Is an Aveiro Canal Boat Ride Worth It – My Honest Review

Considering to go on a Canal Boat Ride in Aveiro, Portugal? This review covers my experience and my honest take on the canal boat ride in Aveiro.

Table of Contents

• Intro
• Recommended Aveiro Tours & Activities
• Where is Aveiro?
• First Impressions of the Moliceiros
• What the Ride Is Actually Like
• The Good
• The Not-So-Good
• So Is It Worth It?
• Portugal Travel Guides
• Final Words: Sort of Worth It!
• Travel Resources

Intro

When I first heard Aveiro is called the “Venice of Portugal,” I’ll admit I was curious but a little skeptical. Could a small Portuguese town really rival Venice? After spending some time there (and yes, hopping on one of the famous canal boat rides), here’s my honest review on whether it’s worth your time and money.

Recommended Aveiro Tours & Activities

Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Aveiro tours, activities and attractions:

Where is Aveiro?

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE AVEIRO, PORTUGAL MAP:

First Impressions of the Moliceiros

The boats themselves, called Moliceiros, are pretty. They’re long, colorful, and hand-painted with quirky little designs, and each boat seems to have their own unique design. They’re able to fit up to 22 people comfortably without feeling too packed.

What the Ride Is Actually Like

The ride is pretty relaxed. It’s about 45 minutes of gliding along the canals that crisscross Aveiro. You pass artsy houses, bridges decorated with colorful ribbons, and even get a glimpse of the old salt mines with their little white pyramids. The scenery is unique, but don’t expect dramatic sights like in Venice’s Grand Canal.

What really makes the experience enjoyable (or potentially breaks it) is the guide. On my boat, the guide kept things fun with little stories, local history, and even a few jokes about Aveiro’s culture. I’ve heard that some tours can feel a bit “meh” if the commentary isn’t engaging, so it can be a bit hit-or-miss.

Ride along the Aveiro Canals • photos by Jeanie A

The Good

• It’s affordable (usually under €20).
  
• The Moliceiros themselves are beautiful and photogenic.
  
• It gives you a nice, easy introduction to Aveiro without too much walking.
  
• If the weather’s good, it’s very peaceful and relaxing.

The Not-So-Good

• The canals are short where you’ll see most of them in under an hour.
  
• There really aren’t any dramatic sights to see along the canals, which can be very anticlimactic and perhaps boring to some people.
  
• If you get an uninspired guide, the experience can feel flat.

So Is It Worth It?

I’d say sort of yes, but only with the right expectations. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s a different and relaxing way to see the town, especially if you’re already in Aveiro for a day trip. Maybe think of it as a cultural experience where you’ll learn a bit about the city on a historic type of boat, rather than a thrill ride with some incredible views.

Final Words: Sort of Worth It!

If you’re looking for a relaxed, picture-perfect experience that offers a splash of local charm, Aveiro’s Moliceiro boat ride can be a worthy addition. If you set your expectations right and don’t expect Aveiro canals to be a copy-paste version of Venice’s canals, then you may enjoy it. Hopefully my honest review of the Aveiro canal boat ride has helped you decide if it’s worth it or not.

Have a favorite memory from taking a boat ride along Aveiro’s canals?
Share it in the comments below — I’d love to hear about your experience!