Portuguese coastal town of Aveiro

We had a rental car and decided to stop there to see the town. We didn’t stay long, don’t waste your time!

My wife just went there while visiting her sister (who lives in Lisbon) and did not have a car. I went there in July but didn't stop. Aveiro is along the railway Lisbon-Porto. If you come from either of the two major cities either the Intercity trains or the Alfa Pendular (fast speed) stop in Aveiro. From the station you can take a taxi or Uber to the city center, where the canals are (Aveiro is a sort of miniature Venice), but you can also walk since it's probably just half a mile or so from the train station. My wife said it's pretty, but you can see everything in half day.

I’m one of those who was a bit underwhelmed with Aveiro. The use of the term ‘Venice of Portugal’ is very misleading. It bears zero resemblance IMO. However, there is a bit of an old town and the old train station - next to current modern one, has lovely tiles. It is easy to stop on the train between Porto and Lisbon and some people really love it.

We too had a rental car so can’t speak to public transportation. It was interesting for an hour, then we left.. We did not take the tourist oriented boat ride. I can’t say I’d visit if there were not regular busses and trains.

Taking a train from Porto to Aveiro is easy. The front of the train station is very pretty. The little walking bridges over the canal are cute with the ribbons tied all over them. I took a Bolt out to Costa Nova to see the striped houses, which were unique. Aveiro did not remind me of Venice though.

I really appreciate all of your honest assessments. I think we will just skip Aveiro and spend an extra night in Nazare. Thank you all. Keep on traveling.
Kent Fast
Tampa