Where to stay in Aveiro to fully experience this tourist destination in Northern Portugal? Spending at least one night in this town is essential to not only visiting the old town, but also planning in some time to enjoy the nearby beach and the stunning natural area right next to the city.
The most practical accommodation is in or near the historic city center, where you’ll find charming hotels. In our research for Aveiro, we discovered hidden gems to recommend. Read this blog to find the best places to stay!
Booking.comHow to get to Alveiro in Portugal
Aveiro is located in northwest Portugal, near the Atlantic coast. It is a popular destination in Northern Portugal.
Aveiro is conveniently close to other tourist attractions in Portugal, including the vibrant city of Porto. Porto, located about an hour’s drive to the north, is famous for its port wine, stunning blue and white azulejos, breathtaking views, lively atmosphere, and beautiful landmarks. It’s among our top cities in Europe.
Heading south, you’ll find the historic city of Coimbra, renowned for its ancient university, considered the oldest in the world. It was also Portugal’s former capital, and the city is filled with historic buildings and landmarks.
Closer to Aveiro, delightful beaches, a beautiful coastline, stunning dune areas, and nature reserves with waterbirds are easily accessible, sometimes even on foot or by bicycle.
Is Aveiro worth visiting?
We absolutely thing Aveiro is worth visiting, though we don’t agree with it being promoted as the ‘Venice of Portugal’. It just isn’t truly comparable to Venice. It does have canals and colorful gondolas, known as moliceiros, but it falls short in providing a Venice-like experience. Nevertheless, the canals and gondolas offer a beautiful sight, making Aveiro a unique and distinct city among other Portuguese destinations.
In addition to canals and gondolas, Aveiro is renowned for its striking Art Nouveau architecture, the incredibly sweet ovos moles treat, and the significant role of salt production in the local economy. These are must-see elements during your visit to Aveiro.
How many days do you need for Aveiro?
To fully explore Aveiro, including its historic center, nearby beaches, and the Ria de Aveiro nature reserve, we recommend spending at least three to four days. Begin by immersing yourself in the old town’s atmosphere, taking a boat trip, and seeing the city’s sights. You can spread this over two days to make it less intensive. Use one of these days to visit a well-known museum and take a guided tour of the salt flats. Another day should be dedicated to visiting the beaches at Praia da Barra or Praia da Costa Nova. On the third day, explore the Ria de Aveiro nature reserve by using a free bike from Aveiro. Given this itinerary, it would be beneficial to have a fourth day for relaxation and downtime.
The best hotels in Aveiro
Aveiro is a city rich in history, offering an array of splendid hotels in its old town. The historic city center is the perfect spot for visitors, blending the allure of the city with convenient access to major attractions. For beach enthusiasts, the nearby Praia da Barra and Praia da Costa Nova provide excellent beachside accommodations, allowing easy exploration of Aveiro’s urban charm.
The best hotels in Aveiro Old Town:
#1 Palacete Valdemouro is a pinnacle of luxury in Aveiro, combining historical elegance with modern amenities. Nestled in the heart of the historic center, it boasts spacious rooms, a spa, swimming pools, sauna, and an exquisite restaurant.is zonder twijfel het allermooiste hotel in Aveiro.
#2 1877 Estrela Palace is a boutique hotel celebrated for its stylish décor and prime location. Known for its exceptional hospitality and amenities, it offers a delightful breakfast and an ideal setting in the city center.
#3 Aveiro Rossio Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel. It stands out with its vibrant atmosphere and high praise from visitors.
The best hotels near Aveiro:
#4 Montebelo Vista Alegre Ílhavo Hotel is located just south of Aveiro. This hotel offers a luxury experience with its seasonal outdoor pool, wellness center, spacious rooms or apartments, and stunning views.
#5 Hotel Farol is favorite beachfront hotel at Praia da Barra, near the iconic lighthouse. It’s a short stroll from the beach, offering a tranquil seaside stay.
#6 Casa D’Oliveira is situated north of Aveiro, near the Ria de Aveiro nature reserve. This authentic quinta offers a serene garden setting. Each room features a private terrace overlooking the garden, celebrated for its lovely décor and hospitality.
Where to stay in Aveiro with a camper
Aveiro is camper-friendly, offering various spots for an enjoyable stay. A notable parking lot available for €1 per day provides a scenic view of boats and canals. Additionally, there’s a free camper parking area near the Salinas de Aveiro, next to the salt flats.
For a more adventurous experience, the Ria de Aveiro marshland area, just outside the city, is ideal for wild camping. Accessible even for large campers, this location (link Park4Night) offers a stunning waterside setting and proximity to the passadicos, wooden boardwalks that meander through the picturesque saltwater marsh.
Read more: wild camping in Portugal
