We loved Aveiro. This was my favorite stop in all of Portugal. I was in Lisbon, Sintra, Evora and…read moreenvirons in November, and then I came back in June- to travel from Porto to the Algarve- and Aveiro was by far my favorite place. It's quiet and lovely with plenty to see. Great restaurants, beautiful churches, and nice people. I wish I could have stayed here much longer. I'm not sure there's anywhere else I want to return to in Portugal- except this place. I'm a super fan. It reminded me of Utrecht- which I also love. The pace is quieter than it is in the major cities (just as Utrecht is more peaceful than Amsterdam).

Moliceiro Boat Tours in the Ria de Aveiro! Our tour guides…read moreMax and Joao were great as we explored City of Canals. There are 5 canals! We heard the history of Aveiro known for its salt mines and fish markets. At the end of the tour, we had a choice of complimentary salt packet or ribbon! Thank you for a wonderful experience with our family!

The boat tour is located at the Marina da Ria Aveiro. They have two type of tour. I would recommend…read morethe 50 minutes tour just the main canal tour. Unless you have more time, you can take the longer tour. The tour take you under the bridge of Ponte Lacos de Amizade - love bridge. This bridge when two love each other tie the ribbon on the bridge rail. Any how you are in the gondola of Portugal like Venice in Aveiro. I like the main canal tour because it take you to the important point of the city. You can see a building shape like cruise ship, the famous Rua Doutor Bernardino Machado with color building. The guide will explain the tour along the way.

I did a half day trip to Averio and the first thing i did was ride the boat (historic molicero)…read morealong the canal. The call the area the Venice of Portugal. The ride was about 55 minutes long with beautiful scenery. Our young guide was very funny and entertaining. We were able to see some beautiful homes and older buildings with beautiful architecture Even though it was very hot and sunny outside I still enjoyed the views during our ride.

This was one of the better/more fun experiences we had when we were in Portugal - the gondola…read moreitself was pretty standard and could accommodate a good amount of people. The actual canals themselves was just okay, a lot of the same scenics but honestly it was pretty relaxing and just an enjoyable way to eyeball what was in town and scope out where to walk to later on when traveling on foot. It's not a long tour, probably and hour or maybe slightly less. But on a day with nice weather, this is an enjoyable thing to do. There aren't any major sights other than getting a glimpse of the ocean in the distance and a few shopping areas, but it's still a relaxing little canal cruise.

The old Aveiro Railway Station which has magnificent tiles depicting the history of the area is now…read morea museum. Next to it is a very modern station with a beautiful mural.

Modern building…read more Very limited seating. What is with the Portuguese who think travelers don't need seating? Ticket agent was helpful in Português.

Even if the nickname Portuguese Venice is a slightly exaggerated compliment for this city, Aveiro…read morestill charms visitors with its narrow streets, small churches paved with neat tiles and colourful boars admiring their own reflection in the calm waters of the little canals. Start a relaxed walk around Aveiro at the tourist office in the Rua do Clube dos Galitos where friendly staff will provide you with the map on which you will also find pictures of all local attractions. Take time to make photos or stop for a coffee with a paste stenata. Don't miss the picturesque fish market and for lunch look for hidden cafes where locals enjoy their business lunch. The 10 Euro fixed meal we had in a cafeteria located in a no name side street connecting the fish market square and R. Adelono Amaro da Costa was one of the best meals we got in the Portugal during the whole trip.