During the peak summer months, most visitors flock to the beautiful city of Aveiro, to enjoy the canals and the beaches. Aveiro is known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’ and is criss-crossed by canals. The Central Canal runs through the city and exploring the city by boat or gondola is breathtaking.

The beaches of Sao Jacinto is one of Aveiro’s major attractions. From the city centre, car hire at Aveiro is the best way to get to the coastal region. Seek out the beaches in Barra, Gafanha da Nazare and Costa Nova do Prado. The beaches are sandy and pristine and can get quite crowded during the summer months.

With cheap car hire at Aveiro, head west to the coastal region or east towards the Spanish border. Driving in and around Aveiro is easily, as the city is well-linked into the Portuguese national motorway network. Just a short drive down the A25 will take visitors to the major north-south motorway. From here, visitors can easily explore other major cities in Portugal, such as Lisbon and Faro.

Excellent food is one of the main attractions of Aveiro. Visitors should not miss out trying the famous sweets of Aveiro, made of eggs, called ovos moles. Seafood is another major attraction. The early morning fish market at the Mercado do Peixe is always bustling with energy and well worth a visit.

Seek car rental at Aveiro to explore the famous salt flats and lagoon areas. The Sao Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve is easily accessed from the city centre by car as well. Here, visitors will experience first-hand the beautiful flora and fauna of Portugal.