Explore the charming city of Aveiro, often dubbed the "Venice of Portugal," on this half-day tour from Porto. You’ll learn about the historic center, glide through picturesque canals on a moliceiro boat, and visit the iconic striped houses at Costa Nova Beach. With transportation, WiFi, and flexible cancellation, this tour offers a convenient way to discover Aveiro’s unique blend of culture and natural beauty. But what makes this excursion truly captivating is the chance to uncover the essence of this remarkable Portuguese destination.

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Key Points

This half-day tour from Porto takes visitors to Aveiro, the "Venice of Portugal," featuring a guided exploration of the historic center and a traditional moliceiro boat cruise.
The tour includes a photo stop at the iconic Costa Nova Beach, with its colorful striped houses, as well as a visit to the Aveiro salt pans.
The 5-hour tour is priced at $60.07 per person and is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guided commentary is available in French, Portuguese, and English, and the tour includes transportation, the boat ride, and complimentary WiFi.
Customers have rated the tour 5/5, highlighting the compact nature of the itinerary and the remarkable moliceiro boat experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a half-day excursion from Porto to Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal". Priced from $60.07 per person, the 5-hour tour provides a live guide in French, Portuguese, and English.

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The itinerary includes a photo stop at Costa Nova Beach, a guided tour of Aveiro’s historic center, free time to explore, and a traditional moliceiro boat cruise through the picturesque canals.

Travelers can discover Aveiro’s vibrant streets, stunning coastal beauty, and tranquil salt pans, with transport, the boat trip, and WiFi included.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Igreja da Lapa, where guests meet their guide and vehicle.

The first stop is Costa Nova Beach, where they’ll enjoy a photo opportunity and guided tour of the iconic striped houses.

Guests visit Costa Nova Beach to photograph the iconic striped houses and explore them on a guided tour.

Next, they’ll explore the historic center of Aveiro, with a guided walking tour and free time to wander the charming streets.

The highlight is a moliceiro boat cruise through the picturesque canals, witnessing the pilots’ skills.

The tour ends with a photo stop at the tranquil Aveiro salt pans before returning to the starting point at the Igreja da Lapa.

Discovering Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal

Why is Aveiro known as the "Venice of Portugal"? The charming city boasts a network of winding canals, historic architecture, and traditional moliceiro boats.

Visitors can:

Glide through the serene waterways, admiring the colorful, striped houses that line the canals.
Immerse themselves in the lively central marketplace, discovering local handicrafts and cuisine.
Explore the tranquil salt pans, learning about the region’s salt-harvesting heritage.

Aveiro’s unique blend of coastal beauty and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to discover the "Portuguese Venice".

The Moliceiro Boat Ride

A highlight of the Aveiro tour is the traditional moliceiro boat ride. Guests witness the skill of the pilots as they navigate the picturesque canals. The moliceiro boats feature vibrant, painted designs on their prows and are a unique part of Aveiro’s culture.

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The boat ride offers a tranquil experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Aveiro’s serene waterways and admire the surrounding architecture. This activity is a must-do during the Aveiro half-day tour.

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Taking in the Tranquil Landscape of Aveiro Salt Pans

As visitors explore the charming streets of Aveiro, they’ll discover the serene landscape of the Aveiro salt pans. This unique natural wonder offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city.

The pans’ crystalline pools reflect the sky, creating a mesmerizing mirror effect. Visitors can:

Witness the traditional salt harvesting techniques used for centuries
Admire the striking contrast between the bright white salt and the azure waters
Breathe in the calming, mineral-rich air and soak in the peaceful atmosphere

This immersive experience provides a deeper connection to Aveiro’s natural heritage.

There's plenty more to explore in Porto

Customer Feedback

Customers who’ve experienced the Aveiro Half Day Tour provide positive feedback, highlighting the compact nature of the excursion and the remarkable boat ride.

A reviewer from the UK noted, "Compact tour. Plenty to see. Boat ride was amazing."

Similarly, a Belgian customer described the tour as a "Very pleasant excursion" in the charming city.

Another satisfied traveler from Turkey simply stated, "It was very good."

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 3 reviews, the tour seems to deliver an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Meeting Point and Transportation

Travelers can meet their guide and vehicle at Lapa Church, located at Largo da Lapa 1 in Porto.

The church is easily accessible via the Metro Yellow Line (Direction Santo Ovídio or Hospital de São João) or Bus Line 600/304 from the Porto city center.

This convenient meeting point ensures a seamless start to the Aveiro Half Day Tour.

The tour offers:

Stress-free transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
A knowledgeable guide to lead the way
WiFi on board for your convenience

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Aveiro Half Day Tour includes a comprehensive set of services to enhance the experience.

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour, and a picturesque moliceiro boat trip are all provided. Complimentary WiFi is available on board, and bottled water can be purchased.

However, lunch isn’t included in the tour price.

The tour covers the highlights of Aveiro, allowing visitors to discover the historic center, admire the iconic striped houses of Costa Nova Beach, and explore the tranquil salt pans.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Aveiro offers a captivating insight into Portugal’s "Venice," showcasing its historic center, charming canals, and iconic striped houses. Travelers can enjoy the city’s unique culture and natural beauty, all while enjoying the convenience of transportation and the option for free cancellation. With a blend of culture and scenery, this half-day excursion from Porto is an excellent way to experience the charm of Aveiro.