From Aveiro: Costa Nova, Barra, Vista Alegre - Half-Day Trip

4.8
(8 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Portuguese and 3 more

We will travel for some time in a young land, created by nature, where less than two millenniuns ago it was open sea.
This tour, focused on nature and the transformation of the landscape allows us to understand how amazing the Ria de Aveiro region is and how it shaped its inhabitants, and how it was shaped by them.
The salt pans, the large canals, the typical boats and also the large fishing ones, the striped painted houses on the Costa Nova, the harbor entrance, the lighthouse, porcelain factory and its chapel at Vista Alegre are all vestiges of an impressive effort by women and men throughout the centuries.
A unique route in a unique region.

What's Included

Bottled water
Entrance fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
OR
Meeting point

In the parking lot, on the west side of the pedestrian bridge of the Botirões (AKA the loop bridge).

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    We’ll leave Aveiro and cross the Central Canal, arriving in the traditional salt fields and the Environmental Interpretation Centre, where we’ll attempt to spot flamingoes. Next we will visit Aveiro’s two quays - the distant-water fishing quay and the commercial quay - where we’ll learn more about the region’s natural evolution and economic history.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    At Praia da Barra we will gaze upon the man-made opening where the lagoon meets the sea. This structure was built in the early nineteenth century, using the stone from Aveiro’s medieval city walls. The majestic lighthouse stands out in the beautiful Atlantic landscape, accompanying us as we enjoy a short walk by the sea.

    45 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    We will also walk through Costa Nova, along the typical striped wooden houses. These used to be fishermen’s abodes and are nowadays part of one of the most beautiful and original coastal landscapes in Portugal. You will also have a chance to taste our Portuguese custard tarts (Pasteis de Nata), in one of our local bakeries.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    We will then drive to Vista Alegre, a small settlement where the famous Vista Alegre Factory is located. Built in 1824, it’s renowned internationally for its ceramic and glassware production. We’ll then visit the museum, with the possibility of watching the artists delicately paint the ceramic pieces in the workshop (workshop closed during the weekend). Still in Vista Alegre, we’ll also have a look through the local chapel, Capela da Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, a seventeenth-century national site, decorated with Portuguese tiles (azulejos) and frescoes. Before returning to Aveiro, you’ll also have a chance to briefly visit the Factory shop and outlet.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Tony Walker

Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 8 8 reviews
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