Aveiro: the colourful Portuguese alternative to Venice

Aveiro: the colorful alternative to Venice

It looks like Venice, but feels different. The same atmosphere, perhaps even better. There are brightly coloured boats gliding through the canals, but without the crowds. Everything that Venice has, you will also find in Aveiro. But with a Portuguese twist. Don't you want to go there?

Just an hour's drive from Porto, the charming city of Aveiro awaits. Believe me, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how nice it is there, and you'll love the atmosphere. You only ask yourself one thing: why has no one said this before?

Sailing through the Canal of Love

You will find the iconic gondola boats, the moliceiros, waiting for you in the canals. Yes, it is a bit touristy, but it is also an absolute must-do. For 15 euros per person, you can enjoy a guided tour of the city's rich history, while cruising through the canals in just one hour. The town looks stunning from the water.

As you cruise along, admire the colourful facades and impressive Art Nouveau architecture passing by.

Sailing through the Canal of Love in Aveiro: this is something you simply have to do

It is the boat trip through the Canal of Love that gives Aveiro its romantic charm. Compared to Paris, where you'll find heavy padlocks on the bridges, this place is much more colourful. Fluttering in the wind are thousands of ribbons. The story behind them is simple and beautiful: they are friendship ribbons.

It all started as a gesture between two students at the University of Aveiro, as a symbol of their friendship and loyalty to the city. It has since grown into a tradition where anyone can hang a ribbon to celebrate friendship or love. This gives the city a light, almost joyful energy.

As you glide under the bridges, you can see hundreds of waving wishes above your head. It's a beautiful sight. And, let's be honest, it's incredibly photogenic.

Strolling along the Art Nouveau

After the boat trip, it's lovely to take a walking tour of the Art Nouveau City. Spread across Aveiro, you'll find 28 locations, each one more stunning than the next. The city is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can recognise the buildings by the special markings on the pavement right outside.

Focus on the facades, as the details are stunning. It is recommended to start at the Museu de Arte Nova. Not only does this museum have a large map showing all 28 locations, but you can also get a paper guide that provides more information on the architecture of each specific building.

Colorful facades and Art Nouveau details

This is the best way to explore the vibrant city in a relaxed and engaging way. Stroll through the narrow streets, stop by the cathedral, admire the street art, and find one of the terraces along the canals to take a break.

Without trying the local delicacy, you can’t leave Aveiro: Ovos Moles. People queue around the block for these traditional sweets filled with egg yolk cream.

The highlight is the old train station. Although it is no longer in use, the building's azure blue tiles (azulejos) will take your breath away. The combination of the white walls, deep blue azulejos and clear blue sky makes it perhaps the most beautiful place in the city to take a photo.

Rooms with a story

To make the experience truly complete, book a stay at the MS Collection Hotel. The history of this hotel is evident; it is located in the beautiful 18th-century mansion known as the Palacete de Valdemouro, which was once the property of a famous Portuguese writer. The building has been beautifully preserved, and you can feel it in everything.

As soon as you step inside, you will see the reception area with its impressive high ceilings, which look directly onto the red velvet staircase with a magnificent chandelier. Don't forget to look to the left, where you'll see that the library at the entrance is still almost entirely in its original state.

Staying overnight in a historic palace

The rooms are rightly called “rooms with a story.” Each room is named after a character from his books. We are staying in the Maria Eduarda room, a place steeped in history and romance.

Our room borders directly onto that of her brother. The story goes that they were hopelessly in love with each other; an impossible love that was forbidden, of course. It feels like a very special experience to sleep here when you know the story behind it. There are also small hotel booklets in your room where you can read all about it.

Rooms with a story in the heart of Aveiro

Relaxation and gastronomy

After a day of exploring the city, there's nothing better than unwinding at the hotel's contemporary spa. With thick mattresses on the sun loungers, a swimming pool with a waterfall and, of course, a sauna and hammam, relaxation can be truly achieved here.

Although Aveiro has many cosy restaurants, the Prosa restaurant in the hotel is hard to resist. The food is gastronomic, with perfectly matched wines. It offers an unparalleled dining experience in the hotel's historic setting.

Fine dining meets art

After this culinary experience, step out into the fresh evening air. The Art Nouveau facades are beautifully illuminated, giving the city a magical appearance. When you return to the hotel, your slippers will be ready and waiting for you and there will be a small treat in your room. It's the little details that make all the difference.

Before you continue your journey, be sure to stop by Praia da Costa Nova. This is the place to take iconic photos of the striped houses, the palheiros. With the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other, this is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic spots on the Portuguese coast.

Life is good in Aveiro.

Published on Reisleven.nl on April 16th, 2026