Moliceiros are a type of boat traditionally used by local fishermen and salt workers in the Aveiro area of central Portugal. The term "moliceiro" comes from "moliço," referring to seaweed that was collected and used as fertilizer. These boats were essential for navigating the shallow, winding canals of the Ria de Aveiro, enabling the transport of seaweed, fish, and salt. Traditionally handcrafted, Moliceiros are built to be lightweight yet sturdy, with a design optimized for the calm, shallow waters of the lagoon. Their flat-bottomed hulls allow for easy manoeuvrability on the narrow canals, whilst the long, narrow shape of the boat helps it navigate tight turns within the canal network. Originally rowed or propelled by a combination of oars and wind, modern tours often use more comfortable means of propulsion while maintaining the traditional look and feel. One of the most striking features of the Moliceiro is its decoration. Many boats are adorned with vibrant colours and intricate paintings that often include traditional maritime motifs, local legends, or symbolic references to Aveiro’s cultural heritage.
While the boats were once primarily utilitarian, serving the practical needs of the local economy, they have since become one of Aveiro’s most beloved symbols. Today, Moliceiros are predominantly used for leisure and tourism, offering guided boat tours along the picturesque canals of the city. Going for a ride on a Moliceiro has become a must-do for visitors, offering not only a novel way to see the city but also an opportunity to appreciate its historic waterways.
Between the bustling capital of Lisbon and the majestic city of Porto, there is a wealth of smaller cities seeped in history and authentic Portuguese charm, offering a rich and rewarding experience for any traveller sage enough to seek them out. Our comprehensive private day trip from Porto offers you the chance to spend a morning on the enchanting streets of Coimbra, discovering the home of Portugal’s oldest university and UNESCO-listed architecture, followed by an afternoon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll visit the gorgeous coastal city of Aveiro and glide along its emblematic canals in a traditional boat.
On your private full-day excursion, you will:
Set out on a private full-day excursion that unveils the history, architecture, and culture of Coimbra and Aveiro, two of Portugal’s most fascinating cities. Your journey begins with hassle-free hotel pick-up in Porto, where your knowledgeable local driver-guide will accompany you on a scenic drive south toward Coimbra, a city steeped in history that once served as the capital of Portugal for over a hundred years.
Upon arrival, you’ll step into Coimbra’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, where centuries of history unfold before your eyes. As you wander its atmospheric streets, you’ll hear the stories of Coimbra’s transformation from a Roman settlement to a medieval stronghold and an intellectual powerhouse. No visit to Coimbra is complete without seeing its legendary University. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, it was founded in 1290, and is known for its grand courtyards, historic lecture halls, and magnificent Baroque library. As you see the opulent exterior, your guide will transport you back to an era when scholars shaped the future of Portugal. After exploring Coimbra's timeless alleyways and majestic cathedrals, you’ll pause for lunch, giving you a chance to enjoy some free time and some delectable local flavours (not included).
In the afternoon, your adventure continues as you make your way to Aveiro, a city defined by its charming canals, elegant Art Nouveau architecture, and unique maritime heritage. Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro’s winding waterways are best explored by boat, so you’ll have the exciting opportunity to set sail on a Moliceiro boat cruise. You’ll glide along the tranquil canals in one of these beautifully painted, traditional vessels, learning about the city’s salt-harvesting and seaweed-collecting traditions. Strolling through the city’s historic centre, your guide can explain how Aveiro’s complex topography has shaped its development and cultural identity across the centuries.
Before returning to Porto, you’ll take a short detour out to Costa Nova, a former fishing village famous for its striking Palheiros, the vividly striped wooden houses that line the coastline. After snapping a few pictures, you can soak up the fresh Atlantic breeze, admire the white sand beaches, and take in the stunning ocean views before a relaxed drive North, with your guide dropping you off directly at your hotel.
This tour offers an intimate and immersive experience of two of Portugal’s most emblematic destinations with your expert guide able to adapt the itinerary to your interests. It is the perfect option for those wishing to make their most of their time in Portugal and go beyond the biggest cities, getting a feel for the vibrant and multifaceted culture.
An easy drive south of Porto towards the rugged Atlantic coast, Aveiro is one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, combining the country's strong maritime tradition with distinctive architecture, a vibrant food scene, and beautiful coastal scenery. Its relatively compact city centre is easy to explore on foot, and the combination of quaint canals, colourful buildings, and an intriguing history shaped by the breathtaking Ria de Aveiro lagoon makes for an excellent trip. Our private tour is a great way to capture the essence of Aveiro, offering a comprehensive walking tour of the city, an exhilarating cruise on a traditional boat and a stop at the delightful maritime village of Costa Nova.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Experience the charm and colour of coastal Portugal with a private half-day excursion from Porto to Aveiro, a city known for its shimmering canals, elegant Art Nouveau buildings, and rich maritime heritage. After a comfortable hotel pick-up in Porto, your experienced local driver-guide will whisk you away through scenic landscapes to the heart of Aveiro. Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a city shaped by water, and your visit begins with a guided walking tour through its quaint, atmospheric streets. As you stroll past tiled facades and graceful ironwork balconies, you'll learn how the Ria de Aveiro lagoon gave rise to the city's network of canals and influenced its development over the centuries.
The city’s remarkable Art Nouveau architecture will soon catch your attention, and your guide can point out where pastel-coloured buildings reveal intricate flourishes and unexpected details. You will discover how prosperous Portuguese emigrants returning from the New World sparked this architectural transformation and how they wanted to reflect their cosmopolitan tastes and new wealth by building stylish homes and businesses in their hometown. Then it will be time to climb aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat for a leisurely 45-minute canal cruise. These colourful, gondola-like vessels were once used to harvest seaweed and now offer a picturesque way to see the city from the water. Back on land, you’ll have the opportunity to sample Ovos Moles, Aveiro’s most iconic sweet. As you savour this local delicacy made with silky egg yolk and sugar, wrapped in delicate wafers that are often shaped like fish or seashells, your guide can reveal its culinary legacy tied to local convents.
The final part of your tour takes you to nearby Costa Nova, where rows of charming seaside houses painted in vivid stripes line the waterfront like a postcard come to life. These iconic palheiros speak to the fishing culture of the region and offer a perfect backdrop to conclude your journey. After soaking in the salty breeze and snapping a few memorable photos, you’ll return to Porto with a deeper appreciation for this unique coastal gem.
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