Aveiro, the perfect holiday to experience northern Portugal

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.

Hotel Termas da Curia 3*: wine, wellness, and Portuguese charm

• Located in the peaceful village of Tamengos, just 25 minutes from Aveiro, this accommodation combines well-being and tradition. Its spacious green areas and relaxing atmosphere make it a perfect retreat to unwind from the daily routine.

• You’ll wake up to a hearty breakfast before exploring the Bairrada region, home to Portugal’s finest sparkling wines, lush vineyards, and historic spa towns like Curia and Luso.

• Its location is ideal for discovering both the Aveiro coast and the more authentic inland Portugal.

Perfect for couples or families seeking calm, gastronomy, and a touch of authenticity, this stay blends comfort, local culture, and warm hospitality in the heart of Portugal.

Tamengos: elegance, wellness and the flavour of Portugal

Hidden in Portugal’s Aveiro district, Tamengos is a destination full of charm, history and tranquillity. Best known for the famous spa town of Curia, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation, heritage and gastronomy in a setting where time seems to slow down.

What makes Tamengos so special?

• A journey back to the Belle Époque: Curia still preserves the elegance of the early 20th century. The iconic Curia Palace Hotel, inaugurated in 1926, remains one of Portugal’s most impressive historic hotels. Nearby, Curia Park enchants visitors with its lake, romantic bridges and beautifully landscaped gardens.

• A wellness destination with centuries of history: The thermal waters of Curia have been appreciated since Roman times. Rich in minerals and renowned for their therapeutic properties, they continue to attract visitors seeking relaxation and wellbeing.

• The heart of the Bairrada wine region: Tamengos is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of Portugal’s finest sparkling wines. No visit is complete without tasting the famous Leitão da Bairrada, the region’s traditional roast suckling pig and one of Portugal’s most celebrated dishes.

• A station worth visiting: Even the railway station is part of the experience, decorated with traditional blue-and-white tiles that tell the story of the region’s wine-making traditions and thermal heritage.

Our recommendation: Take a leisurely walk through Curia Park at sunset, followed by a glass of local sparkling wine and a traditional Bairrada dinner. The perfect way to experience the authentic charm of the region.

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.