Aveiro & Costa Nova Canal Tour with Cityrama

Aveiro sits along Portugal’s Atlantic coast, its character defined by serpentine canals and colorful façades that give it the nickname "Venice of Portugal." Just an hour south of Porto, this coastal town, paired with the striking beach village of Costa Nova, offers a distinctive blend of maritime heritage and vivid seaside charm. Cityrama’s Aveiro & Costa Nova tour invites travelers to immerse themselves in this unique maritime landscape and cultural mosaic over a focused 4-hour experience.

At the heart of the tour is the ride aboard a traditional moliceiro boat. These slender vessels once harvested seaweed from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon—now, they offer gliding passage through narrow canals, framed by pastel Art Nouveau buildings and wrought-iron balconies. The moliceiros are decorated with hand-painted hulls that reflect local humor and cultural motifs, adding splashy character to the waterways. As you float, the cityscape passes by: open-air markets, the São Gonçalo Church, and compact plazas showcasing historic tile work.

From Aveiro, the trip moves to Costa Nova, where striped wooden houses create a striking palette against the Atlantic backdrop. Originally fishermen’s homes built to dry nets and avoid storms, these vibrant “palheiros” are now iconic seaside landmarks. The wide sandy beaches offer fresh ocean breezes and a quiet reprieve, perfect for a stroll or simply absorbing the horizon.

Locally-driven, Cityrama’s guided experience includes multilingual commentary, handing visitors historical context alongside local legends and culinary insights—like sampling ovos moles, a sweet egg-based delicacy unique to Aveiro. This tour stands out as a hands-on introduction to Portugal’s coastal culture, blending natural beauty, architecture, and tradition. It’s an ideal choice for travelers looking to move beyond Porto’s urban pace and engage with a lesser-known slice of Portugal’s Atlantic identity.