Aveiro and Costa Nova: Private Tour from Porto with Boat Ride

An easy drive south of Porto towards the rugged Atlantic coast, Aveiro is one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, combining the country's strong maritime tradition with distinctive architecture, a vibrant food scene, and beautiful coastal scenery. Its relatively compact city centre is easy to explore on foot, and the combination of quaint canals, colourful buildings, and an intriguing history shaped by the breathtaking Ria de Aveiro lagoon makes for an excellent trip. Our private tour is a great way to capture the essence of Aveiro, offering a comprehensive walking tour of the city, an exhilarating cruise on a traditional boat and a stop at the delightful maritime village of Costa Nova.

On your private half-day tour, you will:

• Explore Aveiro, a vibrant city dubbed the “Venice of Portugal”;
• Enjoy a convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Porto;
• Make the most of the undivided attention of your experienced private guide;
• Get acquainted with the historic centre on a guided walking tour;
• Wander its quaint streets and learn how the unique geography of the Ria de Aveiro Lagoon paved the way for its canals;
• Admire Aveiro’s incredible Art Nouveau architecture and uncover intricate details of the most striking buildings;
• Embark on a scenic canal cruise on an emblematic Moliceiro boat;
• Try Ovos Moles, a historic local treat, and find out where they came from;
• Venture out to colourful Costa Nova to see the distinctive ‘palheiros’ houses;
• Relax on a hassle-free scenic journey back to Porto.

Experience the charm and colour of coastal Portugal with a private half-day excursion from Porto to Aveiro, a city known for its shimmering canals, elegant Art Nouveau buildings, and rich maritime heritage. After a comfortable hotel pick-up in Porto, your experienced local driver-guide will whisk you away through scenic landscapes to the heart of Aveiro. Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a city shaped by water, and your visit begins with a guided walking tour through its quaint, atmospheric streets. As you stroll past tiled facades and graceful ironwork balconies, you'll learn how the Ria de Aveiro lagoon gave rise to the city's network of canals and influenced its development over the centuries.

The city’s remarkable Art Nouveau architecture will soon catch your attention, and your guide can point out where pastel-coloured buildings reveal intricate flourishes and unexpected details. You will discover how prosperous Portuguese emigrants returning from the New World sparked this architectural transformation and how they wanted to reflect their cosmopolitan tastes and new wealth by building stylish homes and businesses in their hometown. Then it will be time to climb aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat for a leisurely 45-minute canal cruise. These colourful, gondola-like vessels were once used to harvest seaweed and now offer a picturesque way to see the city from the water. Back on land, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Ovos Moles, Aveiro’s most iconic sweet. As you savour this local delicacy made with silky egg yolk and sugar, wrapped in delicate wafers that are often shaped like fish or seashells, your guide can reveal its culinary legacy tied to local convents.

The final part of your tour takes you to nearby Costa Nova, where rows of charming seaside houses painted in vivid stripes line the waterfront like a postcard come to life. These iconic palheiros speak to the fishing culture of the region and offer a perfect backdrop to conclude your journey. After soaking in the salty breeze and snapping a few memorable photos, you’ll return to Porto with a deeper appreciation for this unique coastal gem.