The stunning city that’s been dubbed the (Image: Getty)
Hailed as the Portuguese equivalent to according to TripAdvisor, this gem holds many charming similarities to the hotspot. In Aveiro, you will find winding canals, waterside cafes and numerous colourful buildings and boats all perfectly similar to the maze-like city of Venice. However, unlike Venice, this stunning city boasts far less crowds and is said to be cheaper.
The dream spot lies prettily perched on the shores of a coastal lagoon, with splendour in every corner. Visitors to Aveiro are immediately blown away by the region’s colour explosion, seen among its bobbing boats and many azulejo-adorned buildings. The Portuguese city of Aveiro, home to only roughly 80,880 residents, is also known for its intricate network of gorgeous canals, which earns its nickname ‘Venice of Portugal’.
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Aveiro is found only a couple of hours drive down the coast from Porto with charm found throughout (Image: Getty)
Nuno Silva, a travel expert from said: “Aveiro is a beautifully vibrant place that was once considered a city of passage, but has since earned the title of 2024 Portuguese Capital of Culture.
“Transformations over recent years have made it an ideal destination for longer stays, with a cultural diversity that defies the stigma of it being ‘just a stepping stone city.
The town is found only a couple of hours drive down the coast from Porto, situated on the edge of a salt-water lagoon named Ria de Aveiro and the Vouga River.
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History is synonymous in this charming city with a host of things to see and do (Image: Getty)
Although it’s a major university city, the historic parts of the municipality are accessible and small in area, meaning a day trip here is easy.
Aveiro’s boats are one of the most recognised symbols of the city, which includes colourful curled fonts and artwork and were used to harvest policy, which is a type of seaweed, back in the 19th century.
“The city offers a wide range of activities and sights to captivate visitors and create a memorable experience,” added Silva.
As for ways to fill your days at Aveiro, a scenic canal cruise on a traditional moliceiro boat comes out on top.
Silva explains: “No trip to Aveiro is complete without a cruise along the canal on a moliceiro vessel, taking in the sights and enjoying the atmosphere.”
A visit to the Aveiro Museum provides all the historical facts about this fascinating city. It is located inside an old convent, with a visit to the Antiga Estação for grand works of art, Vista Alegre for displays of the city’s porcelain or sunbathing at either Cale Do Oiro and Marinha da Noeirinha coming in highly recommended too.
One review on TripAdvisor wrote of the magic that is Aveiro and said: “What a beautiful place and certainly a hidden gem.”