We’ll explore the picturesque canals of Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," and discover the charming Costa Nova on this private half-day tour. With a moliceiro boat cruise and hassle-free transfers from Porto, we’ll immerse ourselves in the colorful architecture and serene waterways that make these coastal gems a must-visit. Prepare to be captivated by the unique beauty and rich history that await us – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Key Points

- Explore the picturesque canals and colorful moliceiros (traditional boats) in Aveiro, the "Venice of Portugal".
- Experience a traditional moliceiro boat ride along the canals.
- Visit the seaside town of Costa Nova, known for its striped wooden beach huts.
- Enjoy hassle-free transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable driver-guide.
- Option to extend the tour with a free walking tour of Porto the next day.
Tour Overview

Offering a glimpse into the charming coastal region of Aveiro and Costa Nova, this private tour provides a personalized experience to explore the highlights of this lesser-known Portuguese gem.
Known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque canals, Aveiro entices with its vibrant, colorful wooden beach huts at Costa Nova.
The tour includes a traditional moliceiro boat ride, allowing you to drift through the serene waterways.
With morning and afternoon options, you’ll enjoy hassle-free transfers from your Porto accommodation, ensuring a seamless and immersive exploration of these enchanting destinations.
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Highlights

On this private tour, we’ll explore the highlights that make Aveiro and Costa Nova such captivating destinations.
Known as the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro enchants with its picturesque canals and colorful wooden boats called moliceiros.
We’ll take a traditional moliceiro boat ride to fully immerse ourselves in the city’s waterways.
Then, we’ll visit the charming seaside town of Costa Nova, famous for its vibrant, striped beach huts.
The tour also includes hassle-free transfers, an informative driver-guide, and the option to extend your experience with a free Porto walking tour the next day.
Inclusions and Logistics
As part of this private tour, we’ll enjoy a personalized experience with a dedicated driver-guide who will accompany us throughout the day. They’ll provide hotel pickup and drop-off, transporting us in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan. The highlight will be a traditional moliceiro boat ride, giving us a unique perspective of Aveiro’s canals.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Air-conditioned minivan |
| Guided Tour | Personalized experience |
| Boat Ride | Traditional moliceiro |
While food, drinks, and gratuities are not included, we can look forward to a hassle-free and informative tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova. Infant seats are available, though the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Pickup Information
Where can we be picked up for this private tour?
You can be picked up from any hotel in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia. Alternatively, you can choose to be picked up at the Tourist Service/Living Tours near São Bento train station.
Regardless of your preferred pickup location, the confirmation you receive upon booking will provide all the details. While the itinerary may change due to needs, the pickup information will be clearly communicated.
Just be ready at the designated time and location, and the driver/guide will be there to whisk you away on your private tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova.
Traveler Experiences and Reviews

Travelers have generally provided positive feedback on this private tour, with many highlighting the knowledge and engagement of the guides.
Some key points from traveler reviews:
- Guides like Ana, Maria, and Manuel are praised for their friendliness and extensive knowledge
- Personalized experiences and informative tours are commonly mentioned
- A few negative comments note the moliceiro cruise being crowded or not meeting expectations
- The tour receives high recommendation rates and positive sentiments from the vast majority of participants
While the tour may not be perfect, the overwhelmingly positive traveler experiences suggest this private tour of Aveiro and Costa Nova is an engaging and worthwhile excursion.
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Additional Information and Recommendations

The activity duration may vary, so it’s best to avoid scheduling anything immediately afterward. This tour offers great flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. Pricing starts at $137.27 per person, though the exact cost will depend on your group size.
| Additional Info | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation Policy | Free up to 24 hours before | ||
| Tour Duration | May vary | ||
| Tour Price | From $137.27 per person | Depends on group size | |
| Free Walking Tour | Daily at 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM | English and Spanish | From Living Tours Agency |
Don’t forget to take advantage of the complimentary Porto City Walking Tour available the following day.
Exploring Aveiro: The "Venice of Portugal"

Aveiro, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," captivates visitors with its picturesque canals, colorful buildings, and charming moliceiro boats.
During our private tour, we’ll explore this unique city and discover:
- The traditional moliceiro boats, adorned with vibrant designs, that ply the canals
- The Art Nouveau architecture that lines the waterways, showcasing Portugal’s early 20th-century style
- The lively markets and shops offering local crafts, ceramics, and the famous Ovos Moles desserts
- The chance to sample regional cuisine and learn about Aveiro’s rich maritime heritage
This enchanting city is a highlight not to be missed on our journey.
Discovering the Charming Costa Nova

After exploring the captivating canals of Aveiro, we’ll journey to the charming coastal town of Costa Nova.
Known for its vibrant wooden beach huts, Costa Nova offers a unique seaside experience. We’ll stroll along the picturesque boardwalk, admiring the colorful striped houses that line the shore.
The town’s tranquil atmosphere and stunning ocean views make it the perfect complement to the bustling canals of Aveiro.
We’ll have the chance to wander at our own pace, soaking in the laid-back coastal ambiance before returning to Porto.
This is sure to be a memorable highlight of our Aveiro adventure.
The Sum Up
Discover the captivating charm of Aveiro and Costa Nova on this private half-day tour. Cruise along the serene canals in a traditional moliceiro boat and learn about the vibrant architecture and picturesque landscapes. Explore the iconic striped beach huts of Costa Nova, making for an unforgettable coastal adventure. With hassle-free transfers and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers an exceptional way to experience the beauty of these enchanting Portuguese destinations.
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