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Aveiro Lagoon

Aveiro Lagoon: Our most recommended tours and activities

Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Tour

1. Aveiro: Traditional Moliceiro Boat Tour

Cruise through the city of Aveiro on a boat ride onboard a traditional Moliceiro boat. Start along the Central Canal of the lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro. Traverse the center of the city, from the garden of Rossio to the old building of the Capitania of the Port of Aveiro. Follow another canal that formerly served as a waterway to the Antonio Maria Campos brick factory, where the Aveiro Cultural and Congress Center was established along with other public services. Then, cruise down Canal das Pirâmides (the pyramids canal), which was built at the beginning of the 19th century and stretches from the old fish market to the central canal. During the summer, enjoy a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of small white pyramids of salt that represent one of the most characteristic features of this region.

Aveiro: Boat Cruise & City Highlights Walking Tour

2. Aveiro: Boat Cruise & City Highlights Walking Tour

Experience the beauty of Aveiro on a boat cruise in an authentic Moliceiro craft. Stroll through the Beira Mar district on a walking tour with a local guide and take in the lively vibe at the Aveiro Fish Market. Be welcomed by your local guide at the Freedom Obelisk in the old town of Aveiro. Follow your guide to an iconic Moliceiro boat. Embark on a cruise aboard a colorful ship through the city's waterways. Glide on an elegant boat and snap pictures of landmarks like the City Council building, a 15th century mill, and the romantic Carcavelos Bridge. Watch the old parts of the city melt into the new as you see the shopping center and a ceramic factory that was converted into a convention center. Disembark and continue on your walking tour through the narrow streets of the Beira Mar neighborhood that was traditionally inhabited by fisherman and salt workers. Admire the vibrantly colored buildings along the canal. Make your way to the bustling Fish Market, the Centennial building, and pass by richly adorned Art Nouveau buildings before ending your tour.

Aveiro: Ria Highlights Boat Tour

3. Aveiro: Ria Highlights Boat Tour

Embark on a captivating boat tour through the enchanting Ria de Aveiro, an idyllic coastal gem nestled in Portugal. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this unique ecosystem as we navigate its tranquil waters. Step aboard our comfortable boat and prepare for an unforgettable journey. As we set sail, you’ll be greeted by a gentle sea breeze and stunning vistas that unfold before your eyes. The Ria de Aveiro is renowned for its diverse landscapes, encompassing serene lagoons, meandering canals, and vibrant marshlands. Relax and unwind as our experienced guides share their deep knowledge and love for this remarkable region. Learn about the rich biodiversity that thrives within these waters, from graceful birds gliding overhead to fascinating marine life that calls Ria de Aveiro home. Keep your camera ready as we navigate through the intricate channels and discover hidden corners of this natural paradise. Marvel at the sight of elegant herons wading through the marshes, playful dolphins leaping joyfully in the distance, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the elusive otters darting along the riverbanks. As we explore further, we’ll encounter picturesque fishing villages that have stood the test of time. Witness the symbiotic relationship between the local communities and the sea, as traditional fishing boats line the shores, and fishermen skillfully ply their trade. Be captivated by the unique architectural beauty of the region’s iconic moliceiro boats. Adorned with vibrant and intricate designs, these colorful vessels offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Ria de Aveiro. Our boat tour in Ria de Aveiro is a journey of discovery, where you’ll connect with nature, immerse yourself in local traditions, and create cherished memories. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes, this boat tour promises an experience that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders that await you in Ria de Aveiro.

From Aveiro/Ilhavo: Barra, Costa Nova, and Vista Alegre Tour

4. From Aveiro/Ilhavo: Barra, Costa Nova, and Vista Alegre Tour

We’ll leave Aveiro and cross the Central Canal, arriving in the traditional salt fields and the Environmental Interpretation Centre, where we’ll attempt to spot flamingos. Next, we will visit Aveiro’s two quays - the distant-water fishing quay and the commercial quay - where we’ll learn more about the region’s natural evolution and economic history. At Praia da Barra we will gaze upon the man-made opening where the lagoon meets the sea. This structure was built in the early nineteenth century, using the stone from Aveiro’s medieval city walls. The majestic lighthouse stands out in the beautiful Atlantic landscape, accompanying us as we enjoy a short walk by the sea. We will also walk-through Costa Nova, along the typical striped wooden houses. These used to be fishermen’s abodes and are nowadays part of one of the most beautiful and original coastal landscapes in Portugal. You will also have a chance to taste our Portuguese custard tarts (Pasteis de Nata), in one of our local bakeries. We will then drive to Vista Alegre, a small settlement where the famous Vista Alegre Factory is located. Built in 1824, it’s renowned internationally for its ceramic and glassware production. We’ll then visit the museum, with the possibility of watching the artists delicately paint the ceramic pieces in the workshop (workshop closed during the weekend). Still in Vista Alegre, we’ll also have a look through the local chapel, Capela da Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, a seventeenth-century national site, decorated with Portuguese tiles (azulejos) and frescoes. Before returning to Aveiro, you’ll also have a chance to briefly visit the Factory shop and outlet.

From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour

5. From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour

Departing from the city of Porto, in a short, comfortable and private trip of 30 minutes, discover the beauty of the city of Aveiro and its famous Ria de Aveiro. Enjoy the peace and tranquility that this place provides. At your own pace and away from the crowds, interact with the community and learn about their stories in a mix between nature and gastronomy, in a unique and unforgettable experience. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • discover why it is known as the Venice of Portugal • explore its numerous canals and bridges. • visit the fish market, past Art Nouveau buildings, and colorful moliceiro boats. • Add a cruise on the Ria Aveiro, to further explore the city from the Ria. • discover Costa Nova, where you will have the opportunity to see and photograph the colorful fishermen's houses, typically painted with vertical stripes. The journey continues to the historic city of Coimbra. The city of students and the oldest university in the country, (12th century), and one of the oldest in the world. Take the time to: • visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. • visit the Old Romanesque style Cathedral (Sé Velha). • crossing the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. • having a lunch at one of the taverns downtown, where you can find the most delicious snacks. Return comfortably to your hotel in Porto after a day filled with culture and beauty that will surely stay in your best memories. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

Boat Tour

6. Boat Tour

The tour will start in the the Torreira Village, which by the sea, it has one of the biggest beaches in the north. Although a small village, if offers great condition for great holidays and amazing experiences. Aveiro Lagoon (Ria de Aveiro) is separated by less than 1 kilometer from the sea. In one side the amazing ocean and the other the calm water of Ria de Aveiro. The tour starts from Torreia marina and commonly heads into the north of the laggon, which is the more natural area. Huge groups of flamingos are always observed but Ria de Aveiro has to offer an imense natural flora and fauna, enriching always the experience. Along around 1h30m, in a really slow pace (as it should), customers will learn more about the region, but also will be invited to share their experience and knowlege, in a mutual learning experience. Come to know Ria de Aveiro away from the tourism masses and embrace the experience!

From Lisbon: Private Transfer to Porto with Aveiro Tour

7. From Lisbon: Private Transfer to Porto with Aveiro Tour

Did you know that one of the most spectacular regions of Portugal is on the way between Lisbon and Porto? Turn your transfer into an unforgettable experience visiting some locations in the Center of Portugal and discovering a country within the country. 255 km from Lisbon you will find Aveiro. Visiting Aveiro is the same as diving in the waters of the Center of Portugal. The Aveiro “Ria” began to form during the 15th century when the shoreline moved back and left behind sandpits along an area of eleven thousand hectares which created a lagoon. Nowadays, it has become a real network of canals and islands which has made Aveiro earn the title of “Portuguese Venice”. Return to the road and head to Ílhavo and before arriving at your hotel in Porto, exit the route and head to Costa Nova.

Other Sightseeing Options in Aveiro Lagoon

Want to discover all there is to do in Aveiro Lagoon? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Aveiro Lagoon

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 799 reviews

Tour description should clearly state that this is basically a transfer service provided by a driver, nor a guide. Also, Coimbra deserves a lot more time than Aveiro. Overall Paulo, our driver, really went extra mile for us making sure we are happy, which we highly appreciated.

Excellent tour guide on the boat. He made sure to explain things to us in English as we were the only English speaking people on the tour, it felt like we had our own private tour!

Our guide was informative and the host tour was great too. Enjoyed it all

Felt like I was in Venice but in Portugal. The city is very beautiful.

So much history! Guide was engaging even with limited English.