On the shores of central Portugal lies a city often compared to the fabled city of Venice – with its wide canals, striking architecture and wonderfully adorned moliceiro – a boat reminiscent of Italy’s gondolas.

But in truth, this city has much more to offer than just a quieter and more affordable facsimile of Venice — and the best way to discover this hidden gem is with a day trip to Aveiro from Lisbon.

Check below our guide of Aveiro, one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Lisbon.

Getting there

Aveiro sits on the western shore of central Portugal, roughly situated between Lisbon and Porto.

By car: The drive from Lisbon to Aveiro is 250 kilometers long and takes just under 3 hours. Exit Lisbon on the A1 heading north towards Fatima, pass by Coimbra, and finally taking the N235 to Aveiro.
By train: There are direct trains from Lisbon to Aveiro. From the Santa Apolónia board the AP service managed by Comboios de Portugal to Aveiro and you’ll arrive there in about 2.5 hours.
Guided tours: A guided tour provides the convenience of not having to deal with train timetables or car rentals – and your tour will usually include locations like Nazaré or Sintra.

Typical itinerary

Trips heading inland will typically visit Fatima and Coimbra before heading to Aveiro. Trips following a coastal route will first head south towards Sintra, making their way north along the coast while visiting coastal towns like Nazaré. In Aveiro you’ll enjoy a boat tour of the canals as well as a city tour to discover it's fascinating history.

Our selection of the best tours

Aveiro and Coimbra Beauty and History Tour

Visit two beautiful cities in a single day: Aveiro and Coimbra
Learn historical information from a dedicated guide
Price: From €130
Duration: 9 hours

Lisbon to Porto with stop Óbidos, Nazaré, Fátima, Coimbra, Aveiro

Private transfer from Lisbon to Porto incl. hotel pickup and drop-off
Gided tourwith stops in Obidos, Nazaré, Fatima, Coimbra, and Aveiro
Price: From €499.50
Duration: 9 - 10 hours

Porto & Aveiro within Riverboat Cruises + Lunch

Six bridges cruise down the famous Douro River
Incl. wine tasting and lunch
Price: From €420
Duration: 10 hours

More tours

Small group tour to Aveiro and Coimbra from Lisbon

A group tour to Aveiro presents the best value for money when exploring the canals and avenues of this charming city. You’ll head directly to Aveiro where you’ll enjoy a boat tour on a traditional moliceiro — granting you a beautiful view of the city’s distinctive architecture.

Walk to the city center, trying some ovos moles along the way — a local delicacy that will be sure to hit the spot. On your route back to Lisbon you’ll stop in Coimbra for a walking tour led by a local.

Full-day private tour of Aveiro, Coimbra and Fatima

You’ll be in charge during this private expedition, deciding your next destination as well as how long you’ll stay. One of the must-visit stops along the way is Fatima — an important pilgrimage site for the Catholic faith and a welcome stop on your journey.

Following your brief repose, Aveiro awaits and you should head to Costa Nova beach and its colorful houses — before heading to the city proper for a day of exploration.

6-day tour of central and northern Portugal from Lisbon

This extensive multi-day tour from Lisbon aims to explore all that Aveiro and the surrounding region has to offer. It includes 5 nights in accommodation of your choice as well as a host of areas visited, including Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, Aveiro, and Batalha.

An air-conditioned van will take you across the entire region, venturing as far north as Braga before heading back home to Lisbon.

Prices

Tours from Lisbon to Aveiro cost between €130 and €500 per person, depending on the excursion. The higher price is mainly due to the distances that will be covered during these expeditions.

A small group tour to Aveiro and Coimbra from Lisbon will cost €130 per person, making it one of the more affordable options — with the added luxury of a maximum tour group of eight people.

A full-day private tour of Aveiro, Coimbra and Fatima costs €320 per person, but you’ll be the only people on the tour.

A 6-day tour of central and northern Portugal from Lisbon starts at €1,250 per person, and this includes 5 nights of accommodation.

Highlights

Aveiro

Aveiro is a delightful coastal city in central Portugal, situated on a lagoon and featuring beautiful canals and Art Nouveau-style buildings. Thanks to its aquatic heritage, Aveiro is also famous for its watersports — including kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.

Coimbra

Coimbra is a stunning university city in central Portugal — and it’s jampacked with monuments, attractions and buildings that embody the local history. It also features a vibrant nightlife, with cafes, bars and restaurants catering to visitors and students alike.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Aveiro is typically in the summer (July to August), when the weather is ideal for boat tours. However, this is also peak tourist season. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months, when the weather is still good and there are fewer people.

Other tours to Aveiro

Day trips to Aveiro from Porto

Travel tips

The nearby beach of Costa Nova is famous for its colorful striped houses, known as palheiros. It's also a great place for a relaxing beach day.
The local fish market is a great place to experience local life, with an array of fresh fish and seafood.
Even if you're visiting in the summer, bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, which can be a bit cool due to the Atlantic Ocean influence.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the town, especially if you're joining a walking tour.

Aveiro: Day Trips and Tours from Lisbon