Where to Stay in Aveiro (and Costa Nova)

Aveiro is usually done as a day trip from Porto, but staying a night lets you enjoy its canals, Art Nouveau buildings and nearby beaches without the crowds. Here’s where to stay in Aveiro, from the canal-side centre to the striped houses of Costa Nova.

Quick answer: stay in the city centre near the main canal for sightseeing, restaurants and easy access to the train station. For a beach break, stay at Costa Nova or Praia da Barra, about 15 minutes away by car. See places to stay in Aveiro.

The best areas

The city centre (canal area)

The best base for a first visit. Stay near the Canal Central for the moliceiro boats, the Art Nouveau façades, the fish market area and the bars and restaurants. It’s walkable to everything, and about 15 minutes on foot from the train station. Ideal for one or two nights.

Near the train station

Convenient if you’re arriving late or leaving early by train. The old station building is covered in tiles. It’s a pleasant walk into the centre along Avenida Dr. Lourenço Peixinho.

Costa Nova

The famous candy-striped houses face the lagoon, with the Atlantic beach behind. It’s a relaxed seaside choice in summer, but you’ll need a car or a bus to reach the city. See places to stay in Costa Nova.

Praia da Barra

Next to Costa Nova, with Portugal’s tallest lighthouse and a long sandy beach.

How long to stay

One night is perfect: see the canals and museums by day, then enjoy the city once the day-trippers leave. Add a second night for the beaches or a trip to the salt pans and lagoon.

Things to do

• A moliceiro boat ride along the canals. Book a boat ride.
• Ovos moles: Aveiro’s sweet egg-yolk treat.
• The salt pans and birdwatching around the lagoon.
• Costa Nova’s striped houses. See photo spots near Porto.

See the Aveiro day trip guide.

Getting there

Trains from Porto take around 40 minutes to an hour, and Aveiro is also on the main line to Lisbon. See the train guide.

More: where to stay in Porto and where to stay in Coimbra.

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