Aveiro
Getty Images
Overview
Situated on the edge of an extensive coastal lagoon system, Aveiro (uh-vey-roo) is a prosperous town with a good-looking centre and a youthful, energetic buzz. It's occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal thanks to its small network of picturesque canals. But where the Italian city has gondolas, Aveiro has moliceiros – colourful boats traditionally used for seaweed-harvesting but now used for canal cruises.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Aveiro
Between Aveiro and Coimbra, in the village of Sangalhos in the Bairrada wine-producing region, this magnificent place is part adega (winery), part art…
-
Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto
Aveiro
This gloriously tranquil nature reserve extends north from São Jacinto, between the sea and the placid lagoon west of Aveiro. A network of trails runs…
-
Aveiro
Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the São Jacinto nature reserve. To…
-
Aveiro
This fine museum, housed in the 15th-century Mosteiro de Jesus, owes its finest treasures to Princesa Joana (later canonised), daughter of Afonso V. In…
-
Aveiro
The wonderful Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo is in a modern, award-winning building in the town of Ílhavo, 8km south of Aveiro. It covers the history of…
-
Aveiro
Set in Aveiro's most eye-catching art nouveau building, this small museum above a cafe has a modest one-room exhibition on art nouveau design and…
-
Aveiro
Aveiro's cathedral was formerly part of a Dominican convent and contains a Manueline stone cross of Saint Domingo. The cathedral's sober white interior…
-
Aveiro
The closest beaches to Aveiro are the surfing hangouts of Praia da Barra and Costa Nova, 13km west of the town. Both are developed and busy in summer;…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
From touring canals lined with elegant buildings to watching wildlife on the coast, experience the best of Aveiro with this guide.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Aveiro
Activities
14 of the best things to do in Aveiro, Portugal's lagoon-side cityJan 15, 2025 • 10 min read
Build a memorable collection
Get to the heart of Aveiro with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
-
Pocket Azores $14.99
-
Portugal $26.99
-
Pocket Lisbon $14.99
in partnership with getyourguide