Is Aveiro Worth Visiting? 2024

Aveiro is known as “The Venice of Portugal.” There are canals and bridges in a little town near Porto, Portugal. It sounds so charming, right? I thought so too when I was planning my 10-day trip to Portugal. But, picking a day trip and trying to make the most of your time means you want day tips to be worth it! So, is Aveiro worth visiting?

After I tell you if Aveiro is worth visiting, this post will take you through how to get to Aveiro from Porto and what to do if you decide to visit.

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Is Aveiro Worth Visiting?

First things first, the answer to the question you came here for, is Aveiro worth visiting?

The city has a good marketing team, and I fell for it. But, after going, I didn’t see that Aveiro was worth visiting.

Full disclosure, we did not have great weather. It was chilly and rainy. I might have enjoyed it more if it had been a prettier day. It wouldn’t change too much, though.

The real issue is that Aveiro is overhyped as a great day trip from Porto, and there isn’t that much to do. Even if you explore thoroughly, eat, and take a boat tour, I’m still trying to figure out how you could spend more than a few hours here.

We traveled very quickly. No one in our group was impressed, so we finished up fast. The staff at the visitor center were surprised when we returned to get our luggage. They thought we had forgotten something!

But, read on about what to do and how to get there so you can decide for yourself.

What to See In Aveiro

Before visiting any city it’s nice to have a list of what you’d like to see. Looking at what to do in Aveiro can help you decide if you think Aveiro is worth visiting.

This list is compiled from my research and based on the recommendations from the lovely staff at the tourist center.

1- The Old Ceramics Factory

The old Fabrica de Ceramica (Ceramic Factory) is an imposing clay-red building with one of the canals out front. This used to be the place where the famous ceramic tiles found all through Portugal were made.

It was a factory for other things before becoming a cultural center. Now, it houses government offices and hosts cultural events.

Across the canal, you’ll see an impressive glass cube hotel.

2- I love Aveiro Steps

Keep walking to see the I <3 Aveiro steps. For the best picture, make sure you aren’t too close. Besides a spot for Instagram photos, I don’t know what these are, but it was a fun idea! Plus, the staff at the tourist center were proud of them.

3- Walk down the Canal

The Canal do Cojo will take you into the city center in Aveiro. The city is known as “The Venice of Portugal.” Honestly, it’s just outstanding marketing to get you there.

Don’t go in expecting Venice. There are a couple of canals but not the mass that Venice has.

The bridges are fun, and the canals are charming as you get closer to the old city center.

4- Tie a Friendship Ribbon on One of the Bridges

Some cities have “love locks” on their bridges. Aveiro has figured something out with the friendship/lovers ribbons.

The tradition supposedly started when two students tied a ribbon to honor their love and friendship.

Shops along the river will sell you a ribbon. You can write your names on it and tie it to the bridge.

If nothing else, the ribbons make a good picture.

5- Bridge of Carcavelos

This bridge is a short walk outside of the main center. It’s nice to have a reason to walk around a bit more! This yellow bridge is the oldest in Aveiro. It is a decorative bridge that makes a good photo. It isn’t in the best shape, but it’s still worth the short walk over if you’re already there.

6- Moliceiros Pier and Boat Ride

Venice has gondolas and Aveiro has moliceiros. The flat-bottom boats are colorful and fun! They make for great photos near the pier. The boats used to be powered by paddles or sails, but they have motors on them now.

You can take a 45-minute tour of Aveiro on a moliceiro. It’s cheaper than a gondola ride in Venice!

I don’t think you need to do the boat ride to see the city, but you’d get a different view (and it would kill some time).

The guide will be able to explain more about the canals and fishermen’s houses. They’ll also be able to talk to you about the salt trade that made Aveiro such an essential city for Portugal.

7- Wander, Shop, and Admire the Tile Work

The tile work in Aveiro is one of my favorite things about the city. There are so many intricate tile mosaics on the sidewalks and streets. If it’s rainy, they’ll be slick!

The best part of visiting Aveiro was wandering through the streets and admiring the architecture and feel of the city.

The patterns in Aveiro are marine-themed. Seahorses, dolphins, fish, and more make up the designs on the intricate tiles. There is also some colorful painting and tilework on the buildings in the main center.

The streets are lined with little shops, mostly selling touristy souvenirs, but they’re fun to look at while wandering.

8- Try the Pastry

Every city/region in Portugal has a signature pastry. It’s so much fun! If you’re celiac, skip this one. If you’re a gluten-eater, check out some bakeries to try ovos moles.

I can’t eat them, so I didn’t try. I’m told they’re quite eggy.

Tripa de Aveiro is a crepe-like dessert you could also try.

If you visit and try one, let me know how it goes!

Bonus 1- Costa Nova

Costa Nova isn’t technically in Aveiro. Costa Nova is home to houses with beautiful bright stripes. The ones you see in the pictures are red or blue with white stripes. You could also spend some time on the beach if the weather cooperates. But you’d need to take a cab/rideshare or bus to get there.

If you choose to take a tour your trip may include a visit to Costa Nova!

Bonus 2- Forum Aveiro

This is a glass-ceiling-covered mall. The terrace at the top has a good view. It would be an excellent place to have a coffee or dodge the rain as we did!

Getting to Aveiro from Porto

Getting to Aveiro is easy from Porto. It’s only 35 miles (57 km) south of Porto. There are several options to make the journey.

By Train

Traveling by train is the easiest and most economical way to get to Aveiro from Porto.

The train runs at regular intervals, and the urban train will take just over an hour to get you to Aveiro. There is at least one train every hour. Make sure you know the departure times to plan your day.

The trains can be busy so plan to get a seat. Also, note that some trains take a bit longer than others. Try to take the fastest train.

A return ticket to Porto will cost €‎7.10. Buy your return ticket when you purchase your ticket to leave Porto. Tickets aren’t timed, so you can board the train when you’re done with your visit.

The urban trains leave from São Bento Station. A high-speed option from Campanha is more expensive and only 15 minutes shorter. Stick to the urban train.

You can purchase tickets early if you’d like but purchasing them from the station the morning of wasn’t a problem. Just give yourself plenty of time to get your tickets and make the train.

By Car

If you are on a Portuguese road trip, you could drive to Aveiro from Porto. Take the A1 south out of Porto to the A25. The drive will take at least 45 minutes but could take more than an hour, depending on traffic.

By Tour

If you decide you want to visit Aveiro but want to avoid dealing with figuring out the train system, you can always take a tour. Tours from Porto include a boat ride on the canals.

As a Stopover On the Way to Lisbon

Visiting Aveiro as a stopover on your trip from Porto to Lisbon is an option too. This is one of the ways I think a trip to Aveiro is worth it.

The train line is the same, so it’s quite easy. Follow the same train directions, except you don’t need to buy a return ticket. Your one-way ticket to Aveiro will be €‎3.55. After you finish exploring, buy your ticket to Lisbon at the station.

Coming by train means you’ll need to store your luggage at the Aveiro train station. There is a Visitor Information Office at the station. They are super friendly and very welcoming! They’ll also store your bags for you for a small fee. Luggage is stored in a locked closet in their office, so it’s very convenient. 

The office is near the ticket counter but on the opposite side of the hallway.

The office will also provide you with a map, a suggested route into town, and some suggestions of things to see.

Where to eat in Aveiro?

It is possible to visit Aveiro without ever needing a meal. We ended up leaving before lunch and eating in Coimbra.

Gluten-free friends, consider Comphy Gluten Free.

Otherwise, you could eat at several options in the city center. I don’t love Portuguese food, so I’d still be partial to Poco Loco!

When to visit Aveiro?

It’s always a good idea to visit during shoulder season. This allows you to avoid the biggest crowds without completely sacrificing the weather.

Portugal is best during a shoulder season. Spring (March-May) is beautiful because the flowers are in bloom. This does mean you risk some rainy days. Fall (September-October) is nice because the weather is warm, but the crowds have dispersed.

Summer will be busy and warm. If the beach is what you’re most interested in, you should visit Aveiro in the summer.

So, do you think Aveiro is worth visiting?

If you think Aveiro is worth visiting, then it’s worth visiting!

It depends. If the weather isn’t good or you’re short on time in Portugal, Aveiro probably isn’t worth a visit. I found a day trip to Guimarães way more interesting. The medieval castle is imposing.

If you can visit Porto as a stopover on your way to Lisbon, it may be worth it.

But, I’m just one opinion. Lots of people love Aveiro.

If you have lots of time or think it looks beautiful, go for it.

If you do, I’d love to hear what you think! Reach out and let me know!

Check out all of my Portugal content for more ideas!