Aveiro & Costa Nova Private Tour – Canals, Color, History & Coastal Charm

Explore Portugal’s coastal charm on this full-day private tour from Porto. Discover Aveiro’s canals, Costa Nova’s striped houses, traditional salt pans, and enjoy optional boat rides or salt spa relaxation.

Explore the best of Portugal’s west coast with this private day tour to Aveiro and Costa Nova, two unique destinations where land, lagoon, and sea converge in perfect harmony. Starting in Porto, we travel through the historic town of Ovar, once rooted in fishing and crafts, now known for its industry and the delicious local sponge cake, Pão de Ló.

Our first stop is Cais da Torreira, for a scenic photo opportunity with traditional moliceiro boats, before crossing by ferry to São Jacinto, a peaceful village with a remarkable WWI history as a French airbase.

Next, we visit Barra Beach, where you’ll discover a lively fish market, the elegant sun dial monument, and the Farol da Barra — the tallest lighthouse in Portugal. From here, we follow the canal to the iconic town of Costa Nova, famous for its charming striped houses with curious legends and idyllic beaches.

We then stop at the Marina da Noeirinha, where you’ll witness the art of hand-harvested salt production that’s been practiced for over 200 years, and learn about the life of the marnotos (salt workers) and their traditional huts.

The day ends in Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. You’ll have the option of a Moliceiro boat ride or a walking tour through the historic center, visiting landmarks like the Cathedral and the Santa Joana Museum.

Finally, indulge in delicious regional gastronomy — from fresh seafood and eel stew to roast piglet — and, if you wish, rejuvenate in a local salt spa, known for its natural skin and joint healing properties.

Highlights:

  • Stop in Ovar for cultural and culinary insights
  • Photo stop at Cais da Torreira with moliceiros
  • Ferry ride to São Jacinto and WWI history
  • Walking tour of Barra Beach & Farol da Barra
  • Discover the striped houses of Costa Nova
  • Explore Marina da Noeirinha and traditional salt pans
  • Visit Aveiro’s Cathedral, museums, and canals
  • Optional Moliceiro boat ride and salt spa experience
  • Enjoy local cuisine from fish to roast piglet

9 hours

Easy

Service information

What's included?

🚢 - Ferry crossing to São Jacinto

🏘  - Visit to salt pans and striped houses

🎖️ - Certified Tourism Guide-Driver

🔏 - Private tour

🕍 - Free optional sight-seeing stops along the way

🎒 - Help with your luggage

🧏‍♂️ - Professional English, Spanish and Portuguese speaking drivers

🤹‍♂️ - Local tips and information - Our friendly drivers are locals and are happy to share their insights or give tips on what to do at your destination

📶 - Free Internet

👔 - Chauffer style with code dress

🧂- Free water bottles

🍬 - Extra amenities

 Exclusions

🍽 - Lunch (optional)

🚣‍♀- Moliceiro boat ride fees (optional)

💵 - Tips:  Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip

🔖 - Admissions to venues and attractions along the route

Know
before
you
go

 

🤹‍♂️ - If you have  special needs,  please let us know when making your booking

🚭 - Smoke free

📜 - Personal accident and liability insurance included

⛈️ -  Weather

Exact destinations and itineraries may be changed due to weather, road conditions and the guide’s discretion.

🍷 -  Wineries

Included wineries are subject to change based on their availability, private events, and holidays.

🧳 -  Luggage

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, please inform us.

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 Free cancellation

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of most services.

Payments options

50% deposit if booked within 15 days of the travel date.

 Easy to contact us

Contact form, by phone or request a free quote.

Specialists

Customise a service with impartial advice.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Cancellation policies

    Our standard cancellation, a fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 1 day or less before the event.


    Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 2 days or less before the event.


    Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 3 days or less before the event.


    This may be different for selected services, the cancellation policy would be available on checkout.


  • Local supplier contact details

    The full contact details of your local supplier will be available on your booking confirmation voucher, once the booking has been confirmed.

  • How early in advance should I book my service.

    In peak seasons the services can sell out very quickly.


    We recommend booking within 4 weeks of your travel dates to secure your booking.


    Benefits of booking early

    * Secure your booking.

    * Flexible payment option 50% deposit, if booked within 15 days of the travel date

    * All services can be cancelled and you can receive a full refund, (PLEASE REFER TO INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT CANCELLATION POLICIES)


  • Is there any hidden charges?

    The price you see online is the price you pay no additional charges on arrival unless choosing the 50% deposit. 

    • No booking fees
    • No credit card transaction fees


 Have additional questions take a look at our FAQ page CLICK HERE