Aveiro with Kids: Moliceiro Boats & the “Venice of Portugal”

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Aveiro is about an hour south of Porto, and it looks like someone shrank Venice and painted the gondolas. We stopped there for one night in July 2022, the second stop of our 10-day trip around Portugal by bus and train, with our boys aged 9 and 6. We had an evening and a morning, and it was enough to fall for the place. Here’s what to do in Aveiro with kids, what the moliceiro boats cost now, and the one thing I’d do differently: the hotel.

Quick answers

• Is Aveiro good for kids? Yes. It’s small, flat and walkable, and the boat ride is the highlight for kids.
• How long do you need? One day, or an evening plus a morning like us. The centre takes 1–2 hours on foot.
• Moliceiro boat: 45 minutes. We paid €15 per adult, with kids free, in 2022. Now expect about €13–15 per adult and €6–8 per child aged 4–12.
• Stay: central, but not on the main street. Ours was, and it was too noisy to sleep well.

Why is Aveiro called the Venice of Portugal?

Because of its canals and the colourful moliceiro boats that glide along them. The boats were originally used to harvest seaweed (moliço) from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, and their painted prows, some of them cheeky, are a folk art of their own. It’s not a real Venice: the canals are few and the town is small. That’s exactly what makes it easy with kids.

Things to do in Aveiro with kids

Take a moliceiro boat ride

This was the highlight. We took a 45-minute ride through the centre and out towards the lagoon. Our guide switched between English and Spanish and told us the history of the boats and the canals. There are ticket stands all along the main canal, so there’s no need to book ahead outside peak weekends.

Prices: we paid €15 per adult, with kids free, in 2022. In 2026, shared tours are typically €13–15 per adult and €6–8 for children aged 4–12, with only the youngest free, so don’t count on “kids free” anymore. Go in the morning or late afternoon, because there’s no shade on the boats.

Walk the Art Nouveau streets

Aveiro has some of Portugal’s best Art Nouveau façades, mostly along and around the main canal. After the boat we wandered the small streets for an hour or two, which is all you need for the centre.

Evening by the canals

We arrived, checked in and went straight out. In the evening, the canals, the lit-up façades and the restaurants make Aveiro feel quite romantic, even with two boys in tow. And we found the biggest ice cream we’ve ever eaten. The boys still talk about it.

The old train station

The old station building is covered in blue-and-white azulejo panels of scenes from the region. It’s worth a detour on your way in or out, even if you’re travelling by bus like we were.

Try ovos moles

Aveiro’s famous sweet is ovos moles, a sweet egg-yolk filling in thin wafer shells shaped like shells and fish. It’s very sweet, and kids usually love it.

Where to eat in Aveiro with kids

For lunch we had fish cooked the Portuguese way, and the boys had rice and vegetables. It was some of the best food of the trip, and cheaper than Porto. Restaurants just off the main canal are better value than the ones facing the water.

How to get to Aveiro

• From Porto by bus: this is how we came, with FlixBus from Porto. The bus station is about 15 minutes’ walk from the centre.
• From Porto by train: regional and intercity trains from Porto take about 1 hour and arrive next to the old tiled station.
• From Lisbon: direct trains from Lisbon (Oriente or Santa Apolónia) take about 2–2.5 hours.
• Onward: we left for Nazaré by Rede Expressos bus after lunch on day 2.

Is Aveiro a good day trip from Porto?

Yes. It’s an easy half day or full day from Porto by train, and a nice contrast after Porto’s hills: it’s flat, calm and small. Staying one night, as we did, lets you see it in the evening, which is when it’s at its prettiest.

Where to stay in Aveiro with kids

Our hotel was right on the main street, which made it very convenient, but too noisy to sleep well, with bars and shops outside until late. Stay central, but pick a side street or a room at the back.

• Hotel Moliceiro: on the central canal, and one of the best-rated in town.
• Hotel das Salinas: spacious rooms, some with kitchenettes. Handy with kids.
• Meliá Ria Hotel & Spa: on the water, a 5–10 minute walk from the centre, with an indoor pool. Useful on a grey day.

More of our Portugal trip

• 2 days in Porto with kids (stop 1)
• Nazaré with kids (stop 3)
• Óbidos with kids (stop 4)
• 4 days in Lisbon with kids (stop 5)
• Our full 10-day Portugal with kids itinerary

Planning a night in Aveiro? See family hotels in central Aveiro →

Aveiro with kids: FAQ

Why is Aveiro called the Venice of Portugal?

Because of its canals and the colourful moliceiro boats on them. The boats were once used to harvest seaweed from the Ria de Aveiro lagoon and now take visitors on tours.

Is Aveiro worth visiting with kids?

Yes. Aveiro is small, flat and walkable, the boat ride is a hit with kids, and the food is good value. One day, or an evening plus a morning, is enough.

How much does a moliceiro boat ride cost?

In 2026 a shared 45-minute moliceiro tour typically costs €13–15 per adult and €6–8 per child aged 4–12, with the youngest free. We paid €15 per adult, with kids free, in 2022.

How many days do you need in Aveiro?

One day is enough for the boat ride, the centre and a meal. Stay one night if you want to see the canals in the evening.

Is Aveiro a good day trip from Porto?

Yes. Trains from Porto take about 1 hour, and Aveiro’s flat, compact centre is an easy contrast to Porto’s hills.