Discover the enchanting Portuguese Venice on a half-day tour through Aveiro and Costa Nova. Enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, hopping aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat to cruise the serene lagoon. Admire the picturesque canals and architecture, then venture to the stunning Costa Nova Beach. Savor the region’s renowned delicacies, including the famous soft eggs. With limited group sizes and flexible cancellation, this experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into Aveiro’s romantic charm. What secrets await in this maritime wonderland?

Contents show

Good To Know

Explore the picturesque canals and Art Nouveau architecture of Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice," on a guided tour and boat ride.
Cruise along the tranquil Aveiro Lagoon in a traditional Moliceiro boat, enjoying panoramic views of the estuary and salt marshes.
Discover Aveiro’s unique culinary offerings, including the renowned soft eggs, during a tasting session of local delicacies.
Enjoy free time to browse local shops, galleries, and artisan workshops, immersing in Aveiro’s vibrant artistic heritage and romantic charm.
Depart from Aveiro with a peaceful respite along the estuary, surrounded by the serene reflection of the sky and the traditional Moliceiro boats.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour takes guests on a captivating journey from Porto to the picturesque cities of Aveiro and Costa Nova.

It lasts 5 hours and costs $131.35 per person. The tour is available in English, French, and Portuguese, with group sizes limited to 7 participants.

Pickup options include hotels and central points in Porto, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include visiting Costa Nova Beach, cruising the Aveiro Lagoon on a traditional Moliceiro boat, and exploring the charming canals and architecture of Aveiro.

Looking for more options in Portugal? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing from Porto, the tour first takes visitors to the picturesque Costa Nova Beach. Here, guests enjoy a guided tour and free time to explore the colorful seaside haystacks.

Next, the group discovers the Aveiro Lagoon, cruising on a traditional Moliceiro boat.

In Aveiro, the tour includes sightseeing, shopping, and a tasting of local delicacies, notably soft eggs.

The final stop allows for leisure time along the estuary, with an opportunity to explore the city’s charming shops and artistic heritage, recently voted the most romantic in Europe.

Exploring Picturesque Aveiro

Why is Aveiro known as the "Portuguese Venice"? Its scenic canals, lined with colorful buildings and charming bridges, recall the famous Italian city.

During the tour, visitors explore Aveiro’s historic center, wandering along the picturesque waterways by traditional Moliceiro boats. These wooden boats, adorned with vibrant designs, have served local salt workers for centuries.

Visitors can admire Aveiro’s striking Art Nouveau architecture and browse the local shops and markets. The tour also introduces travelers to Aveiro’s unique culinary offerings, including its famous soft eggs, a regional delicacy.

Exploring Aveiro is a highlight of this immersive Portuguese adventure.

Breathtaking Views of the Estuary

As visitors depart Aveiro’s charming canals, they’re treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the estuary.

The estuary’s vast expanse of water reflects the sky, creating a serene and captivating scene. Visitors can marvel at the interplay of land and sea, with salt marshes and dunes lining the horizon.

The estuary’s tranquil waters are dotted with traditional Moliceiro boats, adding to the picturesque ambiance.

This scenic viewpoint offers a peaceful respite after exploring Aveiro’s delightful streets and canals, providing a memorable conclusion to the tour’s highlights.

More Great Tours Nearby

Artistic Heritage and Romantic Charm

Though recently voted the most romantic city in Europe, Aveiro’s artistic heritage extends far beyond its picturesque canals and charming bridges.

The city’s artistic legacy can be seen in its lively street art, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural events. Visitors can explore the city’s art galleries, museums, and artisan workshops, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted wares.

Aveiro’s artistic heritage shines through its lively street art, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural events, inviting visitors to explore local artisan workshops.

The city’s romantic ambiance is further enhanced by its peaceful estuary, where visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls and take in the breathtaking views.

Aveiro’s unique blend of artistic expression and natural beauty makes it a truly captivating destination.

There's plenty more to explore in Portugal

Costa Nova Beach: Colorful Seaside Haystacks

Departing from Aveiro’s romantic canals, the tour next explores the vibrant Costa Nova Beach. Rows of brightly colored striped haystacks line the sandy shores, a unique and photogenic sight. These traditional fishermen’s houses have become a signature landmark, evoking the region’s coastal heritage.

| Haystack Colors | Architectural Features | Coastal Scenery |

| ————— | ——————— | ————— |

| Red and White | Slanted Roofs | Sand Dunes |

| Blue and White | Wooden Construction | Rolling Waves |

| Yellow and White| Seaside Orientation | Rocky Outcrops |

Visitors can freely wander the beach, capturing postcard-worthy photos and soaking in the serene, salty atmosphere.

Discovering the Aveiro Salt Flats

After exploring the colorful seaside haystacks at Costa Nova Beach, the tour progresses to the Aveiro salt flats.

Here, visitors discover the rich history and traditional production of salt. Guides explain the unique process of salt harvesting, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Guests have the opportunity to observe the salt workers and learn about the importance of this local industry.

The tour then invites participants to sample the artisanal salts, which are renowned for their distinct flavors and purity. This unique experience provides a deeper appreciation for Aveiro’s enduring salt-making heritage.

Inclusions and Customer Reviews

The tour includes a Moliceiro boat trip, transportation, guided tours, waterproof equipment, and Wi-Fi and air conditioning on the vehicle.

Customers also get to enjoy a wine tasting at a local store. With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 1 review, feedback highlights the attentive guides and a pleasant experience between Coimbra and Aveiro.

The tour offers:

Explore picturesque canals and charming bridges in Aveiro
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the estuary
Experience the artistic heritage of Aveiro
Visit colorful seaside haystacks at Costa Nova Beach
Discover the Aveiro salt flats and local delicacies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, you can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility to accommodate your interests and ensure a personalized experience during your 5-hour visit to Porto-Aveiro/Costa Nova.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

The tour price includes all stated activities and transportation. There are no additional fees or hidden costs. Some optional extras like meals or souvenirs may incur extra charges, but these are made clear upfront.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve the tour and pay later, offering flexibility for any changes to their plans.

Are There Any Dietary or Accessibility Accommodations Available?

The tour provider offers dietary accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with prior notice. Accessibility options are available for guests with mobility issues. Guests should inquire about specific needs when booking.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group or Family?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group or family. The group size is limited to 7 participants, so a private tour can be arranged. Customers can reserve the tour and pay later if needed.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a delightful glimpse into the charming Portuguese Venice. From the scenic Moliceiro boat cruise to the vibrant Costa Nova Beach, it’s a well-rounded experience that immerses visitors in Aveiro’s stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and local culinary delights. With a small group size and flexible cancellation policy, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic and memorable exploration of this picturesque region.