque chapel floors are covered in tiles while the walls are covered with gilded woodcarving, the cloisters have geometric tiling around the central fountain, and the refectory is wall to wall in azulejos! Additionally the former convent has been turned into a religious art museum with artifacts from several monasteries around the area.

Mosteiro de Jesus is famed for being the residence of Joanna Princess of Portugal (A.K.A. Saint Joanna, daughter of Afonso V). She lived a modest life at the convent, although she was never able to take her vows as she in the royal line. Her tomb in the lower chancel is quite lovely.

Museu Arte Nova
Website | Address: Rua João Mendonça, Aveiro, Portugal

The Museu Arte Nova (Art Nouveau Museum) is located inside Casa do Major Pessoa, an elaborately decorated house with beautiful wrought iron detailing and teal/blue paint in the Rossio district. Inside you’ll find galleries featuring up-and-coming artists and artifacts from the area. Ask for a map that marks all of the lovely art nouveau buildings within walking distance. Entrance is only €1. Children under 13 and seniors are free. The tearoom on site - Casa de Chá - has a nice selection of teas for an afternoon cuppa.

Museu Histórico da Vista Alegre
Website | Address: 3830-292 Ilhavo, Portugal
Located just a 15 minute drive from Aveiro, this huge complex includes a porcelain factory that has been crafting ceramics for more than 200 years, a 17th century palace, a residential area, a chapter and additional former factory buildings - some of which have been renovated into a museum about the history of porcelain with more than 30,000 pieces in its collection. Bonus: There’s a gift shop!

Mercado Do Peixe Da Costa Nova
Address: Av. José Estevão 236, 3830-455 Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal
Aveiro is on the ocean which means FRESH FISH. This market is everything a market should be—fresh, local, affordable and accessible. There’s bulk buy items like fruit on one side and fish stalls on the other. If we were staying in an Airbnb in Aveiro we would have definitely snagged some fish for dinner a couple nights.

You can’t say you’ve visited Aveiro without sampling their famous sweet treat—Ovos Moles!

Ovos Moles literally translates to “soft eggs” because they are simply made with egg yolks and sugar. They are like little delicate dough shells (literally you’ll see) filled with sweet, creamy mixture. Once filled they are boiled and allowed to rest. The recipe has been passed down from nuns at convents in the area to the town folks. Each is shaped to resemble clam and shells inspired by the city’s proximity to the ocean.

There are now bakeries on almost any corner selling these little treats. Most are €1. Note: It wasn’t my favorite goodie we tried in Portugal but when in Aveiro…:)

Confeitaria Peixinho
Website | Rua Coimbra 9, Aveiro 3810-086, Portugal
To sample some famous Ovo Moles check out the oldest house of Ovo Moles in the city— Confeitaria Peixinho. They’ve been open since 1856. The space is lovely with pastel colored features, marble counters, and decorative tiles floor.

Subenshi Sushi
Website | @subenshi | Address: R. Carlos Aleluia 4 17, 3810-077 Aveiro, Portugal
Fishing is a huge industry in Aveiro so it’s a-must to enjoy fresh seafood if you’re in the area. Japanese is our favorite so we had to check out this trendy sushi spot along the canal. The interior was modern, the atmosphere was fashionable, and the food was delicious!

Trincaxa
Website | Address: Rua dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra 44, Aveiro 3810-087, Portugal
A perfect stop for a quick lunch, Trincaxa is known for their "tostadas" (Portuguese toasted sandwiches). They do have a vegan option, though not any gluten-free options.

O Bairro
Website | Address: Largo da Praca do Peixe 24, Aveiro 3800-243, Portugal
Located in the historic center of Aveiro, O Bairro was recommended to us a few times and can get busy so reservations are recommended. The ambience was upscale. We walked by and the food looked very good—fresh seafood, rice, lamb, etc.

I’d recommend either making a day trip from Aveiro from Porto (roughly a 50 minute drive) or stopping in Aveiro on your way between Porto and Lisbon. Aveiro is roughly a two and a half hour drive from Lisbon.

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