AVEIRO E COSTA NOVA: Private Full-Day Tour w/Boat from Porto

A 7-hour private full-day tour from Porto to the captivating Aveiro and Costa Nova offers an engaging way to explore Portugal’s “Portuguese Venice.” For $176 per person, travelers enjoy a guided tour that combines scenic boat rides, architecture, local culture, and vibrant seaside scenery. The tour departs from three convenient locations—Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Matosinhos—and includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making for a comfortable and personalized experience.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to see Aveiro’s picturesque canals aboard a 45-minute moliceiro boat cruise, along with a guided walk through the city’s charming streets. The visit to Costa Nova’s brightly painted houses adds a splash of color and seaside relaxation. The tour offers free time for lunch, letting visitors indulge in local specialties, including the famous ovos moles. While lunch is not included, the flexibility to choose a restaurant allows for an authentic taste of regional cuisine. This tour suits those who appreciate history, architecture, and scenic sailing, and who want a full-day, private experience away from crowded group tours.

Key Points

• Private full-day experience from Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova
• Includes a 45-minute moliceiro boat cruise along Aveiro’s canals
• Guided walking tour through Aveiro’s Art Nouveau architecture and streets
• Free time for lunch at local restaurants to sample regional dishes
• Scenic photo stops at Costa Nova’s colorful houses and beach
• Pickup and drop-off at hotel included in the price

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Aveiro: Portugal’s Venice and Its Canals

This tour begins with a pick-up at your hotel in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Matosinhos, with private transportation to Aveiro. Upon arrival, the highlight is the moliceiro boat cruise, which lasts 45 minutes. These boats have been used historically for harvesting seaweed and now serve as charming gondolas that glide through Aveiro’s network of canals. This cruise offers a unique perspective of the fairy-tale city, allowing visitors to see the Art Nouveau buildings, colorful houses, and historic bridges from the water.

The boat ride is an enchanting experience that captures Aveiro’s essence—quaint, picturesque, and lively. During the cruise, the guide shares stories and curiosities about the city’s past and present, enriching the experience with local color. The scenery is notably distinctive, with the brightly colored houses lining the canals, creating a vivid backdrop perfect for photos.

Guided Walking Tour of Aveiro’s Art Nouveau Architecture

After the boat cruise, the tour continues with a guided walk through the streets of Aveiro. The guide takes visitors through the historic center, revealing Art Nouveau architecture, traditional salt pans, and the city’s cultural heritage. The walk lasts about one hour and offers an opportunity to learn about Aveiro’s history, local industries, and famous traditions.

This guided exploration provides insights into the city’s development and its distinctive architecture. The guide’s knowledge helps visitors appreciate details like ornate facades, decorative tiles, and the influence of maritime culture on the town’s design. It’s a slow-paced walk, ideal for those who enjoy architecture, history, and storytelling.

Visiting the Salinas de Aveiro: A Brief Pass-By

The tour includes a short pass-by of the Salinas de Aveiro, lasting about five minutes. While no extended stops are scheduled here, the salt flats are an iconic part of the region’s economic history. This quick glimpse offers a glance at traditional salt harvesting, an activity deeply connected to Aveiro’s identity.

Costa Nova: The Colorful Seaside Village

In the afternoon, the tour moves on to Costa Nova, a fishing village famous for its vibrant, striped houses. The photo stop at Costa Nova lasts about 30 minutes, giving visitors time to stroll along the beachfront, admire the brightly painted houses, and breathe in the salty sea air.

Costa Nova’s houses are a visual feast, with horizontal stripes in red, yellow, blue, green, and other lively colors. The scenery here is relaxed and charming, perfect for photography and leisurely walks. The beach offers a chance to relax by the sea, while the overall atmosphere reflects a fishing community’s welcoming spirit.

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Flexibility for Lunch in Aveiro

After exploring Costa Nova, visitors have free time for lunch at a local restaurant. The tour does not include lunch, but the region’s cuisine features regional dishes and delicacies. Travelers can sample fresh seafood and enjoy local treats, especially the renowned ovos moles, a sweet specialty from Aveiro.

This flexible time allows guests to choose a restaurant that suits their taste, whether they prefer a casual café or a more traditional eatery. It’s a good chance to experience authentic regional flavors and enjoy a relaxed meal before heading back.

Seamless Return to Porto in a Private Vehicle

The day concludes with a return transfer to the original pickup location—Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Matosinhos. The private transportation ensures a comfortable and stress-free end to the 7-hour tour. The drop-off is at your hotel, making it easy to continue exploring or relax after a full day of sightseeing.

Practical Details: Booking, Cancellation, and Guides

This tour, operated by WONDERS TOURS, offers the flexibility to reserve and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes live guides speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Because it is a private group tour, it provides a more intimate experience, tailored to your schedule and pace. The availability depends on your preferred date and time, so advance booking is recommended to secure a spot.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This full-day private experience suits those interested in architecture, local culture, scenic boat rides, and relaxed seaside visits. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized, flexible day outside of Porto, with an emphasis on beautiful scenery and authentic regional flavors.

The inclusion of a guided walk and boat cruise makes this tour appealing to history buffs and photographers alike. Visitors seeking a less hurried experience with free time for lunch will find this tour offers a great balance of guided exploration and personal leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat cruise included in the tour price?
Yes, the 45-minute moliceiro boat cruise is included, allowing a close-up view of Aveiro’s canals and architectural scenery.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts with pick-up at your hotel in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, or Matosinhos and ends with drop-off at the same location.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, from pick-up to drop-off.

Is lunch included in the price?
No, lunch is not included. Visitors have free time to choose a local restaurant and enjoy regional dishes, including famous ovos moles.

What language options are available for the guides?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for diverse travelers.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility and peace of mind.

This private full-day tour from Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova combines scenic boat rides, architecture, colorful seaside scenery, and authentic regional cuisine. It delivers a relaxed yet engaging experience perfect for those who appreciate small-group intimacy and personalized exploration of Portugal’s charming coastal towns.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby