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Aveiro
Situated on the edge of an extensive coastal lagoon system, Aveiro (uh-vey-roo) is a prosperous town with a good-looking centre and a youthful, energetic buzz. It's occasionally dubbed the Venice of Portugal thanks to its small network of picturesque canals. But where the Italian city has gondolas, Aveiro has moliceiros 鈥 colourful boats traditionally used for seaweed-harvesting but now used for canal cruises.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
Aveiro
Between Aveiro and Coimbra, in the village of Sangalhos in the Bairrada wine-producing region, this magnificent place is part adega (winery), part art鈥
Reserva Natural das Dunas de S茫o Jacinto
Aveiro
This gloriously tranquil nature reserve extends north from S茫o Jacinto, between the sea and the placid lagoon west of Aveiro. A network of trails runs鈥
Aveiro
Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the S茫o Jacinto nature reserve. To鈥
Aveiro
This fine museum, housed in the 15th-century Mosteiro de Jesus, owes its finest treasures to Princesa Joana (later canonised), daughter of Afonso V. In鈥
Aveiro
The wonderful Museu Mar铆timo de 脥lhavo is in a modern, award-winning building in the town of 脥lhavo, 8km south of Aveiro. It covers the history of鈥
Aveiro
Set in Aveiro's most eye-catching art nouveau building, this small museum above a cafe has a modest one-room exhibition on art nouveau design and鈥
Aveiro
Aveiro's cathedral was formerly part of a Dominican convent and contains a Manueline stone cross of Saint Domingo. The cathedral's sober white interior鈥
Aveiro
The closest beaches to Aveiro are the surfing hangouts of Praia da Barra and Costa Nova, 13km west of the town. Both are developed and busy in summer;鈥
Plan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Aveiro
Activities
14 of the best things to do in Aveiro, Portugal's lagoon-side cityJan 15, 2025 鈥 10 min read
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