Aveiro & Costa Nova: Moliceiro Boat Ride, Canals & Striped Houses

Summary

Colorful canals, sweet pastries and striped beach houses near Porto

You’ll glide through Aveiro’s canals on a traditional moliceiro boat, taste local ovos moles sweets right where they’re made, and wander among Costa Nova’s iconic striped houses with your guide sharing stories along the way. It’s half a day full of colors, flavors and little surprises that stick with you long after you’re back in Porto.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Porto in a minivan just after breakfast, still a bit groggy but curious. Our guide, Teresa, started chatting about Portuguese history — she pointed at the old stone buildings as we left the city and I caught a whiff of coffee from someone’s takeaway cup. The road to Aveiro isn’t long (about an hour), but Teresa filled it with stories about Roman emperors and why the locals call Aveiro the “Venice of Portugal.” I didn’t expect to laugh that much before 10am, honestly.

Arriving in Aveiro, you notice the water first — those bright moliceiro boats gliding by with their painted prows. We hopped onto one (the wood felt warm in the sun) and drifted along the canals while our boatman explained how these boats once hauled seaweed for fertilizer. There was a salty smell in the air mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. Teresa handed us little boxes of ovos moles, which are these soft egg sweets wrapped in rice paper. I tried not to eat mine too fast but… well.

Afterwards we drove out toward Costa Nova. The wind picked up and you could hear gulls overhead before you even saw the ocean. Those striped wooden houses really do look like they belong on postcards — blue, red, yellow stripes all lined up facing the beach. Teresa told us fishermen used to store their gear there; now it’s mostly holiday homes but you can still spot old men fixing nets on their porches if you look close enough. I tried to take a photo but my hair kept blowing across my face — gave up and just watched for a while instead.

On the way back I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day. There’s something about moving between places like this — water to land to sea air — that sort of resets your brain. I still think about that moment on the canal when everything went quiet except for our boat gliding past tiled facades, and Teresa humming some old song under her breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aveiro and Costa Nova half day tour

• Meet guide at meeting point
• Drive to Aveiro with guide commentary
• Explore Aveiro and taste Ovos Moles
• Take Moliceiro boat cruise on canals
• Visit Costa Nova and see colorful huts

Top questions

How long is the Aveiro & Costa Nova tour from Porto?

The tour is a half-day experience starting from Porto and includes travel time to both Aveiro and Costa Nova.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided; you’ll meet at a central point in Porto.

What kind of boat ride is included?

You’ll cruise Aveiro’s canals on a traditional Moliceiro boat unique to this region.

Are food or drinks included?

You’ll get to taste ovos moles pastries during your stop in Aveiro; other meals are not included.

How big are the tour groups?

The group size can be up to 27 people depending on bookings; transport is by minivan or minibus.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it suits all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The main language is usually English; sometimes a second language may be used as well.

What else do I get with my booking?

You’ll also receive a free walking tour of Porto available any day after your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private group transportation from Porto (no hotel pickup), all guidance from an expert local guide throughout Aveiro and Costa Nova, entry onto a traditional Moliceiro boat for your canal cruise, tasting of ovos moles pastry in Aveiro, plus access to join a free city walking tour of Porto after your experience ends.