Experience the Venice of Portugal with a plan full of color and tradition.

Discover Aveiro from the water: the Moliceiro boat

Curious about the traditional Moliceiro boat? This colourful and iconic vessel is one of Aveiro’s most recognisable symbols. If you choose the Moliceiro boat ride, you’ll explore the city’s most interesting spots from the canals, enjoying a unique perspective that reveals Aveiro’s charm in a completely different way.

• Important information about the boat tour:

  • The Moliceiro departs from Cais Jardim do Rossio.
  • Approximate duration: 45 minutes.
  • Tours run between 09:30 and 17:00.
  • It is necessary to call in advance and reserve a time slot for the activity. The phone number will be provided on your confirmation voucher.
  • At the hotel, the team will explain how the activity works: you will receive the tickets for the tour along with instructions on where to go and how early to arrive.

In Gold Hotel & Spa, your stylish retreat in the heart of Águeda

More than just a place to stay, the In Gold Hotel & Spa is your modern sanctuary in the heart of Águeda. Just 2 minutes from the historic centre and only 1 km from the train station, it offers the perfect balance between convenience and tranquillity. Ideal for a romantic escape or a refined getaway.

• Unwind in the spa with indoor pool, enjoy local cuisine in the panoramic restaurant overlooking the valley, and relax in elegant, minimalist rooms. Every detail is designed for you to switch off without giving up comfort.
• Don’t miss one of Portugal’s most iconic sights: the floating umbrellas of Águeda. This colourful summer spectacle is just a short walk from the hotel.
• What do guests say? “Peaceful atmosphere, charming staff and impeccable cleanliness.” “The views from the terrace are stunning, we’ll definitely be back.”

Why choose it? For its unbeatable location, its unique essence and because every corner invites you to slow down and take care of yourself. If you’re looking for an authentic experience with an exclusive touch, In Gold Hotel & Spa is waiting for you.

Águeda: The best kept secret of the Portuguese heart

Halfway between the mountains and the estuary, Águeda is much more than a city on the way to Aveiro. It is a living canvas where the avant-garde industry embraces the most authentic tradition.

1. The shelter that invented shade

The origin of the Umbrella Sky. Before its umbrellas went around the world, they were an ingenious and local solution to combat the heat of the AgitÁgueda festival. Today, this floating roof is the symbol of a city that knew how to turn necessity into pure visual art.

2. Europe's two-wheeled engine

The pedal capital. Did you know that Agueda is the heart of the bicycle on the continent? This is where most of the components that roll across Europe are manufactured. It is a city that moves to the rhythm of the pedal and proudly boasts of its industrial muscle.

3. A Christmas of epic proportions

The record-breaking Nativity Scene. In December, Agueda doesn't mess around: it boasts the Nativity Scene with the largest figures in the world (some up to 7 metres). It is a spectacle of lights and dimensions that transforms the city into a giant Christmas story.

4. An art gallery without doors or windows

Beyond the walls. Here, urban art doesn't ask for permission. From international murals to hand-painted electricity boxes or staircases that tell stories, strolling through its streets is like walking through a free museum where every corner has something to tell you.

5. The sweet lung of the region

Redonda: the river oasis. While Aveiro boasts of saltpeter and estuary, Águeda offers the freshness of fresh water in the River Park of Redonda. It is the secret corner of the locals to unwind among willows, picnics and the calm that only the river knows how to give.

Aveiro is one of Portugal’s most charming and photogenic cities. Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, it sits along a network of canals connected to the peaceful Aveiro Lagoon. Colourful moliceiro boats glide through the water while elegant Art Nouveau buildings line the streets. With its relaxed atmosphere, nearby beaches and delicious pastries, Aveiro is an excellent destination for couples and families looking to explore a different side of Portugal beyond the big cities.

Make sure you visit:

• The scenic Aveiro canals, where traditional moliceiro boats decorated with colourful paintings glide through the city.
• The charming Beira Mar district, full of small streets, seafood restaurants and lively terraces.
• Aveiro Museum, housed in the former Convent of Jesus and home to the beautiful tomb of Princess Saint Joana.
• The Art Nouveau buildings scattered around the city centre, showcasing Aveiro’s elegant architectural past.
• The lively fish market area, a great place to soak up the authentic local atmosphere.

Beaches we think you’ll like:

• Costa Nova Beach, famous for its striped colourful houses facing the Atlantic Ocean.
• Praia da Barra, home to one of the tallest lighthouses in Portugal and a wide sandy beach.
• São Jacinto Beach, a quieter natural beach surrounded by dunes and nature reserve areas.
• Vagueira Beach, perfect if you prefer a more relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Family-friendly activities:

• Take a moliceiro boat ride through the canals and learn about the city’s history.
• Cycle along the lagoon paths using Aveiro’s free BUGA bicycles.
• Visit the Aveiro Salt Pans to discover traditional salt harvesting methods.
• Spend the day at Costa Nova enjoying the beach and seaside cafés.
• Explore the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.

Make sure you try these local delicacies:

• Ovos moles, Aveiro’s most famous sweet made with egg yolks and sugar wrapped in delicate wafers.
• Bacalhau à lagareiro, roasted cod with olive oil, potatoes and garlic.
• Caldeirada de peixe, a traditional Portuguese fish stew full of flavour.
• Arroz de marisco, a rich and comforting seafood rice dish.
• Local Portuguese pastries from the traditional bakeries around the city.

Make the most of your visit and go to...

• Porto (1 hour): one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, famous for its historic centre and port wine cellars.
• Coimbra (50 min): a historic university city full of culture, monuments and lively student traditions.
• Ílhavo (10 min): home to the Maritime Museum and strong links to Portugal’s fishing heritage.
• The Aveiro Lagoon: perfect for boat trips, birdwatching and discovering traditional fishing villages.