Day Trip to Aveiro

and to Costa Nova do Prado

TRAVEL DIARY: AVEIRO & PRAIA DE COSTA NOVA

Though the days were totally wet, we couldn’t pass up the chance to explore beyond Porto, so we opted for a day trip to Aveiro. The train journey from Sao Bento to Aveiro, lasting about an hour and twenty minutes, was a delightful adventure.

Here is our walk in Aveiro and in Costa Nova do Prado

Arrived at the Aveiro Station with modern architecture in its new building while on the opposite side we saw the timeless charm of its preserved old station adorned with stunning azulejos tiles, each intricately depicting regional motifs.

I am linking this to Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge

We strolled towards the direction of the lagoon, pausing intermittently to capture photos of the picturesque buildings and doors along the way.

I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge

We had to stay highly observant, as the tiles beneath our feet proved just as captivating as the ones adorning the surrounding structures.

One of Aveiro’s main attractions is undoubtedly its canals, often likened to those of Venice. These waterways provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the city via enchanting boat tours, a popular activity for many.

I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge

However, my husband and I opted out of the experience after witnessing others struggling to shield themselves from the rain.

In Aveiro there are no Love Locks…but colourful ribbons. Aveiro “The Portuguese Venice” has the “Friendship bonds bridge”. It is situated over the Cojo Channel and was started when two students tied ribbons to the bridge as a symbol of love and friendship. It is also known as The Bridge Of Lovers and is now full of colourful ribbons that are signed and tied with love messages.

Some of the statues by the Delgado Square and Bridge.

The colourful “Moliceiros” boats, reminiscent of gondolas, showcase vibrant motifs depicting the town’s history. Initially employed for seaweed harvesting, these boats now ferry tourists along Aveiro’s canals.

Public art on both sides of the canal.

Took an Uber to our next stop… Costa Nova. It is situated 12km south of Aveiro and it boasts of the renowned Costa Nova do Prado beach which is famous for its picturesque coloured houses. Initially these served as fishing shelters, then these houses were eventually transformed into charming summer homes for fishing families. Then gradually shaping the area into its current vibrant ambiance.

We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the promenade, snapping photos of the vibrant cottages along the way.

More public art…

It was flooded in front of the shops, so sadly couldn’t get ice cream cones.

We were taking in the fresh sea breeze until we noticed the dark clouds slowly creeping in. I guess it was time to go.

Aveiro is an artsy place … as seen through the Uber window on the way back to the Aveiro Station.

Photos from 28 October 2023

A day trip to these charming destinations brought us unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.

34 Comments Add yours

  1. Marie says:

    Lovely memories. I spent 3 days in Aveiro in a hotel on the street they appear to be repaving. I enjoyed exploring the city.

    1. Teresa says:

      Wonderful that I was able to take you back there. It is a beautiful place. Thanks for commenting Marie ❤️

  2. restlessjo says:

    No icecreams but great reflection photos, Teresa. You never miss an opportunity for a great shot. Such a shame about the weather- it was scorching when we were there- but it really is a lovely place, isn’t it? You made the most and thanks for thinking of me.

    1. Teresa says:

      Actually, this wasn’t our first choice for a day trip. We wanted to go to Braga or Guimaraes but we thought that we had been to too many churches already so we changed our mind. We weren’t disappointed.

      1. restlessjo says:

        Braga is way to big for a day- you’d have been exhausted! Guimaraes is much more manageable, but you made a good choice and the photos are fab.

        1. Teresa says:

          Thanks Jo.

      2. Coral Waight says:

        What a lovely, creative -looking place. Love it.

        1. Teresa says:

          Thanks Coral.

  3. eklastic says:

    You always find the most amazing murals!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much. My camera is just always ready.

  4. Dan Antion says:

    Wow, Teresa, you have so many lovely photos. I love the colors, the tiles and the corner doors you captured. The pictures for the other challenges are delightful. I really like the boat full of umbrellas and the public art. Thanks so much for sharing this portion of your trip.

    1. Teresa says:

      I thought I responded to this comment already. Sorry. Thanks Dan for the wonderful comment. Yes, I did enjoy this . So many things to see.

  5. Toonsarah says:

    Oh, Aveiro looks lovely, even in the rain! I love the colourful boats, the ribbons on the bridge, the old station and the statues 😀

    1. Teresa says:

      There are so many things to love in Aveiro. But that is just in the main town. Wasn’t able to roam further away.

  6. Too many for detailed comments but I love the tiles, both on the buildings and in/along the streets. I also loved the photo of the Venice-like waterway.

    1. Teresa says:

      It is beautiful. Especially that there is nothing quite like it where I live. Happy that you like it as well.

  7. Beautiful photographs. I like the reflection and feel of the water nearby in many of the photos. Such amazing architecture. Thank you Teresa for a wonderful visual tour.
    P.S. I like the colorful ribbons on the bridge!

    1. Teresa says:

      My pleasure to share. Glad you liked it Suzette. ❤️

  8. scooj says:

    Wonderful.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks, happy you liked it.

  9. I know I comment already but I was just re-reading and enjoying your photos again. Love the blue azulejo tile work photos of the old Aveiro Station.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Suzette for your kind words and for revisiting my site… I appreciate that a lot.

      1. A pleasure indeed, Teresa.

  10. Maureen O'Hern says:

    I’m glad you linked to Dan! These are wonderful, most especially those striped houses. And I can see why you’d have to keep your eyes up and down both. Thank you for this tour!

    1. Teresa says:

      It is my pleasure to share, Maureen. Glad you liked it.

  11. Your photographs are wonderful. We had a trip to Averio planned then COVID arrived.

    1. Teresa says:

      Sad to hear that. Another planning has to be done now.

  12. Wow, Aveiro looks like a colorful and fascinating place. I do love the colors and tiles of Portugal. Beautiful photos, Teresa!

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Brenda. I also do love the colour of the place.

  13. Wow. I loved these. The first photos with the blue on the buildings are gorgeous and I love the striped buildings.

  14. Natalie says:

    Teresa, Thank you for your PPAC contribution. Aveira looks artsy and beautiful. I love all of your photos. The ribbons are colourful and a much ‘lighter’ idea than the locks.

    1. Teresa says:

      The ribbons are definitely better than the locks… what a great idea glad you liked it Natalie. ❤️

  15. XingfuMama says:

    What a wonderful place. It is so beautiful and interesting.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thank you Mama.

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