Explore local treasures
Let yourself be enchanted by the Aveiro Region
Visiting Aveiro goes far beyond the traditional moliceiro ride along the city's canals or eating the famous ovos moles.
The beauty of this region, located in the centre of Portugal, owes a lot to its lagoon which, as well as bathing cities of great heritage, historical and religious value, is home to a unique ecosystem made up of a wide variety of animal and plant species.
Here, your cultural agenda will always be full. Join us and travel around this region, where you'll find a mixture of beauty and serenity.
Aveiro
The City of Canals
Discover Aveiro
To contemplate Aveiro's rich built heritage is, above all, to travel through the country's history of art and architecture.
Aveiro, in addition to the natural charm attributed to it by its many canals that tear through streets and squares, also has a very characteristic architectural identity.
There's no better way to get to know Aveiro than on board a traditional moliceiro boat. However, to explore its avenues and alleys, we advise you to do so on foot or by bicycle. BUGAs (bicycles) are available in the city centre and are free of charge.
Bairro da Beira-Mar
This neighbourhood used to be home to sailors and fishermen. Today, you'll find numerous restaurants, terraces, cafés and shops.
Praça Humberto Delgado e Canal Central
Enjoy the view of the Ria de Aveiro Central Canal, where several moliceiros dock and circulate. Get up close and see the jocular episodes that decorate them.
Canal de São Roque e Pontes
On the S. Roque canal, cross the Carcavelos Bridge, one of the oldest in the city, and the lovers' favourite, the Laço Bridge, exuberant with its modern architecture.
Circuito de Arte Nova - Praço do Rossio
Next to the Central Canal are some of the most emblematic façades in the Art Nouveau style. Visit the Aveiro City Museum and the Art Nouveau Museum.
Canal dos Botirões e Praça do Peixe
This is one of the city's most colourful areas and is well known for its bars and nightlife.
Capela de São Gonçalinho
This chapel is a visit not to be missed, especially in January, the time of the festivities, when many centuries-old traditions can be experienced.
Salinas de Aveiro
Watching the sun set over the Aveiro salt pans is a unique experience. Visit the Troncalhada Marine Ecomuseum and learn about the ancestral practices of salt production and transport.
Rua de Coimbra e Praça da República
Walking up Rua de Coimbra is an excellent idea for discovering more of the city and its typical houses.
Igreja da Misericórdia
Built in the Mannerist style, this church is famous for the tile panels that adorn the façade and interior of the building.
Museu de Aveiro
The former Convent of Jesus, a Dominican monastery founded in 1458, is home to the Aveiro Museum, known for its beautiful collection of sacred art.
Sé de Aveiro
Also part of the former Dominican convent, the Cathedral stands out by its Baroque-style portico and the Manueline-style St Dominic's Cross.
Canal do Cojo e Cais da Fonte Nova
The heart of Aveiro is pierced by the Cojo Canal, where you can walk along the riverside to the Fonte Nova Quay, an excellent place to watch the moliceiros manoeuvring.
Mercado Manuel Firmino e Ponte dos Laços da Amizade
Taste fresh, local products at the market in front of the Bridge of the Friendship Ties, one of the most colourful and beautiful in the city.
Ílhavo
Find what makes you happy
Visit Ílhavo and Costa Nova Beach
Get to know the colourful haystacks of the Costa Nova and discover the exuberant Art Nouveau façades in Ílhavo
Ílhavo's traditions are directly linked to the sea, cod fishing and nostalgia. In this city you can experience the culture of the people who have been travelling to the icy northern seas since the 15th century to catch the fish that gives its name to so many Portuguese dishes, cod.
Praia da Costa Nova
The colourful striped haystacks make every visitor fall in love. In the past, these haystacks were used to store fishing nets and tools.
Vista Alegre
Vista Alegre was the first porcelain factory in Portugal (1824) and still operates today. Don't miss a visit to its museum, chapel, palaces and workers' houses.
Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo
This museum preserves the memory of the Portuguese maritime labour, cod fishing in the northern seas and working in the Ria de Aveiro and along the Portuguese coastline.
Núcleo Histórico da Antiga Vila de Ílhavo
Walk through a maze of alleys and lanes lined with houses inspired by Art Nouveau and Modernism. On your way to Aveiro, look out for Vila Africana, the Casa dos Cestinhos.
Bairro dos Pescadores da Malhada
In this neighbourhood made up of 10 single-storey houses, fishermen and seafarers. The houses, dating from 1949, are decorated with maritime motifs.
Praia da Barra
Enjoy a beautiful day at the beach. On Wednesdays, don't miss climbing Portugal's largest lighthouse, from where the view over the Ria de Aveiro will impress anyone.
Igreja Paroquial de Ílhavo
This 18th-century church is consecrated to Salvator Mundis and its austere interior made it the most beautiful church in the bishopric of Aveiro for many years.
Centro de Religiosidade Marítima
The relationship with the Sacred is closely linked to local tradition. In this museum you can discover religious artefacts transported on ships by fishermen.
Navio-Museu Santo André
Learn more about the art of trawling on board this 1948 ship, which honours the memory of its crew members and the way they lived and worked.
Vagos
How far we want to go
Visit Vagos, Boco Village and Vagueira Beach
Surf, explore trails and venture into nature
Discover our cultural authenticity, venture along nature trails and enjoy the Atlantic waves for surfing.
Vagos has a varied tourist offer for its visitors.
Praia da Vagueira
The sandy beach of Praia da Vagueira is still used today by fishermen who practise their craft - Arte Xávega. Here you can practise water sports.
Boco, Aldeia de Portugal
Visit old houses, with characteristics identical to those of the Gândara region, and venture into various levadas. Book your visit to Ti Luisa's watermill, a visit not to be missed.
Museu do Brincar
Travel back in time and/or learn how children used to play. The museum has a collection of thousands of objects dating from various eras and centuries past.
Casa-Museu Gandaresa
Discover how the inhabitants of Vagos lived in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This house is a must-see ethnographic museum for history lovers.
Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Vagos
This sanctuary is rooted in a series of legends and mysteries that perpetuate the cult of this magical place. Lovers of sacred art shouldn't miss a visit to the chapel.
Quinta do Ega
This park is ideal for a morning stroll. Here you can spot various species of local fauna. At the top of the hill you'll find the Vagos Swing, ideal for photographs.
Rotas e Trilhos Pedestres
Venture into nature:
1. Trilho da Lontra - 8,3km
2. Trilho de São Martinho - 19km
Unique Experiences
Visiting Aveiro can go far beyond the traditional moliceiro ride on the city's main canals. Discover unique experiences during your stay at Hotel Santiago
Moliceiro Ride
Discover the main canals of Aveiro on board a traditional moliceiro boat
Duration: 45 minutes
Sterna - Duas Águas
Discover the natural beauty and great biodiversity of the Ria de Aveiro, beyond the city centre
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Sterna - Esteiros (Marches)
Venture into the Aveiro's Lagoon and discover its fauna and flora on board of an electric boat
Duration: 90-120 minutes
Includes: sparkling wine tasting, ovos moles and raivas
Sterna - Birdwatching
Connect yourself with nature through birdwatching in the Ria de Aveiro
Duration: 90-120 minutes
Sterna - Sabores da Ria
Venture into the Ria de Aveiro, discover Puxadoiros Island and taste the flavours of the region
Duration: 150-180 minutes
Includes: sparkling wine, salicornia and oyster tasting
Surf Lesson
Learn to surf at Vagueira Beach with a certified instructor
Duration: 120 minutes
Includes: board, wetsuit and insurance
Stand Up Paddle Lesson
Learn this sport and discover the channels of the Ria de Aveiro with a certified instructor
Duration: 120 minutes
Includes: board, waistcoat, paddle and insurance