
1 / 10Private Aveiro City and Beaches Tour - Portuguese Venice with Typical Lunch
About this activity
Explore Aveiro, Portugal's Venice-inspired city of waterways and colourful Moliceiro boats, combined with the iconic striped-house beaches of Costa Nova in a 9-hour private tour. This journey blends historic Roman heritage, Art Nouveau architecture, and coastal charm with a traditional Portuguese lunch included.
Aveiro and Costa Nova — A paradise made of water
Located in the west of Portugal, Aveiro and Costa Nova are two must-see places for those who want to know a region that combines the Ria, the channels, and urban areas like no other in Portugal.
Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a fishing village that looks more like a balcony with privileged views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Here, tradition walks arm in arm with modernity.
With its channels loaded with colourful boats – the Moliceiros – Aveiro is a city of channels that lead us to embark on a journey through its historic heritage, dominated by Roman influence, leaving room for the charm of Art Nouveau and industrial architecture.
Separated by a lagoon or estuary, Aveiro and the Costa Nova are long-standing neighbours which have known each other for all of time.
Famous for its beautiful houses with colourful striped, Costa Nova takes us to paradise beaches, in what has become one of the main summer holiday areas in Portugal.
The charm of the Costa Nova makes us fall in love with its simplicity and harmony, between the relaxing landscapes of the Ria and the sunsets, impossible to describe.
The perfect setting for a private visit is set.
The "legend" tells us that the houses have stripes of different colours so that, on foggy days, fishermen could locate their haystack — the original name of these houses that today have become the biggest stars of Costa Nova.
However, some people tell another version of the story.
The houses are painted in stripes to help fishermen on days when they had drunk too much, so there was never a risk of setting foot in other people's homes.
Between the Ria, beach and the city — A perfect getaway
Aveiro and Costa Nova are made for sightseeing and rest, which makes these two places the ideal destination for families.
Embark on a mix of history and relax and learn the secrets of churches and shrines, such as the City Cathedral and the Santa Joana Museum where you will find religious art and painting exhibitions.
But the visit cannot end without a Moliceiro boat tour.
This is one of the iconic activities in the Portuguese Venice, which allows you to get to know the city in a very special way.
So that the morning ends in the best possible way, we suggest that you give in to the wonders of a treatment that helps you to recharge — a lot: the salt spa.
In what is a unique experience in the country, relax and let the high degree of salinity in the water purify your body and your skin.
Know that this is the best natural treatment you can offer your body.
And what do you eat here?
But we can´t survive on fresh air alone, does we?
When hunger grips you, satisfy your stomach with the best of regional gastronomy.
Waiting for you is a wide variety of fish, including the unforgettable eel, the famous cod and even different types of seafood stew.
For those who prefer meat, there is the famous chanfana, roasted piglet or even lamb as you have never tasted it before. All foods you don't want to miss.
We continue the tour, with a satisfied stomach, towards Costa Nova and Praia da Barra. Here you can watch an activity which has been going on for centuries, one of the various traditional fishing arts, known as Xávega Art.
This natural scenery will help you relax on one of the best beaches in the country, which is also a destination of choice for surfers visiting the region.
But a visit to Costa Nova is not complete without seeing the famous striped houses, inspired by the old haystacks of fishermen.
The good news is that this private tour doesn't end here.
This region has historical traces of the presence of the Romans in Portugal, which will make it possible to travel to the past to get to know the origins of the region.
There is still time to take a peek at what is the largest natural lake on the Iberian Peninsula, Pateira de Fermentelos.
Come with us on this private tour
Accept our invitation to this little getaway that will renew your energies.
Dare to dive on white sandy beaches and fall in love with unique landscapes that will leave you longing for more and make you want to return to a place where you will be happy.
Contact us for more information on the programme for this exclusive tour that lasts about 12 hours.
Highlights
- ✓Navigate Aveiro's picturesque canal system by traditional Moliceiro boat
- ✓Wander historic centre featuring Roman ruins, Art Nouveau buildings, and waterfront promenades
- ✓Visit Costa Nova's famous striped fishermen's houses and pristine Atlantic beaches
- ✓Enjoy authentic regional lunch at a local restaurant
- ✓Private car transport between Aveiro and coastal Costa Nova
- ✓Learn local legends about the striped houses and fishing heritage
Insider tips
- ★The striped houses at Costa Nova photograph best in golden hour light; aim for late afternoon if possible
- ★Ask your guide about the two origin stories of the coloured stripes — locals debate whether they helped fishermen navigate fog or served a purely decorative purpose
- ★The Ria lagoon creates stunning sunsets that justify lingering on the beach into early evening
Good to know
- •9-hour duration includes travel time between Aveiro and Costa Nova (approximately 40km apart)
- •Private tour means flexible pacing; ideal for families, groups, or those preferring personalised attention
- •Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket for Atlantic coastal winds
- •Lunch is a typical Portuguese meal sourced locally; inform operator of dietary requirements in advance
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Visit May to September for warm, dry weather and calm seas ideal for beach time and boat rides. Late afternoon tours (departing early morning) capture golden-hour photography at Costa Nova's famous striped houses.











