Aveiro & Costa Nova Tour from Porto
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Aveiro & Costa Nova Tour from Porto
Trip Itinerary
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1
Departure from Porto
Meet your guide at a designated pickup point in the city centre and board the comfortable minibus as we head south toward the coast. Enjoy stories about Portugal’s history, maritime traditions, and the unique culture that shaped Aveiro.
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2
Aveiro Walking Tour
Wander through the city centre, admiring Art Nouveau architecture, the fish market, and Aveiro Cathedral. Your guide shares tales of salt, fishing, and the lagoon that gave Aveiro its soul.
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3
Moliceiro Canal Cruise
Relax during a 45-minute boat ride on a traditional Moliceiro. Glide past elegant bridges and colourful canal-side streets once bustling with fishermen and seaweed harvesters.
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4
Costa Nova Beach
Travel to Costa Nova for free time to explore its iconic striped houses and golden Atlantic coast. A favourite spot for photographers and ocean lovers.
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5
Return to Porto
Enjoy the scenic journey back, arriving around 13:00 (morning tour) or 18:00 (afternoon tour).
Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.
Aveiro from Porto: Canals, Coastal Beauty & Moliceiro Boat Experience
Aveiro is a city shaped by the sea, carved by tides, and forever guided by the rhythm of water. Known as “The Venice of Portugal”, this coastal gem is crossed by glittering canals that have connected its people to the ocean for centuries. The city once thrived on salt production, and its shimmering salt pans still attract migrating birds, including the elegant pink flamingos. Every canal-front promenade reveals a different piece of Aveiro’s character: Art Nouveau palaces lovingly restored, cosy bakeries selling the famous ovos moles (a sweet protected by European heritage), and picturesque bridges that turn every corner into a postcard moment.
The Moliceiro boats, now symbols of romance and relaxation, have a hardworking past. These long, colourful vessels once hauled seaweed called “moliço,” the lifeblood of local agriculture. Their painted prows are decorated with witty scenes and bright colours, a joyful reflection of Portuguese humour and creativity. On this tour, you will drift peacefully along Aveiro’s canals, learning how tradition transformed into beauty.
A short drive away awaits Costa Nova Beach, one of Portugal’s most photogenic coastal towns. Its iconic striped houses, painted in bold vertical lines, were originally fishermen’s shelters built to protect nets and gear. Today, they feel like toy houses lifted straight from a storybook. The Atlantic breeze fills the air with salt and freedom, and the boardwalk invites you to stroll, breathe, and take in the sweeping ocean views. With its blend of culture, seaside life, and colourful architecture, Aveiro and Costa Nova offer a cheerful taste of Portugal’s coastline that feels worlds apart yet only a short trip from Porto.
This half-day trip from Porto is the perfect way to uncover hidden gems beyond the city. One tour, countless memories: canals, flavours, history, and sunlit shores that will stay with you long after you return.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Aveiro, known as “The Venice of Portugal”
- Guided walking tour through the historic streets and Art Nouveau district
- 45-minute Moliceiro cruise along Aveiro’s scenic canals
- Visit Costa Nova Beach, famous for its colourful striped fishermen's houses
- Learn about local fishing traditions and salt trade heritage
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
Why Choose This Tour
This experience blends culture, coastal scenery, and charming city life in just a few hours. Perfect for travellers wanting to escape Porto and enjoy a refreshing break by the Atlantic. From historic architecture and canal-side cafés to the picture-perfect beach huts of Costa Nova, this tour brings together the most delightful sides of Aveiro without rushing. Guided by experts who love sharing Portuguese stories and curiosities, you’ll leave with new memories, photos, and a deeper connection to the region.
Make your stay in northern Portugal unforgettable by discovering Aveiro and Costa Nova, two coastal treasures that capture the charm, colours, and flavours of this unique region. From the romantic canals of the Venice of Portugal to the iconic striped houses facing the Atlantic breeze, this half-day adventure brings you closer to the soul of seaside Portugal.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help! Ready for even more Portugal discoveries? Discover our full range of Porto tours and make the most of your stay in this city of rivers, bridges, and timeless charm!
Aveiro & Costa Nova Tour from Porto - Travellers recommend this tour:
Check opinions about this trip
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Costa Nova’s colourful houses are even better in person. Amazing guide too!
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A beautiful escape from Porto. The Moliceiro ride was my favourite part
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Loved learning about Aveiro’s fishing history. Such a unique city.
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Our guide made the tour so interesting. Fantastic experience
More details about this tour
Here is a break down of all the activities in the tour:
- Expert local guide passionate about Portuguese culture and history
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus
- Guided walking tour through Aveiro’s historic centre
- 45-minute Moliceiro boat cruise along Aveiro’s beautiful canals
- Free time to explore the colourful Costa Nova beachfront
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Optional gratuities
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Please meet your guide at Living Tours Agency, located at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto. The agency is easy to spot—it’s the red building directly across from São Bento Station. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time so you can check in and start your Porto adventure on time.
- Maximum Group Size: 27 people, keeping the experience comfortable and well-guided
- Tour End Location: Rua de Alexandre Herculano, Porto (near Batalha Square)
- Blackout Dates: 1 January and 25 December
- Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for gentle walking on cobbled streets. Pack a light jacket because coastal breezes can be cool. Bring sunglasses and your camera—Costa Nova’s striped beachfront houses are some of the most photographed in Portugal. Try the local sweet “ovos moles,” an Aveiro speciality dating back to nun-made recipes in the 16th century.
More reasons why you should use our services:
We have invented this tour on the market and we are the best in it.
Frequency
This tour operates daily, starting at 8:15 (morning group) or 14:00 (afternoon group).
Meeting point
Please meet your guide at Living Tours Agency at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto.
Cancellation policy
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event.
Professional guide
All our tours from Porto are led by passionate local guides who bring northern Portugal’s history, culture, and hidden gems to life, making every experience memorable.
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