canal tours in portugal

A Moliceiro Boat Ride – The Best Way to Enjoy Aveiro

Aveiroooooo, our loud guide would call out regularly as we passed by other tourist-laden moliceiro boats cruising the canals of the town dubbed the Portuguese Venice. It added to the fun atmosphere of the informative tour and before long we were all at it.

A moliceiro boat ride through the Aveiro canals is one of the most popular things to do in Portugal and a must-do on any visit to Aveiro.

In this post, I’ll share with you my experience as well as a few tips about taking your own Aveiro boat tour.

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Where is Aveiro?

Aveiro lies about 75kms south of Porto and about 250kms north of Lisbon, a small city on the Portuguese coast.

It’s closeness to Porto makes it an excellent option if you are looking for something to do as a day trip from the large city, especially if you tie in a couple of the other coastal towns in the area. Alternativly is a great stop off on a road trip from Porto to Lisbon .

How to get to Aveiro

Driving in Portugal is quite simple, outside of city centres the roads are relatively quiet and the motorways are well maintained.

There is an extensive motorway toll system in Portugal, much of which is now automated. If you are hiring a car , be sure to ask about setting yourself up for automatic tolls. If you are driving yourself, not in a hire car, you will need to find a place that you can register your car and a credit or debit card.

As for parking, there is a large, centrally located car park that we found pretty easily just by following the signs. It costs around 0.85c per hour to park there.

There is also some street parking available, but when in a city I don’t know, I generally like to use official car parks. My friend managed to get her car towed in Porto not that long ago for parking where she shouldn’t, even though it seems fine. Not something that you want to deal with while on holiday!

For more information on how to set up to pay tolls, and to even calculate the tolls for your journey, there is this Portugal Tolls website which is bursting with helpful information.

Driving distances to Aveiro from major cities

By organised tour.

If you are not planning on staying in Aveiro, one of the best ways to visit is via an organised tour. In fact, the town could easily be considered among the top things to do in Porto as it’s so close.

With a tour you will be sure that you see the best parts of the city, and most tours also include visits to the local, colourful villages of the coast such as Costa Nova and the Lighthouse of Praia da Barra. Here are a few examples of the tours that are available and the prices you can expect to pay.

The nearest useful airport is Porto, there are many airlines that have regular international flights. Lisbon would be the other airport you would likely use if you are arriving in Portugal, but as the driving distances above show, it’s quite a bit further away. 

There are other airports, but they are all small regional ones.

It’s worth knowing there are no direct buses between Porto Airport and Aveiro. To continue onto Aveiro, you will either need to hire a car or to head into Porto city centre where you can get the train or bus onto Aveiro.

Aveiro has quite a striking, modern train station that is about 1km out of the city centre. While there are taxis available, as long as you’re not carrying too much luggage, it is quite an easy walk.

Trains run regularly from Porto Campanha train station and take around 1 hour to get there and cost around €7 for a round trip. You can book tickets on the official Portuguese Railways website .

Aveiro Old Railway Station

If you do visit Aveiro by train, you’ll see one a popular tourist site almost instantly. The old train station is next to the new one. Completed in 1916, it is a wonderful building adorned in blue tiles that depict scenes from the local region. Examples include moliceiros, salt farms, traditional clothing and depictions of Aveiro’s canals.

Intercity buses connect Aveiro with Porto and Lisbon several times a day. The best site to use to find times and prices is the national operator Rede Expressos . Trips from Porto are around €8 and Lisbon around €15. 

The Aveiro bus terminal is next to the train station, about 1km out from the city centre.

The Venice of Portugal

While the city itself is very pretty, the biggest draw is the colourful Aveiro gondolas that tour the canals. This network of waterways has led to Aveiro becoming known as the Portuguese Venice. While it is easy to see why, in reality, the comparison doesn’t really ring true.

If you are expecting a labyrinth of over a hundred interlinked canals, busy with people zooming about their business, you may be a little underwhelmed. 

However, there is certainly plenty of water and an Aveiro canal tour is a great way to get to know the city and understand the tradition and history, it is one of the most popular things to do in Portugal.

The tradition of Aveiro moliceiros

Moliceiro boats are names after moliço, the type of seaweed that has been collected for generations from the shallow lagoons that separate Aveiro from the Atlantic. 

Due to the poor growing quality of the local sandy soil, crop growth was difficult and the locals had found that moliço acted as an excellent fertilizer and a whole industry was born.

A traditional moliceiro will be around 15m long and 2m wide with very low sides and a flat bottom to maximise the amount of seaweed they can carry. They would have traditionally been sailed, but are run by engine these days. Only in Regattas and traditional shows are you likely you see a moliceiro boat being sailed the traditional way.

While the shape of the boats is very easy on the eye, the curved fronts and large rear ends, it is the artwork that really makes the moliceiro boats pop. Each boat is an individual piece of artwork with painted images on the bow and stern depicting traditional scenes around Aveiro. Sometimes it is a Saint but more often it is a celebrity or a funny take on everyday life.

These days it is easier for the region just to rely on buying in produce and crops from other towns so moliço was no longer as important as it once was. This combined with a changing generation looking for work away from the ocean meant that the traditional moliço business fell away.

Although the main business was always the seaweed, the Aveiro lagoons also formed vast saltpans that grew a large scale salt-making industry. They no longer use the traditional methods, but salt is still made there today and little bags Aveiro salt is a popular tourist souvenir to take home.

These days the moliceiro boats remain in the town as an iconic memory of the past and solely as a popular tourist attraction. Many companies operate moliceiro boat tours that last around 45 minutes. You can either book before you visit Aveiro or just as easily book on the day.

What to expect from a Moliceiro boat ride

Your moliceiro boat tour will take you along the main Aveiro canals passing under numerous bridges and past many of the beautiful Art Nouveau style buildings.

The most famous of the bridges is the Carcavelos Bridge over the São Roque canal that links the Fishermans Quarter to the salt pans. The current beautiful curved designs date back to 1953, it was built as a replacement of the original wooden bridge that had collapsed 11 years earlier, apparently under the strain of too many people piling on there to watch a boat race.

The bridge was primarily for the people who worked in the salt flats being the main crossing point for their working hours in Sal. But it also became known as for the bridge of lovers. The views of the sunset over the Aveiro salt flats have created a romantic spot enjoyed by many couples.

During the tour, you will be told stories by your guide of the Aveiro past and the traditional moliceiro ways of life. But they also tell you about how the city has changed through the years, embracing tourism while traditional ways of life slowly faded.

As I briefly touched upon earlier, tours can be booked online in advance or on the day. If you are tight on time I would certainly recommend booking in advance as you can be sure of your departure time and easily fit into your plans. Just be sure to check some of the reviews before you go as the tours do vary slightly from each different provider.

• If you haven’t booked your tour yet I would highly recommend the one we used. It was located on a small branch of the Aveiro canal that leads to the fish market. This channel is lined with a few really nice restaurants and it a great place to have a bite to eat before or after your tour.
• If you do (or even if you don’t) book your tour there, I would certainly encourage you to take a look at a restaurant named Faros Gourmet for something to eat. The staff and food here were phenomenal. Such a friendly restaurant service in Portugal is a very rare thing to find.
• Be sure to check the language of the tour before you go. Some may just be in Portuguese or Spanish. It’s much nicer when you can understand your guide. 
• If you can, go early in the morning as the crowds are smaller and the guides are always a bit perkier on the first few tours of the day when compared to the final ones.

Where do I get the boat from?

There are many different operators along the canal, so just make sure you know where yours is based if you have booked your moliceiro tour in Aveiro before you go. Most of them are in the heart of the canal, along the road R. Joao Mandonca. However, there are a few other spots. One tour leaves from close to the fish market and they also leave from either side of the canal, so just check you know exactly where yours is located.

What’s the price of an Aveiro boat ride?

You can expect to pay between €10 – €12

How long do the tours take?

On average, an Aveiro boat ride takes around 45 minutes

Do I need to speak Portuguese to understand the guides?

Check before you go what language your tour will be conducted in as they have them in multiple options. I ended up on a Spanish tour, which was OK as I had my translator (wife) with me. If I didn’t I would have probably been a bit annoyed. 

Is a moliceiro boat safe?

Yes, they look a bit low to the water, but remember these have been used to ferry tonnes of seaweed at a time, a few tourists won’t pose a problem.

Do I need to worry about seasickness?

No. While the boat rides are on the water there is very little in the way of waves or wake to make you queezy.

Where to stay in Aveiro

If you want to stay for more than one day there are plenty of other things to see in the region. There are some wonderful beaches by Costa Nova, the Lighthouse of Praia da Barra and many other small villages.

When we visited, as the price of hotels in Aveiro was quite high, we stayed in a town called Vagos, about a 20-minute drive from Aveiro, where we also stumbled across the Museum of Play , a great stop of you have young kids.

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Visit Aveiro in Portugal, City of Canals, Sweets and Beauty

Have you heard of Aveiro in Portugal?

No? Well keep reading. It’s a real treat.

Aveiro is a fantastic little city full of beauty and things to see and do. We are sure you are going to love it.

Visit Aveiro in Portugal

Aveiro is an unusual and remarkable town. Its economic growth has been driven by the surrounding salt pans and the shallow coastal lagoons. There is a lot of love for this prosperous town, known as the Venice of Portugal.

It is a city that is an absolute pleasure to visit, with its youthful, energetic buzz and its narrow streets and typical colourful houses. But what makes it so fascinating is its uniqueness, characterised by its bold, Art Nouveau buildings, picturesque water canals and its pretty boats, all of which are now adapted for tourism.

If you have not been already, Aveiro is certainly a place that should be visited during a longer stay in the Porto region.

What to do when you visit Aveiro

There are lots of things that you can do during your visit to Aveiro, including, the main tourist sites, city tours and other activities that revolve around canals, lagoons and beaches. There is much to take in: The architecture, amazing art, superb food, interesting museums and salt production history.

Here are the top three things that you can do during your stay in Aveiro:

Book a Moliceiro boat cruise

One thing that is quite delightful to see and is highly recommended when first arriving to Aveiro, is to take a cruise in the Moliceiro boats. With motifs that depict scenes from the town’s history, these brightly coloured boats are now seen as a much more classy way of transporting tourists around the town’s canals.

With a short cruise along the central canal, you will be able to view some of Aveiro’s agricultural roots, historic buildings and modern developments. The Moliceiro tour starts at 10am and run until 6.30pm. These tours cost around €8 for a 45-minute cruise. Definitely worth doing!

Or, if you would like a little longer guided tour from Porto, there is a wonderful four-hour tour  that takes you all around Aveiro including a boat cruise. They will even pick you up from your Porto hotel.

Explore the Art Nouveau scene

Along the main canal in downtown Aveiro is a series of buildings and façades that are inspired by the romantic Art Nouveau period. The bright colours are mixed with fluid and curved lines which make these architectural treasures stand out from the rest. And do not miss the Art Nouveau museum. The museum building is worth a visit even just to take a look at the striking architecture. Also visit the tea house, Casa de Chá, as a special local treat.

Visit the Aveiro Museum

Previously known as Mosteiro de Jesus,  a convent for women that was built in 1458, the Aveiro Museum (“Museu de Aveiro”) is well worth your time. There, you will find the Church of Jesus (“Igreja de Jesus”) with its beautiful architecture that is characterised by the glazed tiles and its golden colour. You will also discover the portrait of Princess Santa Joana as well as a peculiar collection of Portuguese baroque art.

Visit the beach

Aveiro is a largely unexplored, unique Portuguese town that is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty. But the city is not located on the coast and the two main resort towns, Costa Nova and Barra, are a short bus ride away from the town centre.

Costa Nova Beach is quite stunning. It has clear, crashing Atlantic waves making it a perfect location to spend a few hours relaxing.

Barra Beach is located to the north of Costa Nova . In contrast, the beach is divided into two sections by a long pier and is combined with the northern headland allowing the beach to be sheltered from the Atlantic rollers. This makes it more suitable for those seeking calmer waters to swim in.

Both Barra and Costa Nova are worth visiting, be sure to have a look at the rainbow-striped fisherman cottages in the area. Reminiscent of doll’s houses, these little buildings were once used to store fishing gear, but some are now used as accommodation. Visitors are commonly seen snapping photos of (and with) these unique buildings.

For full day tours from Porto or Gaia, have a look at what’s on offer from our friends at Get Your Guide . We highly recommend these tours.

When is the best time to visit Aveiro?

The weather in Aveiro makes it an ideal destination for people who like their temperatures not too hot and not too cold. The peak of summer is in July and August, but it stays pleasantly warm from April until October. These months are also the driest and thanks to the cooling breeze which rolls off the Atlantic, night-time temperatures in Aveiro are never too high.

Winter in Aveiro is the wet season, with relatively high levels of rainfall between October and February and often into April and May. Frosts are rare during winter in Aveiro, thanks to the low altitude. On average, daytime temperatures often sit around 15°C (59°F) making this a pleasant choice for those who are looking to spend some time in Portugal in the off-season.

The best time to visit Aveiro would be a time when you can soak in the experiences and enjoy every moment of your trip without worrying about tourists and crowded spaces.

Late spring and fall are the best times to visit Aveiro.

The busiest season in Aveiro is in late summer when hotel rooms are a lot pricier. We recommend visiting Aveiro during the month of September when temperatures are still warm but room rates are much cheaper.

How many days do you need to visit Aveiro

Although Aveiro is smaller and less-explored than other major cities of Portugal, we recommend that you plan to stay for a night or two. Aveiro makes the perfect stopover if you are travelling between Lisbon and Porto. Not only that, it is a quick and affordable day trip if you are nearby.

How to get to Aveiro

From porto airport.

Unfortunately, there are no direct buses between Porto Airport and Aveiro but it is easy to get there by Metro and train. Even though it may take longer, both are fairly frequent, straightforward and inexpensive.

You can take the Metro do Porto Line E from the Airport to Campanhã station. From there you can catch the train to Aveiro which runs every 20 minutes on weekdays and holidays. The train ride will take about 30 minutes and costs only €2.60 for a four-zone ticket.

Keep in mind that the Andante ticket is rechargeable, so if you are coming back to Porto, don’t throw away your ticket. Tickets are sold at the airport tourist office, but if it’s not open, you will need some coins for the ticket machines that are provided there.

From Lisbon Airport

If you are not planning to spend time in Lisbon on the way to Aveiro, you will need to get from Lisbon Airport to Oriente station. This is very simple using the Lisbon Metro from the Airport station. Trains run to Oriente station every few minutes. The journey only takes about five minutes.

You can also catch the local Carris city bus number 744 to Oriente.

If you are planning to spend more time in Lisbon , you can catch a train to Aveiro from Santa Apolónia station near the city centre. The main trains in Portugal are operated by Comboios de Portugal .

We also have the Alfa Pendular and Intercity (“Intercididades”) trains that can take you from Lisbon to Porto .

By bus from Lisbon

From Lisbon Airport you will need to make your way to the Sete Rios Bus Terminal. This is roughly around 5 km (3 miles) away and is linked to it by the Metro line. You can take any train to the end of the line at São Sebastião, then change to the Azul (blue) Line for a two-stop ride to Jardim Zoológico station. Trains run every few minutes and the journey will take around 25 minutes and cost €1.95.

From there, the coach service, Rede Expressos , can take you to Aveiro in about three hours and 15 minutes.

How to get around in Aveiro

When you get to Aveiro, you will notice that it is an easy and walkable city. There are less steep hills to walk up and the roads are mostly flat which is great for those who like to walk or ride around with a bike. Bike hire is also available with bike stations in various locations.

If you prefer to catch public transport to get around the city a lot quicker and easier, there are plenty of local buses (website is in Portuguese). Fares are around €2 each trip.

Where to stay in Aveiro?

Aveiro is often visited as a day trip from Porto, because it is easy to get to and it offers a range of unique sights and activities. You can make your holiday much more enjoyable if you stay a night or two. There are a huge range of hotels to choose from.

Here are a few we can recommended.

Hotel das Salinas

Hotel das Salinas is a top choice for a hotel in Aveiro. It is located in the city centre and overlooks the city’s central canal, views of the Art Nouveau houses and traditional Moliceiro boats.

The hotel offers ultra-modern rooms with wooden furniture which gives it a nice cozy feeling. A breakfast buffet is included or you can order a famous Portuguese Continental breakfast delivered to your room. They also have some self-catering studios where you can enjoy cooking with the family.

Hotel Moliceiro

Another top choice is  Hotel Moliceiro , a charming four-star hotel in the centre of Aveiro featuring views of the Aveiro Lagoon (Ria de Aveiro). The hotel offers bright rooms decorated with classical furnishings with a modern touch.

The Moliceiro serves a buffet breakfast that is well-prepared with seasonal ingredients. After a day of sightseeing, you can relax while enjoying a refreshing drink at the hotel’s elegant bar.

Hotel Aveiro Center

If you’re on a budget and want to go for something that is not too fancy, but still provides the comfort you need during your stay, we recommend Hotel Aveiro Center . It is a small, three-star hotel that is a short stroll from the central canal (“Canal Central da Ria de Aveiro”). Yes, it’s so close!

This small and cosy hotel features personalised service and a family-like atmosphere which will give you the experience of the countryside in the heart of the city.

If you need more information on local attractions of Portugal , including boat tours and other activities when you visit Aveiro, you can go to the front desk of your hotel and the friendly staff will be happy to give you some local advice.

Where to eat in Aveiro

There are a number of fantastic restaurants, bars and shops within a short walking distance from the hotels listed above.

When you visit Aveiro, you will find that it is a uniquely different Portuguese destination with a rich history based on its traditional fishing industry and proximity to the ocean. Being close to the water has strongly influenced the types of cuisine in the region, which is predominately based around seafood .

You can try many recognisable Portuguese flavours across Aveiro. Here are three top choices of restaurants that will make your stay worthwhile.

Salpoente is located in Cais de São Roque in Aveiro. The restaurant is built in two former salt warehouses which are part of the city’s historical heritage. It is quite elegant and tranquil, reinventing traditional Portuguese cuisines that are exemplary and of superior quality for all tastes and trends, including the most common dish: Salted cod (bacalhau).

Armazém da Alfândega

A must-visit, top quality restaurant in Aveiro that serves meals with traditional influences, at reasonable prices without losing the regional identity. Armazém da Alfândega was opened about a year ago on Largo do Rossio, with decoration inspired by local traditions and harmonised with contemporary design. This restaurant invites you to savour a cuisine where the flavours of the sea occupies a prominent place.

Restaurante O Bairro

An informal natural ambience with superb specialities reinvented by the creative chef Restaurante O Bairro uses the best local ingredients for their traditional delicacies which are excellently presented.

You can find Restaurante O Bairro at Largo da Praça do Peixe 24. It will not disappoint you. After all, the ingredients arrive every day, fresh, from the market next door.

Famous delicacies you must try in Aveiro

If you think Lisbon has a lot of pastry and bakery shops , you are in for a surprise!

Aveiro has to be the Portuguese city with the most pastry and bakery shops (“pastelarias”) you can find per square metre. You can’t miss it because there is at least one in every corner.

So, what to try? How about…

Ovos Moles de Aveiro

Every pastry and bakery shop in Aveiro sells the famous “ovos moles” which are little egg sweets. Locals will tell you that some “ovos moles” are better than others and the best ones are sold at Confeitaria Peixinho  (website is in Portuguese) and Maria Da Apresentação Da Cruz Herdeiros  (website is in Portuguese), two neighbouring stores right in the city centre of Aveiro Rua de Coimbra.

Tripas de Aveiro

In comparison to the favoured “ovos moles”, “tripas” are the underdogs of Aveiro sweets. These semi-baked-waffle-doughs taste like they are made in heaven. They are the most comforting and versatile baked sweets around town. You can eat it on its own like a plain waffle with a touch of icing sugar or cinnamon or take it to the next level with a filling of your choice such as chocolate, egg custard, jam, ham and cheese, or whatever suits your taste. The list goes on.

Make time to visit Aveiro, Portugal

We hope we’ve covered everything you need to know for a wonderful trip to Aveiro. It is great that Aveiro is so close to Porto, because it makes for an excellent short visit from the city. So, start planning your day trip from Porto or Lisbon and enjoy!

Do you have any questions? Let us know if you have been to Aveiro and what your favourite part was in the comments below.

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16 Things to Do in Aveiro – More than just Canals

Let’s explore all the best things to do in Aveiro!

An hour South of Porto, you’ll find Aveiro. Deemed the, “Venice of Portugal”, because of its canals, it’s become a popular tourist destination in Portugal. Heck, people comparing Aveiro to Venice was the main reason why we visited in the first place!

However, after spending 3 nights in the city, both Glenn and I agree that there is much more to Aveiro than just exploring canals.

So in this blog post, we’re going to share all the best things you can do in Aveiro. Most of the attractions are places that Glenn and I have visited ourselves (except for the museums). This means we can share our own experience with the attractions in Aveiro – which’ll hopefully help you decide what you want to see during your trip.

Now let’s go explore Aveiro! A city that’s known for much more than just a bunch of canals…

AFFILIATE LINKS DISCLOSURE: Dear Reader, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here .

Things to know before you visit Aveiro

Before diving into all the great things you can do in Aveiro, we’d like to give you some practical information about the city. So in this section, we’ll share why you should visit Aveiro, how to get there from Porto, and where to stay in case you want to spend a night in this lovely city.

Why visit Aveiro in Portugal?

First of all, Aveiro is known for its canals twisting in and out of the city centre. The main reason to why tourist visit Aveiro is to experience a “Moliceiros” ride (Portuguese gondola ride) through the city. And experiencing Aveiro from the canals really is one of the best things to do here – but more about it later.

Another good reason to visit Aveiro is because of its general beauty. The old part of the city is full of Art Nouveau architecture and colorful Azulejos, which is one of Portugal’s most famous trademarks. Plus, you’ll find many different art works placed all around the city, which only makes Aveiro more interesting to visit. And luckily for you, almost everything there is to do and see in Aveiro is within walking distance. How great is that?

Related blog post: Things Portugal is famous and known for

Lastly, you should visit Aveiro if you’re a sweet tooth. Seriously! There are so many cafés where you can find sweet pastries, cakes, candy, and decent coffee. You should especially try the local sweet – Ovos Moles – but again, more about that later.

How to get to Aveiro from Porto?

By bus: There are several bus lines that take you directly from Porto to Aveiro within an hour. The tickets cost between €3-10 per person. Book directly at Flixbus.com or get an overview at busbud.com .

By train: You can take a direct train from Porto São Bento to Aveiro Station. It leaves once an hour and takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can find the timetable at Porto São Bento Station and buy your ticket in the automats. It costs €3,55 per person.

By tour: Don’t want to go by yourself? Then join a group tour from Porto to Aveiro .

Where to stay in Aveiro?

We stayed 3 nights in Aveiro, which was more than enough the explore the whole city. For those 3 nights we paid €128 in total for a nice double room in a shared apartment. The place was named Aveiro Home , and we would definitely recommend it.

If this accommodation option isn’t what you’re looking for, then not to worry, there are several other places to stay at in Aveiro. In fact, we did a bit of research on Booking.com to find the best accommodation options for different kind of travellers.

Places to stay in Aveiro

• Aveiro Rossio Hostel : For the budget traveller who wants to stay somewhere cheap, consider this hostel with great reviews and a location in the city center.
• Hotel Aveiro Palace : For the couple who wants a bit of luxury, then check out this beautiful 4-star hotel located in a historical building in the city center.
• Tales Of Us Terrace : For those looking for their own holiday home, have a look at this 2-bedroom house with a terrace not far from the city center.

16 attractions, activities & things to do in Aveiro

All right! Now that we’ve established why you should visit Aveiro, how to get there, and where to stay, it’s time to look at the main purpose of this blog post.

So here are all the things you can do in this lovely city in Portugal – Enjoy Aveiro!

1. See the beautiful Azulejos at the station

Chances are that you’ll arrive in Aveiro at the train or bus station, which are both located closely to each other. Thus, you’ll begin your journey from here.

If you do, then make sure to visit the old train station in Aveiro and have a look at the facade. It’s a big white building with an orange rooftop that’s full of blue Azulejos. The Azulejos depict scenes from Aveiro, which are related to the locals life around the salt flats and canals.

The building is so beautiful, and it’s a must see when you arrive in the city.

2. Visit the Cathedral of Aveiro

The Cathedral of Aveiro, known as Sé de Aveiro, is located in the city centre – right next to the Aveiro Museum. The church is also known as Igreja de São Domingos because the building was originally founded as a Monastery of the Dominican Order in 1423.

It’s free to visit the cathedral during its opening hours (which we unfortunately don’t remember).

3. Visit the Aveiro Museum

There are a couple of museums located in Aveiro, but the Aveiro Museum is probably the most famous one. In the museum, you can enjoy a Portuguese art collection from the 15th to 20th century.

The Aveiro Museum is extra special because of its history. The building was founded in 1461 as a convent for the feminine Dominican Order. So it has a long history and a beautiful architecture.

Even though me and Glenn never made it into the museum, it’s supposed to be one of the best things to do in Aveiro because of the beautiful church and chapel, which are part of the museum tour.

4. Go for a walk around the old town

One of the best things to do in Aveiro is to go for a walk in the old town. The old town of Aveiro is full of Azulejos, colorful buildings, statues, art, narrow streets, churches and much more!

You can also easily follow the paths next to the canals from the city center and see where it takes you. The thing we loved most about walking by the canals was the colorful bridges along the way and the beautiful Moliceiros boats sailing around.

One of our favorite things to do in any city is truly to get lost in it! However, it’s hard to get lost in Aveiro because it’s not exactly a big city… but oh, it does have some really charming streets! So make sure to just go for a walk, get lost, and enjoy the scenery.

Check out the following walking tours we found:

• Aveiro Moliceiro boat ride and walking tour all-in-one
• Walking tour in Aveiro with cooking class included

5. Take a boat tour in the canals

Aveiro is mostly famous for its canals and Moliceiros boats. I mean, this is why Aveiro has been named, “Venice of Portugal”. So going for a boat ride in the canals is obviously one of the things you MUST do when visiting Aveiro.

There are so many companies offering tours, so you can just pick and choose as you please. We had a good experience on a canal tour named, “Aveiro no Coração”. The tour left from the canal by the fish market, cost €13 per person, and took around 45 minutes.

• Want to book a tour from home? Check out this one: Moliceiro boat tour

During the tour, we learned about Aveiro and its history and culture, we saw a lot of beautiful buildings, and made it to the tip of the salt flats where we were handed a little bag of salt to take home with us. Super nice!

We can definitely recommend doing a boat tour in Aveiro as it’s the best way to really experience the city.

6. Tie a ribbon at the Lovers bridge

When Glenn and I walked around by the canals of Aveiro, we saw several bridges full of colorful ribbons. And during the boat tour, we learned that couples went to these bridges to tie a ribbon to forever celebrate their love for each other and make it even stronger.

So naturally, I had to go do this for me and Glenn! As cheesy as it might sound, it was actually a cute little experience.

We found a little kiosk close to the canal and bought a ribbon for €0,5. Then we wrote a little message on it and tied it onto the bridge.

So if you’re visiting Aveiro as a couple, then you ought to pay a visit to the colorful bridges at the canal near Forum shopping mall.

7. Go shopping in Forum Mall

One thing we’ve learned about Portugal in general is that the Portuguese people love their malls!

In most cities you can find some really great malls full of famous clothing stores and popular restaurant chains.

The Forum Shopping Mall in Aveiro is unique because it’s an open air mall, which means you walk outside until you choose a shop to enter. I really like this way of making malls compared to walking inside what looks like a big warehouse for hours.

8. See the Forum viewpoint over Aveiro

There aren’t really many viewpoints in Aveiro since you can’t enter any church towers and there are no skyscrapers to give you views over the city.

But Glenn and I did manage to find a small viewpoint, which we think is worth putting on the list of things to see in Aveiro.

The viewpoint is located on the rooftop of the Aveiro Shopping Mall. So, walk up the stairs until you reach the top and walk towards the edge – right by the canal. From here you’ll get a nice view over Aveiro’s canal, and you can even see the beginning of the old city center.

9. Explore the Fish Market

If you love fresh fish, then we’d suggest you to walk by the fish market of Aveiro. The market is located in a building at Praça do Peixe, meaning the “Fish square”.

Here you can find all the popular Portuguese seafood such as sea bream, octopus, sardines etc.

Should you be hungry, then you can also visit the restaurant upstairs, which is famous for serving fresh fish. Whether or not it’s good we cannot say since we haven’t dined there. But we can assure you that the fish they serve is fresh!

10. Explore the Farmers Market

If you love markets in general, then you can also visit the farmers market named, “Mercado Manuel Firmino” close to the Forum in Aveiro. The market sells flowers, fruits, and much more!

We just took a small stroll through the market without buying anything, but it was still a nice little experience.

11. Try the famous Ovos Moles

One of the things you MUST try while you’re in Aveiro is the Ovos Moles.

It’s a local pastry that’s made of egg yolk and sugar. And that’s basically what it tastes like! Since I’m not the biggest fan of sweets, this delicacy didn’t really go down with me… Glenn liked it though.

Ovos Moles literally tastes like a cold egg yolk with sugar. And while I make it sound not-so-tasty, it’s one of the must things to do in Aveiro. You simply cannot visit Aveiro without trying the local sweet (except if you’re allergic to eggs, then I free you from this speech)

You can find Ovos Moles in all cafés, confectionaries, pastelarias, etc. And they don’t cost that much.

12. Explore Art Nouveau in Aveiro

Art Nouveau is a specific style in architecture and design, which emerged at the end of the 19th century. This style of architecture literally refers to a “New Art” of designing. It’s all about being free from past history and making beautiful sinuous lines and organic shapes. See the example of one of the buildings in the picture below.

There are several beautiful Art Nouveau buildings in Aveiro, which you can easily explore while walking around the city. And if you want to learn more about Art Nouveau, then you can visit the Museu Arte Nova, which is located in one of these beautiful buildings by the canal.

13. Take a picture at the Aveiro stairs

One of the most touristic things to do in Aveiro is to take a picture at the, “I love Aveiro”-stairs. You’ll find the stairs at Rua Gustavo Silva by the end of the canal in Aveiro.

We don’t have much else to add about this specific point, except for this cool picture:

14. Take a free bike ride around the city

We never got to do this, but I’d like to add this point to the list of things to do in Aveiro because it’s free, healthy, and cool!

Apparently, you can rent a free BUGA bike in Aveiro and tour the city on your own. You’ll find the BUGA bikes just by the canal between Forum Mall and the Farmers Market.

Want to secure a bike during your trip to Aveiro? We found this company where you can rent a good bike for 5-8 hours with the total cost between €10-12. Check it out: Aveiro bike rental

15. Visit the salt flats of Aveiro

Visiting the salt flats in Aveiro, also known as Salinas de Aveiro, is one of the most historical things you can do in the city. For hundreds of years, salt has been the most important thing that’s produced in Aveiro.

That’s why Aveiro has always been an important city in Portugal.

Today, the salt production has decreased a lot. But you can still go visit the remaining salt flats and the popular salt museum. The museum is called Troncalhada Eco-museum and you can easily reach it from Aveiro on one of the free BUGA bikes or on your rented bike .

16. Go on a day trip from Aveiro

Are you staying a couple of nights in Aveiro? Then make sure to take a day trip to the coast. Here are a couple of suggestions of the best things to see and do on a day trip from Aveiro. You can reach all places with the local bus from Aveiro (although, São Jacinto Natural Reserve also requires a boat trip).

• Natural Reserve of São Jacinto : Go for a hike in this beautiful nature reserve and enjoy a day by the ocean. You can expect to see a lot of sand dunes and birds. You’ll apparently follow a nice boardwalk from the little São Jacinto town to the coast. However, we never made it here, so we cannot tell you more about it.
• Barra : Want to see the tallest lighthouse in Portugal? Then head to Barra. Barra is a lovely place to visit if you want to eat at some nice restaurants by the ocean, go to the beach and relax, or have a drink and watch a beautiful sunset. The perfect little vacation town.
• Costa Nova : Famous for its striped and colorful houses, Costa Nova is pretty unique. A lot of people go here to take pictures for this reason. However, it’s a bit expensive and the real highlight for me was to watch the surfers from the beach. There is a great boardwalk that links Barra and Costa Nova – honestly one of the highlights from my Aveiro trip was this boardwalk.

Check out this Short day trip to Costa Nova & Barra or read our related blog post about how to get there yourself: Costa Nova & Barra – The Perfect Day Trip from Aveiro

Our 3 favorite things to do in Aveiro

Before ending this blog post, we want to share our favorite things to do in Aveiro. It can sometimes be difficult as a reader to really understand what is worth visiting. So hopefully this will help!

• Canal tour : No matter how I twist and turn my opinion of Aveiro, we still think that the boat trip is the best thing to do. It was just lovely to see the city from the canal, and we believe that it was pretty affordable too. Glenn and I learned a lot about the city in those 45 minutes (although some of the information was a bit random and far-fetched). But we’d definitely recommend you to do a boat tour in Aveiro.
• Day trip to Costa Nova and Barra : We absolutely loved our day at the beach. Watching the surfers at Costa Nova and hiking the boardwalk to Barra, while looking upon Portugal’s tallest lighthouse, was such a good experience! If you spend more time in Aveiro, then we’d definitely recommend you to go here! Read our travel guide here: Costa Nova & Barra .
• Get lost in the old part of town : We really enjoyed walking aimlessly around in Aveiro. We got to see so many beautiful buildings, colorful tiles, and modern artworks. Plus, the canal walk is also really special because of the colorful bridges full of love-ribbons.

If we get the chance to go back to Aveiro some day, then we’ll definitely spend some time visiting the salt flats. We think that the salt is an important part of the history of this city, and we’d love to learn more about it.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post about the best things to do in Aveiro. It was lovely to write it and be taken back to our 3 days in this Portuguese city, which in our opinion is much more than just canals, canals, canals!

If you have any questions about Aveiro, then make sure to leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you. Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Want to read more from Portugal?

• Day trips from Porto
• 10 Things to do in Braga
• 10 Things to do in Guimarães
• Lisbon weekend itinerary
• Where to stay in Algarve?
• What is Portugal known for?

Hi, I'm Cecilie! And I'm the writer behind our travel blog. I only write about places that we've personally been to and want to recommend to you. I'm passionate about creating truthful travel guides, which can help you plan your own trip. When I'm not traveling or writing, you'll find me on a hiking trail, in a coffee shop, or in a shoe store around Copenhagen.

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Portugal and Spain River Cruises

Find a River Cruise that explores Portugal And Spain. There are 104 cruises to choose from, that range in length from 6 days up to 24 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Considering other destinations? Check out all river cruises .

104 river cruises through Portugal And Spain with 96 reviews

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Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro with 3 Nights in Lisbon 2024

Douro Experience 2024 (9 destinations)

We did not realize that we were the only passengers speaking English as their first language

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Lisbon, 2024)

Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

From Portugal to Spain: Porto, the Douro Valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

The food and accommodation was good. The problems with the holiday were things that were out of CroisIeurope's control. It was too hot. On a number of days there was smoke from Forest fires.

Gems of the Douro (Port to Port Cruise)

Porto, the Douro valley (Portugal) and Salamanca (Spain) (port-to-port cruise)

Staff were fun, solicitous and helpful. Room on top level wonderful. Meals good. Everything was A-1. Loved the folkloric dances the last night.

Douro Experience 2024 (8 destinations)

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Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon

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Enticing Douro 2024

Delightful Douro with Lisbon - Regua

Sevilla & Secrets of the Douro

Flavors of Portugal & Spain 2024 Start Porto, End Vega de Terrón

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A very pleasant 8 day experience but really more like a five day cruise. The cruise information was incomplete, leaving out interesting opportunities along the way (Port museums and prehistoric rock art,) most particularly an excursion to Salamanca, which turned out to be a highlight for us. The food was good but not as interesting as Portuguese restaurants in Porto or even at home in Canada.

The 8 day cruise on the Duoro from Porto to Salamanca return was one of the most memorable travel experiences for me. Although there were only 7 English speaking guests (in which my partner and 1 were included) amongst mainly French guests , we never felt excluded in any way. The Purser Mike and the Guest coordinator Susannah(? with the lovely long curly hair) went over and beyond our expectations in making us feel welcome and included. All announcements were made in French and English and we never felt that the information relayed was lacking.. It was the same with all the other staff and crew members right down to the deckhands who worked very hard to give us a most enjoyable experience. Nothing was too much for them and they went over and beyond to ensure we got everything we requested . Foodwise it was 5 star cuisine for lunch and dinner each day- mostly French-exquisitely presented with satisfyingly adequate portions and delicious at all times. Complimentary Cocktails and wines were available all day (unlike other cruise companies) . Coffee, tea , refreshments sparkling and still water were also on tap 24/7.The breakfast buffet was more than adequate although it tended to be monotonous . In saying this it still fulfilled its purpose for us. The entertainment on board was also of a high standard esp the Flamenco dancing . There were also other activities like quizes, aline dancing lesson , keepfit session , which appeared to be enjoyed by all who participated. The tours were well organised and we had excellent guides who were professional and informative. I have been on a river cruise with another reputable company in the past but the experience with Croisi Europe far surpassed my expectations. The quality and value for money was outstanding and i will not hesitate to sail with them again.

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CANAL BOAT HOLIDAYS in Portugal

A self-drive boating holiday in Portugal is an exclusive to Nicols ! Portugal is best known for boating breaks on the Douro where it’s common to see cruise liners and river barges. What makes our holidays in Portugal special however is the clear and clean Grande Lago waterways on which you’ll cruise. Located in the Alentejo region this is the largest man-made lake in Europe . There are no locks to negotiate and the multitude of possibilities for mooring up wherever you want on small islets mean you have complete freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want.

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11 BEST Porto Boat Tours in 2024

Want to discover the best Porto boat tours in Portugal , but don’t have time to do ALL of the research? Me neither when I’m going somewhere new. That’s why I’ve compiled this concise list of the best of the best when it comes to which boat tours are worth your time ( and money… ) this 2024 season!

From the top-rated boat tours in Porto to the best private boat tours for you and your loved one or you and all of your closest friends, there is a tour on this list for you!

Some of the boat tours I have listed below even include lunch and wine tastings aboard the boat! This way, you’ll be making the most of every second of your trip.

Don’t have time to read the entire post? No worries!

This private 2-hour Porto boat tour along the Douro River provides you with traditional Portuguese wine, some light snacks, and a unique, intimate experience where you’ll journey around Porto all while avoiding the crowds !

Whether you’re staying directly in Porto or in the nearby Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll be free to go all the way to the Douro Valley or simply enjoy a leisurely ride around the city during your one day in Porto .

Happy Travels!

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Best boat tours in porto, portugal.

To start this post off, we’re going to talk about the best of the best .

If you have the time, these half to full-day Porto boat tours will bring you all the way to the Douro Valley, sightseeing around the city, and allow you the chance to actually get off the boat and stop into several wineries along the journey.

Some of them even include lunch in their all-inclusive menus, so there’s a lot to consider. If you’ll also be spending some time in the Portuguese capital, you also have the option of taking one of these 11 Incredible Lisbon Boat Tours for Your Trip to Portugal !

So, let’s get into it!

1. Oporto Six Bridges Cruise

↪ What’s Included?

• One hour Porto River cruise

🍷If you’re simply looking for a short and easy boat tour around Porto, look no further. This leisurely boat ride will take you past the six bridges of Porto and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. WIth ample opportunities to photograph Porto’s most iconic landmarks, this Porto boat tour makes for the perfect addition to any day in Porto!

2. Authentic Douro Valley Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional guide
• Private transportation
• Visit two different wineries
• Wine tastings include Douro wines and Port wines
• Small group tour (maximum of 8 people)
• A traditional Portuguese lunch
• A 1-hour boat ride on a rabelo
• Numerous scenic stops for photos
• Bottled water

🍷Take this full day tour with an English guide (plus other languages) with your partner, your family, or even solo! Savor a delicious lunch, visit some wineries, cruise along the Douro, and simply take in the sites on this amazing 9-10 hour tour to Portugal’s Douro Valley.

3. Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise and Lunch From Porto

• Visit two wineries (wine tastings at both included)
• 1 hour Douro River cruise
• A delicious Portuguese lunch

🍷With over 1,000 5-star reviews, this tour is a must on your next visit to Porto! Spend 9 full hours exploring the beautiful Portuguese countryside, cruising along the Douro, indulging in delicious local food and wines, and you’ll even be able to enjoy free wifi on the trip home so you can share all of your best pictures with your friends and family!

4. Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch, and Optional Cruise

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off at two main city points
• Learn about the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site from a professional guide
• Wine and authentic Portuguese port tastings at two different wine estates
• Traditional Portuguese lunch
• Douro River boat trip Porto (if option is selected at checkout)

🍷 Lasting around 10 hours on average, this phenomenal full-day small group tour to the Douro Valley has everything you could want and more! Enjoy an authentic Portuguese lunch while indulging in multiple wine tastings, and even get the chance to cruise along the Douro River under the beautiful sunshine! You’ll be tagging along with a local guide who will be sharing their vast knowledge about the region, wine, and all things Portuguese to make for a fantastic trip.

5. Douro Valley Tour: Wine Tasting, Lunch & River Cruise

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (from Porto city)
• Visits to 2 wine estates (guided tour and tastings included)
• Wine, olive oil & honey tasting
• Traditional Portuguese-inspired lunch
• A delicious selection of Portuguese cheese
• One-hour Douro River boat ride
• Local, professional guide

🍷 This small group (up to 8 people) Douro Valley tour makes for the ultimate day trip to the Alto Douro region. Lasting about 9 hours on average, guests will get to sample Portuguese wines and foods, enjoy a beautiful cruise along the river, and learn about the region from a local guide throughout the day. Practically all-inclusive, this is easily one of the best Porto boat tours on this list!

6. Douro Valley Tour with Visit to two Vineyards, River Cruise, and Lunch at Winery

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (by request)
• Visits to 2 wine estates (tastings included)
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional, local guide

🍷 If you’re looking for a small group tour (maximum of 8 people) that will take you all the way to the renowned Douro Valley and back to the city of Porto in as little as 9 hours, this is a great tour option. Enjoy guided wine tastings at two wine estates and a stunning hour-long Porto Douro River cruise in the middle of the day all while taking in some of the best scenery in Europe!

7. Douro Valley Historical Tour with Lunch, Winery Visit with Tastings, and Panoramic Cruise

• Professional, local Guide
• Transportation via a small group minibus
• Take a traditional Rebelo boat from Pinhão
• Visit one wine estate with 3 included wine tastings

🍷 On this 10-hour day trip to the Douro Valley, guests will get to enjoy a ride on a traditional Rebelo boat! This is particularly special since many cruises these days take place on more modern watercraft. While onboard, you’ll get to enjoy an authentic Portuguese lunch along with wine tastings once you reach the designated winery. This tour has received over 500 5-star reviews, so I think that speaks for itself.

8. Porto: Small Group City Tour Full Day with Lunch, Wine Tasting & Cruise

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (by request)
• Private guide for a full day in Porto
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Admission to a Port Wine Cellar with a port wine tasting
• Traditional Portuguese lunch with alcoholic beverages
• 1 hour Six Bridges cruise on a rabelo

🍷Want to make the most out of your full day in Porto? Why not combine your sightseeing with your wine tastings and 6 bridges cruise Porto?? Well, now you can! This inclusive tour will provide you with a full guide for the entire day. From start to finish, you’ll be learning about Porto’s prestigious history and iconic landmarks, sampling wines, and even jumping on a traditional rabelo (a Portuguese boat) to journey along the Douro under the city’s famous six bridges. This small group tour is ideal for anyone short on time who is looking to make the most of their visit to Portugal’s second largest city!

Porto Private Boat Tours

Looking to rent out a private boat for you and your travel group? Look no further! These private Porto boat tours include everything that many of the other tours on this list include, but without the hassle of sharing the space with strangers.

9. Douro Valley Private Tour (All Inclusive)

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Private transportation for your entire group in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and wine tasting at an 18th-century manor
• Visit the infamous Cooperative Winery of Favaios and sample Moscatel wine
• A stunning one-hour boat ride along the banks of the Douro Valley

🍷Group tours are fun and all, but what if you could enjoy all the perks of these Porto boat wine tours without people you don’t know? Well, you can. This incredible tour offers your private group a beautiful lunch, a glide along the River Douro, a visit to a medieval manor, and multiple wine tasting. Not to mention your whole group can get picked up at the airport or train station on the same day of your tour for convenience if you prefer! Just be sure that your arrival time coincides with the departure time of the tour beforehand. Since it does last about 10 hours, most tours depart in the morning.

10. PRIVATE Day Trip Through the Enchanting Douro Valley by Car & Boat

• Private guided tour in an air-conditioned vehicle
• All wine tastings
• Private Douro River boat tour on a rabelo
• Visit the beautiful village of Pinhão
• Visit the well-known Quinta do Infantado

🍷 After receiving the Bage of Excellence from Viator, this private tour has been highly sought after since it became available. Offering its guests numerous wine tastings, a unique experience onboard a rabelo boat tour Porto, and exceptional recommendations from a local, this is one private Porto boat tour you won’t want to miss!

11. Private tour in the Douro (1 to 4 people) in a boat just for you

• Snacks (herbed almonds)
• 2-hour Douro River cruise
• Private tour (only your group will be onboard)

🍷Remember that boat tour I told you about at the very beginning of this post? Well, here it is again! This private 2-hour boat ride is perfect for people short on time. Keep in mind that it doesn’t come with all of that fancy stuff like a traditional Portuguese lunch, wine tastings and so forth, so it’s perfect if you’re just looking to get a unique perspective of the city.

FAQ: Porto Boat Tours

In this section, let’s dive into your most popular questions regarding the six bridges in Porto (as well as the Six Bridges Cruise), whether or not you should include time in the Douro Valley, and so forth.

How to get to Douro Valley from Porto?

To get to the Douro Valley from Porto, most people take a vehicle of sorts. It is possible to travel by boat the entire way, but it would take about 6 hours just for one direction.

So, most tours depart from Porto via an air-conditioned vehicle to drive the hour and a half to the Douro Valley, but also include some time on a riverboat so the participants get the best of both worlds. Time efficiency, winery visits, and a river cruise. Score!

What are the 6 bridges in Porto?

The 6 bridges in Porto include the Dona Maria Pia Bridge, the Dom Luís I Bridge, the São João Bridge, the Arrábida Bridge, the Ponte de Infante, and the Freixo Bridge.

All of which are located in Porto’s historic center, crossing over the Douro River.

What is the Six Bridges Cruise in Porto?

The six bridges cruise in Porto is exactly what it sounds like… a cruise along the Douro River that takes you under Porto’s six famous bridges!

What is included on a Six Bridges Cruise?

You guessed it, a ride under the six bridges in Porto is included! There are two tour operators (Douro Acima and Tomaz do Douro) who run these tours on a daily basis.

Most tours only last an hour or so and make for a great, easy addition to your day in Porto.

You’ll notice, however, that nothing is included in the cruise other than the boat ride. So, you may want to bring along some Douro Valley wine and some traditional Portuguese snacks for the trip!

What are the boats in Porto called?

The boats in Porto are called rabelos. These are the traditional Portuguese boats that float along the Douro (kind of similar to the ones that you see all over venice) that carry wine barrels between the Douro Valley and Porto.

How long is the Douro River cruise?

Douro River cruises vary in length with some lasting as little as 50 minutes and some lasting as long as 6 hours for just one direction.

However, most Porto boat tours include day trips to the Douro Valley with a 1 or 2-hour river cruise included in the price.

Where do the river cruises leave from in Porto?

The river cruises in Porto leave from the Douro River Cruise Terminal. The terminal runs along the popular Cais da Ribeira where you’ll find numerous Porto boat tour companies ready to set sail!

📍 Check out the map here

How far is the River Douro navigable?

The River Douro is navigable for about 130 miles which will take you to the Alto Douro wine region. Many Porto boat wine tours that make this journey take about 8-12 days to do so roundtrip.

This, of course, includes stops at multiple wine estates and overnight stays at special anchoring spots all over the river.

Is the Douro Valley Worth It?

The Douro Valley is without a doubt worth a visit if you have the time in Porto! Even if you aren’t a huge fan of wine, the sheer beauty of this vast region is enough to make even the biggest beer lover want to stay.

Whether you spend one day or two weeks exploring the Douro Valley, you absolutely should not skip the region if you are coming to Porto!

How many days do you need to see Porto?

To really see Porto, you need at least two days, but preferably three.

The city isn’t massive, but if you divide up your time with one day being set for sightseeing, one day for visiting the Douro Valley and visiting some wine estates, and the last day for picking up some souvenirs and enjoying the Ribeira promenade, you’ll have a very well-rounded experience of Portugal’s second-largest city.

Porto is a stunning Portuguese city that deserves to be included on any Portugal itinerary . Whether you already have your flights booked or you are planning a family trip for this summer, no trip to Porto would be complete without spending some time on the beautiful River Douro.

If you are in the post-planning stages and are ready to run out the door, be sure to take a peek at my 26+ Best Portugal Packing List Items for 2024: What to Wear in Portugal post so you know exactly what to bring to Portugal this year!

Other Helpful Portugal Resources

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Jumped to the bottom of the post? No worries!

For more information on the best tours in Porto, be sure to check out my article on these 11 Top-Rated Wine Tours from Porto in 2024 .

Oh, and once you have decided between all of the amazing Porto boat tours , be sure to pick up some amazing souvenirs from Portugal to commemorate your trip!

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Lisbon to Porto

Portugal’s River of Gold

• From $3,999
• 8 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Portugal’s River of Gold Map

Enjoy the Douro’s beauty & history

Experience the renaissance of Lisbon, newly invigorated with trending galleries and restaurants. Explore two of Iberia’s oldest university towns: Coimbra, Portugal and Salamanca, Spain. Roam the port warehouses of Porto. Enjoy traditional cuisine, wine and fado singing. Cruise the Douro River Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO Site. Our 10-day cruisetour includes a hotel stay in Lisbon and the added bonus of a visit to Spain.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Lisbon

From $649 | 2 Nights

Pre: Madrid

From $1,099 | 3 Nights

Post: Road to Santiago

Post: Barcelona

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