16 Things To Do In Aveiro
Aveiro is 40 minutes south of Porto and is the most colourful district in Portugal. Built on numerous canals Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal. The city was built around salt production and you can still visit the salt ponds that remain.
Below are 16 Things To Do In Aveiro when you visit this pretty city.
Things To Do In Aveiro
show
Costa Nova
Costa Nova is the prettiest seaside village in the whole of Portugal. The area is famous for its colourful façades of the seaside house. In the past local fishermen built haystacks, storages and shelters with horizontal outside planks that were painted in bright welcoming colours of the sea. Over the years the spaces were converted into housing and today’s cute village was formed. The area is now a hotspot with tourists taking pictures outside the colourful architecture.
Being a seaside town you will find cute cafes, restaurants, a mini golf, football pitch, tennis courts, kids playground and loads and loads of water based activities.
Gondola Trip
Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal and a “Moliceiro” (gondola) trip is a must when visiting the city. The boats were once used for harvesting seaweed (moliço) and transporting items from the salt ponds, but now they mainly transport tourists. As with most things in Aveiro the boats are bright, colourful and usually decorated with paintings that make fun of everyday situations. There are numerous companies offering trips for around 15 euros per person.
This is the most popular activity on our list of Things To Do In Aveiro.
Bike Ride
Number 3 on our list of 16 things to do in Aveiro is biking. Aveiro is flat as a pancake which is unusual, as most cities in Portugal are situated on numerous hills. Take advantage of the flat landscape and explore the area the ecological way, by bike. Aveiro and the neighbouring boroughs have installed wonderful bike lanes making it easy to explore around 393 cycle routes. You can even borrow a BUGA, a Free To Use Bike in Aveiro.
Flamingos
Even the birds are colourful in Aveiro. As you already know Aveiro was famous for salt pans, not only did these attract humans but they also attracted hundreds of bird species including the pink flamingo. Autumn mornings and late afternoons are ideal for watching migratory birds, especially the flamingos. Ria de Aveiro is full of the wonderful colourful birds.
Águeda
Águeda is known as the city of umbrellas. The Umbrella Sky Project originated in 2012 and is an living installation art show. During the summer months Rua Luís de Camões is covered in a sky of umbrellas. The beautiful and colourful umbrellas bring shade during the summer months and also create a unique, stunning and viral images. The idea is culturally inclusive, inspiring human connection through the universal power of colour! The simple creative idea has now spread to multiple other cities throughout the world but it was done in the Aveiro district first!
Ovos Moles De Aveiro
Ovos Moles De Aveiro are a local sweet and delicacy made of egg yolks and sugar. The history of the sweet comes from nuns who lived at various convents around the area. According to legend the nuns used egg whites to clean their habits, leaving them with a surplus of egg yokes, which they used to make the pastries in order not to waste them. They then sold them to the locals to raise money for their religious communities. You too can try the delicious sweets, there are numerous shops and cafes around Aveiro selling the delicacy.
City Beach
If you are looking for a lovely way to spend the after in Aveiro but do not want to travel all the way to the beach. They why not visit the city beach.
The city beach is a hop, skip and jump from the centre of Aveiro. The area has beach beds, cafe on site and the water is a hot 25 degrees! The best bit is that they also have a hot tub.
Search for Marinha da Noeirinha to find the beach, you do need to pay to enter.
Salt Pans of Aveiro
The Salt Pans of Aveiro, also known as Salinas de Aveiro, are located in the city of Aveiro, Portugal. Aveiro is a coastal city known for its picturesque canals, colourful Moliceiro boats, and its connection to the Atlantic Ocean. The salt pans are an important part of the region’s history and culture.
Salt production in Aveiro dates back to ancient times and has been a significant economic activity for the area. The traditional salt production methods involve using shallow artificial ponds to evaporate seawater, leaving behind the salt crystals. The process is carried out by skilled workers who carefully manage the salt pans. This is a traditional thing to do in Aveiro.
Salt production in Aveiro dates back to ancient times and has been a significant economic activity for the area. The traditional salt production methods involve using shallow artificial ponds to evaporate seawater, leaving behind the salt crystals. The process is carried out by skilled workers who carefully manage the salt pans. This is a traditional thing to do in Aveiro.
Shopping
Aveiro offers a pleasant shopping experience with various options for visitors and residents alike. The city features a mix of modern shopping centers, traditional markets, and charming local shops. Here are some places you can explore for shopping in Aveiro:
Forum Aveiro: This is one of the main shopping centers in Aveiro, located in the heart of the city. It houses a variety of stores, including fashion boutiques, electronics, cosmetics, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for shoppers.
Mercado Manuel Firmino: For a taste of local culture and fresh produce, visit this traditional market. It offers a selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and regional products. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.
Glicínias Plaza: Another shopping center located in the city, Glicínias Plaza features a wide range of shops, a food court, and a cinema. It’s a convenient spot to shop, dine, and catch a movie.
Aveiro’s Fish Market: For those interested in seafood and fish, the fish market is a must-visit. It operates early in the morning, and you can witness the bustling activity as fishermen bring in their fresh catches.
Forum Aveiro: This is one of the main shopping centers in Aveiro, located in the heart of the city. It houses a variety of stores, including fashion boutiques, electronics, cosmetics, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for shoppers.
Mercado Manuel Firmino: For a taste of local culture and fresh produce, visit this traditional market. It offers a selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and regional products. It’s a fantastic place to immerse yourself in the local culinary scene.
Glicínias Plaza: Another shopping center located in the city, Glicínias Plaza features a wide range of shops, a food court, and a cinema. It’s a convenient spot to shop, dine, and catch a movie.
Aveiro’s Fish Market: For those interested in seafood and fish, the fish market is a must-visit. It operates early in the morning, and you can witness the bustling activity as fishermen bring in their fresh catches.
Make A Wish
Next on our list of Things To Do In Aveiro is Make A Wish.
As you walk through Aveiro you cannot miss the colourful ribbons tied to the bridges in Aveiro. This form of artistic expression that has gained much more popularity in recent year.
The people tie ribbons to the bridges as a symbol of love, remembrance or to make a wish. It’s your way to leave a personal mark or express your feelings in a public space.
📍 Tip: By the ribbons from the news stand near the market
The people tie ribbons to the bridges as a symbol of love, remembrance or to make a wish. It’s your way to leave a personal mark or express your feelings in a public space.
📍 Tip: By the ribbons from the news stand near the market
Museu de Arte Nova
If you’re strolling through the charming canals of Aveiro and find yourself enchanted by its colourful Art Nouveau facades, then a visit to the Museu de Arte Nova is a must!
Nestled inside the Casa Major Pessoa, a stunning example of early 20th-century elegance. This museum is a love letter to the Art Nouveau movement.
The building itself is a masterpiece, think swirling ironwork, intricate tile designs, and a rather dramatic eagle perched on top (because why not?). Designed in 1907 by Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi, it was originally a private home, but today it invites curious travelers to step inside and soak up the whimsical world of Art Nouveau.
Its just 4 euros to enter and it is well worth a visit.
Nestled inside the Casa Major Pessoa, a stunning example of early 20th-century elegance. This museum is a love letter to the Art Nouveau movement.
The building itself is a masterpiece, think swirling ironwork, intricate tile designs, and a rather dramatic eagle perched on top (because why not?). Designed in 1907 by Francisco Augusto da Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi, it was originally a private home, but today it invites curious travelers to step inside and soak up the whimsical world of Art Nouveau.
Its just 4 euros to enter and it is well worth a visit.
View The Train Station
Aveiro’s train station, Estação de Comboios de Aveiro, is not just a transit hub it is a beautiful work of art! Located in the heart of the city, this station is famous for its stunning azulejo (blue and white tile) panels that tell the story of Aveiro’s maritime and cultural heritage.
The station’s original building, completed in 1916, is a classic Portuguese architectural beauty. The azulejo panels showcase scenes of local life, traditional moliceiro boats gliding through the canals, salt production, and even old-school train travel.
Even if you’re not catching a train, the old station is worth a quick stop for its Instagram-worthy azulejos. It’s a perfect place to snap some photos and soak up a bit of Aveiro’s rich history before heading off to explore the city’s canals, salt flats, and delicious ovos moles!
The station’s original building, completed in 1916, is a classic Portuguese architectural beauty. The azulejo panels showcase scenes of local life, traditional moliceiro boats gliding through the canals, salt production, and even old-school train travel.
Even if you’re not catching a train, the old station is worth a quick stop for its Instagram-worthy azulejos. It’s a perfect place to snap some photos and soak up a bit of Aveiro’s rich history before heading off to explore the city’s canals, salt flats, and delicious ovos moles!
Museu de Aveiro / Santa Joana
Even if you’re not a history buff, this museum feels like stepping into a time capsule. It is filled with art, architecture, and a touch of royal rebellion. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in Portugal’s rich heritage while admiring some seriously Instagram-worthy interiors.
If you love gilded churches, royal secrets, and centuries-old art, then the Museu de Aveiro / Santa Joana is your kind of place. Tucked inside the Convent of Jesus, this museum is a deep dive into Aveiro’s history, with a side of monastic intrigue and stunning Baroque design.
📍 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
If you love gilded churches, royal secrets, and centuries-old art, then the Museu de Aveiro / Santa Joana is your kind of place. Tucked inside the Convent of Jesus, this museum is a deep dive into Aveiro’s history, with a side of monastic intrigue and stunning Baroque design.
📍 Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Grab Fresh Fruit & Flowers At The Market
If you want to experience Aveiro like a local, there’s no better way than diving into its markets! From fresh seafood straight off the boats to vintage treasures waiting to be discovered, these lively spots are a treat for foodies, bargain hunters, and culture lovers alike.
This covered market is the beating heart of Aveiro’s food scene. Come early, and you’ll find locals haggling over the freshest fish, meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies. Don’t leave without sampling some local sweets and regional wines.
📍 Tip: Head here in the morning for the best selection—and bring cash for small vendors!
This covered market is the beating heart of Aveiro’s food scene. Come early, and you’ll find locals haggling over the freshest fish, meats, cheeses, fruits, and veggies. Don’t leave without sampling some local sweets and regional wines.
📍 Tip: Head here in the morning for the best selection—and bring cash for small vendors!
Four Bronze Statues
Aveiro’s canals are adorned with captivating statues that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. One notable ensemble is the set of four bronze statues located at the four ends of the bridge over the Central Canal in Praça Joaquim de Melo Freitas (Delgado Square). These statues depict traditional figures from Aveiro:
Salineira: A female salt worker, representing the women who played a crucial role in the salt production industry.
Marnoto: A male salt worker, symbolizing the men dedicated to harvesting salt from the local salt pans.
Parceira do Ramo: A figure associated with local festivities, embodying the spirit of community celebrations.
Fogueteiro: A fireworks enthusiast, highlighting the importance of fireworks in Aveiro’s traditional festivals.
Aveiro’s canals are adorned with captivating statues that celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. One notable ensemble is the set of four bronze statues located at the four ends of the bridge over the Central Canal in Praça Joaquim de Melo Freitas (Delgado Square). These statues depict traditional figures from Aveiro:
Salineira: A female salt worker, representing the women who played a crucial role in the salt production industry.
Marnoto: A male salt worker, symbolizing the men dedicated to harvesting salt from the local salt pans.
Parceira do Ramo: A figure associated with local festivities, embodying the spirit of community celebrations.
Fogueteiro: A fireworks enthusiast, highlighting the importance of fireworks in Aveiro’s traditional festivals.
Barra Beach
Just a short 11-kilometer hop from Aveiro’s charming canals is Praia da Barra. It is where golden sands stretch wide, salty breezes play tag and beach days feel endless. This sun-kissed hotspot isn’t just a pretty face, it’s also home to the mighty Farol da Barra, a towering 62-meter lighthouse that proudly claims the title of Portugal’s tallest lighthouse (and one of the tallest on the planet!). It’s not just a beacon for ships, it’s a photo-op waiting to happen, and the ultimate backdrop for your coastal daydreams.
Watch Things To Do In Aveiro Below
Thanks for reading 16 Things To Do In Aveiro.
What is your favourite colourful activity in Aveiro?
Book your Aveiro Activities with Activities in Portugal.
-
In stock€15.00
Map Of Things To Do In Aveiro
Aveiro Weather
AVEIRO WEATHERHow To Get To Aveiro
When To Visit Aveiro?
Other Portugal Travel Guides
Best Hotels in Aveiro
Things to Know Before You Go
Written by Clara R.
“I’ve been lucky enough to call Portugal home since 2011, living in the Algarve, Lisbon, and the Porto area. Every year, I make it a mission to travel around this beautiful country, discovering new places, hidden gems, and the best local spots. Portugal never stops surprising me!.”
