Aveiro & Costa Nova Tour Review: River Cruise From Porto (2025)
So, you’re possibly thinking about skipping away from Porto for a bit, huh? Are you looking at maybe seeing some colorful houses and taking a pleasant boat trip? Well, it’s almost like the “Aveiro and Costa Nova Half Day Tour from Porto with River Cruise” could just be the ticket. It’s very much a popular pick for visitors and is often raved about. This review is going to lay out just what to anticipate, covering everything from the stunning views to, arguably, how worthwhile the tour is, really.
First Impressions: Getting Away from Porto
The tour starts from Porto. Typically, that means hopping onto a comfortable bus or van, really. From there, you’re looking at an hours-ish trip to Aveiro. Along the ride, the tour guides normally give you little snippets of the area’s history and some interesting tidbits to chew on. This, well, it really kinda gets you in the mood for what is coming up.
When you get to Aveiro, there’s a certain feel to the air, I feel. It’s more laid-back when you compare it to Porto. Too, it is known as the “Venice of Portugal” and, I mean, they are are not joking around with that comparison, right? It is that the canals crisscross the whole town, it’s pretty obvious. The buzz of those crowds, it fades away. The change in pace is so good. Now you get the opportunity to properly take a load off.
The Moliceiro Ride: A Float Down History
And then there is, arguably, the centerpiece of the Aveiro visit. This is almost the “Moliceiro” boat trip. These very colorful boats were historically used to harvest seaweed. Today, well, they are a quirky way to take in the canals. As you float along, the guide, usually, points out a bunch of iconic architecture. Also, expect there to be some funny stories concerning the artwork featured on each vessel, too it’s almost mandatory. A handful of the boats have pretty risque paintings, actually!
What makes this experience especially lovely, anyway, is really that the views you get are quite unique from the water. Seeing those historic buildings from this, just a little, perspective, actually, gives you, perhaps, a different outlook than walking those streets. Plus, it’s nearly super relaxing to just sit back and glide with a calm ripple. It really adds a completely pleasant flavor to your time there.
Costa Nova: Stripes by the Ocean
Next up, that is when the tour brings you to Costa Nova. You will know Costa Nova by it’s famous striped houses that are there. Formerly, these striped homes, pretty much, belonged to those fishermen. Now, they are some sort of picturesque seaside spots to get some snaps. These colorful buildings give Costa Nova an unusual charm that you probably would not see anyplace else, really.
Make time to walk on that beach, will you? Breathe in that fresh sea breeze and feel that sand beneath your feet, okay? The Atlantic, by the way, it’s generally bracing. I mean, dipping your toes is basically something you really have to do if you’re down there. Furthermore, the atmosphere really around Costa Nova has a different kind of buzz compared to Aveiro. This has like more of a calming, beachy sort of vibe, alright? This really brings a very refreshing element of the tour.
Food and Drink: Tasting Local Flavors
This trip, typically, provides opportunities to taste local foods. You should check out “ovos moles”. This is like a regional sweet treat, and almost everybody who comes this way must, at least, try them. It has got like a sweet egg yolk filling that has this wafer casing, very.
Too, it’s almost the seafood around these areas that are usually top-notch, arguably, fresh from that Atlantic, okay? Should you elect to grab food there, think about getting some grilled fish. Plus, pairing that, okay?, together with Vinho Verde will make that food tastier.
What You Need to Know Before Going
Time is valuable. This “Half Day Tour” only is 4 hours or so, give or take a few. Which means the agenda becomes somewhat dense, basically. It is likely a tour if your after a taste of the region but do not like extended stays.
Seasons come into play. Portugal does get very, very busy during the summer. Meaning that this may be a little rammed with tourists and maybe hotter than is ideal, so keep it in mind when scheduling.
