Swings and sculptures

More of our exploration of the Douro Valley now, with more incredible views around every bend in the road.

A woman with sunglasses smiling in front of a scenic river landscape surrounded by hills and vineyards.

What can make a stunning view even better?

Swings obviously….. and we find a few today. First up is Miradouro Águas do Tua with its impressive view of the river.

An artistic metal swing structure in a scenic outdoor location overlooking a lake and hills, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
A person sitting on a swing overlooking a scenic landscape with hills and a river under a blue sky.
A man swinging joyfully on a swing set, set against a backdrop of green vineyards and blue sky.
A man enjoying a swing in a sunny outdoor setting with a vineyard backdrop.
A man sitting on a modern swing overlooking a scenic landscape with hills and a village in the background.

Then it’s onwards to the Miradouro da Paixão with its heart shaped swing and wide ranging views.

A panoramic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green hills and terraced vineyards in a rural landscape.
A close-up of grass seeds being dispersed against a blurred natural background of hills and a river.
A black convertible car parked on a winding road with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
Scenic view of terraced fields and a river surrounded by mountains under a clear blue sky.
A bronze sculpture of a figure resembling Jesus Christ on a cross, positioned against a rusted metal background, with a stone pathway in the foreground and greenery in the background.
A panoramic view of a valley featuring terraced vineyards, lush greenery, and a river winding through the landscape.
A person sitting on a swing shaped like a heart, with a scenic landscape in the background featuring hills and a blue sky.
A heart-shaped swing suspended by a chain, set against a scenic landscape featuring mountains and blue sky.
A person sitting on a wooden deck in front of a large heart-shaped sculpture, surrounded by trees and a scenic landscape.
A person sitting on a swing shaped like a heart, surrounded by trees and a scenic landscape in the background.
A person sitting on a swing shaped like a heart, overlooking a scenic mountain view with a clear blue sky.
A man sitting on a swing shaped like a heart at the Miradouro da Paixão viewpoint, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.

Located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Passion in Arnal, this structure in corten steel and wood, created by sculptor Paulo Moura, represents a stylized heart.

Reflecting the Passion of Christ and the patron saint to whom the sanctuary is dedicated.

A person sitting on a swing in the shape of a heart, set against a panoramic view of rolling hills and a blue sky with clouds.

Hearts are a popular sculptural choice it seems, with another viewpoint at Coração do Douro – meaning The Heart of the Duuro.

A woman sitting on a bench in front of a large heart-shaped metal sculpture with the words 'Coração do Douro' against a scenic background of rolling hills and a river.
A large metal heart-shaped sculpture with a wooden bench, overlooking a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and vineyards under a blue sky.
A large, metallic heart-shaped sculpture with the word 'Coração' inscribed on it, positioned on a scenic overlook with a view of rolling hills and a river in the valley below.
A man standing beside a large artistic sculpture with the word 'Coração' in the Douro Valley, featuring scenic hills and a river in the background.
A person standing next to a large heart-shaped metal sculpture with the inscription 'Coraça' overlooking a scenic landscape featuring hills and a river.
Metal sculpture with the text 'Município Peseira' overlooking a scenic valley and river under a blue sky.
A person standing in front of a large metal heart sculpture with a panoramic view of a river and hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
A person standing next to a large heart-shaped sculpture with a scenic landscape of hills and a river in the background.

Soaking in the scenery

We’ve jumped in the soft top (aka the chicken boiler) and are headed out to enjoy more of the stunning Douro Valley scenery.

A woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiling while seated in a convertible car, with green hills and vineyards in the background.
A person smiling enthusiastically while riding in a convertible car, wearing sunglasses and a straw hat, with greenery visible in the background.

I may look excited but the combination of high 30s temperature and a tiny black car equalled a very uncomfortable ride!

A picturesque landscape featuring terraced vineyards and olive groves on rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

But the minor discomfort was soon forgotten as the valley spread out its splendour before us once again.

A scenic landscape featuring terraced vineyards on rolling hills, with lush greenery, dotted trees, and a winding road.

It reminded me of the rice terraces in Sapa, North Vietnam, another captivating landscape that we explored in 2019.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills, with a small village nestled below and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.
Panoramic view of terraced vineyards and hills alongside a river, with blue skies and scattered clouds in the background.

Sit back and enjoy taking a ride with us through this beautiful landscape!

A couple taking a selfie with a scenic view of rolling hills and a river in the background. The woman is wearing a sunhat and sunglasses, while the man has a bald head and blue sunglasses.
A scenic view of rolling hills and terraced vineyards with a river winding through a small village, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A panoramic view of a valley with olive trees and vineyards, overlooking a river surrounded by rolling hills under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a straw hat takes a selfie overlooking a scenic landscape with rolling hills, vineyards, and a winding river.
A woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses taking a selfie with a scenic view of a river, vineyards, and rolling hills in the background.
A scenic view of a river winding through lush vineyards and terraced hills in a mountainous landscape, with a small village in the foreground.
A panoramic view of a picturesque valley with terraced vineyards and small houses nestled among lush greenery, surrounded by rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of a terraced landscape with vineyards, olive groves, and a small village nestled in the valley, surrounded by mountains.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, showcasing rows of grapevines and lush green vegetation.
A scenic view of rolling green hills and terraced vineyards under a clear blue sky.
Person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, with a scenic view of rolling hills and vineyards in the background.
Scenic view of terraced vineyards and rolling hills under a clear sky.

Aldeia Vinhateira de Provesende, translated as Provesende Wine-Growing Village, is one of the seven recognized wine villages located in the heart of the Douro Valley.

View from a sign displaying 'Aldeia Vinhateira de Provesende' overlooking terraced vineyards and hills in a scenic landscape.
A panoramic view of rolling hills covered with terraced vineyards, with lush greenery and distant mountains in the background.
Selfie of a woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, with a convertible car in the foreground and a scenic hilly landscape in the background.

We’re going to pass by some of the most iconic Port manufactures soon, so we’ve got our eyes peels for signs!

Aerial view of terraced vineyards with various patterns of green fields and pathways in a hilly landscape.

As idyllic as this sunny landscape looks, you are never far from a reminder of the impacts of the heat and climate change.

A panoramic view of lush terraced vineyards rolling across hills, with green grapevines and dirt pathways visible under a clear blue sky.
A car navigation screen displaying a warning message about severe fire potentially affecting the driving route.
Vineyard view on a hillside with terraced rows of grapevines and a sign reading 'NOVAL'.
Aerial view of terraced agricultural fields with varying shades of green and brown, surrounded by lush vegetation.
A scenic view of terraced vineyards and rolling hills, featuring houses with red roofs and lush greenery in the foreground.
A panoramic view of rolling hills covered in lush vineyards and terraced fields, with distant mountains and a cloudy sky.

Sometimes the Douro River just steals the show though. This viewpoint is a case in point!

The Ujo viewpoint allows you to see the majestic river in all its glory as it snakes between the high sided hills.

A panoramic view of a river winding through lush green hills, surrounded by mountainous terrain under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of a winding river surrounded by green hills and dry grassland under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A person taking a selfie at a scenic overlook, featuring a river surrounded by hills and greenery in the background.
A panoramic view of a river winding through green hills and valleys, under a clear blue sky.
A couple posing for a photo on a scenic overlook, with mountains and a body of water in the background. The man is wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts, while the woman is in a polka dot dress and a sun hat.
A woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiles for a selfie in front of a scenic landscape with a river and mountains in the background.
A couple posing together on a viewing platform with a scenic mountainous landscape in the background and a lake visible below.
A man wearing a gray tank top and denim shorts stands at a viewpoint, looking out over a scenic landscape of mountains and a winding river under a partly cloudy sky.
A man stands on a viewing platform overlooking a scenic landscape with mountains and a river, wearing sunglasses and casual attire.
A man standing at a scenic viewpoint with mountains and a lake in the background. He is wearing a tank top that says 'South Beach Miami' and denim shorts, with sunglasses and black athletic shoes.

Fire fighting

While the hot weather is a novelty for us UK dwellers, it is causing huge issues in Portugal and has been for several years.

When we visited the Douro Valley in July 2025 we saw up close the problems that the scorching heat and tinder dry landscape created.

A yellow seaplane flying over a terraced landscape with vineyards and olive groves on a hillside.

We watched, enthralled but worried, as the skillful seaplane pilots passed over the river, scooping up water to carry off to several fires that we could see the smoke from.

A yellow seaplane flying low over a river, with terraced vineyards and a white house on a hillside in the background.
A yellow seaplane flying low over a river with terraced vineyards and a house on a hillside in the background.
A yellow seaplane taking off from a river surrounded by terraced vineyards and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.
A yellow seaplane flying over a river, spraying agricultural chemicals on the vineyard-covered hillside in the background.
A yellow seaplane flying low over a body of water while releasing water, with mountainous terrain and vineyards in the background.
A yellow seaplane flying low over a river, with mist trailing behind it and mountains covered in greenery in the background.

This carried on for two days while we were based in Pinhão, with three planes in convoy, all collecting the river water for hours on end.

A yellow seaplane landing on a river, creating a spray of water around it.

Then it was time for us to cool off ourselves as we finally arrived at our lovely little Quinta in Pinhão.

It has to have one of the best view we have ever seen with the Douro river snaking away into the distance as the sun sets over the valley.

The seaplanes continued over head for several hours, and you can see one of them captured below!

A person swimming in an outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery and hills, with a river and houses visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A serene view of a swimming pool overlooking a river and lush hills, with quaint houses along the hillside in the background.
A man with a tribal tattoo on his back sits by the edge of a swimming pool, overlooking a scenic landscape with a river and houses.
A person floating in a clear blue infinity pool with a scenic view of hills and a river in the background.
A woman smiling for a selfie at the edge of a swimming pool, with a man swimming behind her. The background features a scenic landscape of hills and a river, with houses lining the bank.
A man standing in a swimming pool with a scenic view of a river and hills in the background, under a clear sky.

Pinhão itself is tiny. There’s a handful of cafés, small hotels, and family-run restaurants line the river. Life moves at a measured pace.

Locals greet each other by name. You’re more likely to hear birds and water than traffic. Which is lovely, but did make it very hard to find somewhere to eat if you arrive after 5pm!

Colorful ceramic tile mural depicting terraced vineyards with a detailed landscape in shades of blue and yellow.
A decorative tile mural featuring a woman harvesting grapes, surrounded by ornate floral designs and the inscription 'VindimaeirA - Ouro'.
Decorative ceramic tile mural depicting two figures in traditional attire from the Douro region, surrounded by ornate floral patterns.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a panoramic view of a river landscape, framed with ornate designs and details, next to a window.

Pinhão’s train station is famous for its beautiful blue-and-white azulejo tiles. These hand-painted panels depict scenes of the Douro’s wine harvest—grape picking, river transport, and rural life.

Port heritage

The Douro Valley is famous for Port. And rightly so. This is where rich, fortified wines are born – sweet, powerful, and complex, often aged for decades.

A black car parked along a scenic road with terraced hills and vineyards in the background, under a clear blue sky.

This heritage has shaped the valley’s landscape. It feels sculpted rather than natural, as if the earth itself agreed to be shaped by human hands.

Steep hills rise sharply from the riverbanks, carved into thousands of narrow stone terraces that stack upward like an enormous amphitheater.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards along a river valley, with lush green hills and distant mountains in the background.

From a distance, these terraces look rhythmic and precise; up close, you notice how irregular and labor-intensive they are – each one built by hand, stone by stone, over centuries.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, with a winding path through the grapevines. In the background, a small village is nestled among the lush green landscape, under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of rolling vineyards in a hilly landscape with small houses and winding roads.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on hillsides, with a small house and a picturesque village in the distance under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of a river winding through lush hills and terraced vineyards in a mountainous landscape.
A person smiling for a selfie with sunglasses, set against a scenic landscape of terraced hills and a river in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person standing on a viewpoint overlooking lush vineyards and rolling hills in a scenic landscape.

Everywhere you look the evidence of the Port trade can be seen with the terraces neatly stacked at either side of the river.

A scenic view of a river winding through terraced vineyards and lush greenery, surrounded by rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

The Douro River is the valley’s spine. It moves slowly and deliberately, reflecting the sky like a long mirror.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills beside a river, featuring a house with a swimming pool surrounded by greenery.

Despite the dramatic scale, the landscape feels calm. Breeze rustles through vines, insects hum, the hours pass.

It’s a working landscape, but one that never feels industrial. Everything – vineyards, river, villages – seems in conversation, balanced between nature and tradition.

A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills, with terraced vineyards and a house in the foreground.
A panoramic view of a river winding through lush green vineyards and hills under a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of terraced vineyards on hillside slopes overlooking a river, with small houses and greenery in the background under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of a river surrounded by lush vineyards and hills under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on hillsides overlooking a river with mountains in the background under clear blue skies.

Epic views can be found everywhere in the Douro Valley but the Miradour Imaginario is a particularly special place.

This scenic viewpoint is situated at an elevation of 145 meters in Santa Cristina.

A metal sign that reads 'Miradouro Imaginario' with artistic cutouts, overlooking a scenic landscape with vineyards and a river.
A scenic view of a vineyard landscape featuring terraced grapevines, a modern white house with a brown roof, a swimming pool, and lush green hills in the background.

This location offers expansive views over the Douro River and the surrounding terraced vineyards, creating a picturesque landscape.

The area acts like an amphitheater facing the river, with valleys lined with vine terraces that merge with the blue of the river, 

Man with tattoos standing on a wooden overlook with arms outstretched, enjoying a scenic view of a river and hills covered in vineyards.
A man standing on a wooden viewing platform overlooking a river surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards on a sunny day.
A shirtless man standing on a balcony overlooking a river with rolling vineyards in the background on a sunny day.

Dramatic Douro

We’ve firmly in the dramatic landscape of the Douro Valley now, and heading to our base for the next few days which is the pretty little village of Pinhão,

A panoramic view of a river winding through a lush green valley, surrounded by residential areas, vineyards, and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

The views are truly incredible and there are lots more to come!

A panoramic view of a lush landscape featuring a river winding through green hills, dotted with houses and trees under a clear blue sky.

But first we spot another enticing river beach so pull off the road and have a nosy around.

A serene beach scene featuring straw umbrellas on a sandy shore, with a calm river in the background and lush greenery on the opposite bank under a clear blue sky.

By now it was baking hot so I was loitering in any shade that I could find while the solar powered hubby soaked up the scorching rays!

A person stands in shallow water at a beach on a sunny day, with a clear blue sky and green hills in the background.
A clear lake with a sandy and rocky shore, surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a bright blue sky. Two people are seen swimming in the distance.
A serene lakeside scene featuring a large tree beside the water, with a sandy beach and pebbles.
A muscular man stands at the edge of a clear water body, with trees and green hills in the background under a blue sky.
A clear view of a river with a sandy shoreline, featuring shallow water and visible rocks at the bottom. In the background, a hillside adorned with lush greenery and modern homes is seen under a bright blue sky.
A person standing in shallow water at a beach, with a scenic backdrop of green hills and residential buildings under a clear blue sky.
A woman wearing sunglasses and a straw hat smiles for a selfie at the beach, with a river and green hills in the background.

The winding roads take us high up through the scenic Douro Valley.

You can also see the Mosteiro Bridge spanning the Douro river miles below us.

Aerial view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery, with a small town along the riverbank and a bridge crossing the water.
A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses takes a selfie with a scenic landscape in the background, featuring rolling hills and a river with houses along its banks under a clear blue sky.
A large stone viaduct with multiple arches spans a river, surrounded by lush greenery and terraced farmland on a hillside.
A panoramic view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery and hills, featuring a prominent stone bridge in the foreground.
A panoramic view of a river valley with lush green hills, a bridge spanning the river, and quaint houses along the water's edge.
A scenic view of a winding river surrounded by lush green hills and trees under a clear blue sky.

The old railway viaduct in Ribadouro is a scenic, historic stone structure that dominates the landscape for miles around.

A scenic view of a bridge with arches spanning over a lush green landscape, surrounded by trees and small houses.

The Douro Valley is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world (officially established in 1756), and it shows in the best possible way.

Scenic view of a river valley featuring a bridge, lush greenery, and distant hills under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of a river valley surrounded by lush greenery and hills, featuring a small town with red-tiled rooftops along the riverbank and a bridge crossing the water.
A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills under a clear blue sky.

The Douro feels ancient, worked, and deeply human. Terraced hillsides ripple across steep slopes like giant staircases carved into stone.

Olive trees, almond trees, and gnarled vines cling stubbornly to the earth, thriving in conditions that seem almost impossible.

A panoramic view of a lush valley with terraced vineyards, houses, and a winding river under a clear blue sky.

At the heart of it all flows the Douro River, calm and reflective now, though it once carried barrels of Port wine on traditional wooden boats called rabelos, navigating treacherous rapids on the journey to Porto.

Panoramic view of terraced vineyards and hillsides along a river, featuring a mix of rural houses and lush greenery.

The valley doesn’t shout for attention. It doesn’t need to.

Instead, it unfolds slowly, vineyard by vineyard, bend by bend of the river, until you realize you’ve fallen completely under its spell.

A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills, with small houses featuring orange roofs in the foreground and terraced fields on the slopes.
A person smiling for a selfie in a vineyard with rolling hills and a river in the background.
A scenic view of a vineyard landscape with terraced fields, featuring a large house with a red roof in the center, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills in the background.
A picturesque view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, featuring a charming house with a red roof and surrounding greenery.
A large pink mansion with a pointed red roof surrounded by lush green vineyards and trees, set against a hilly landscape.
A scenic view of a village surrounded by lush green vineyards on steep hills, with traditional houses featuring orange roofs in the foreground.
A scenic view of terraced vineyards in a rural area, with a small village nestled at the base of a mountain under a clear blue sky.
A panoramic view of lush green vineyards cascading down hillsides with a small village and a church in the background, beneath a clear blue sky.
A scenic view of lush vineyards on terraced hills, with a river and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
A rustic house with orange peeling paint and two green doors surrounded by potted plants, situated on a rocky hill with dense pine trees in the background.

City of Canals, colour, and quiet charm

Aveiro is the kind of place that wins you over gently with its gentle waterways and delicate architecture.

A view of a serene river with a colorful bridge adorned with decorations, surrounded by lush greenery and urban buildings under a clear blue sky.
A crowded boat with passengers enjoying a scenic ride along a canal, under a bright sunny sky. In the background, a decorative bridge crosses the waterway.
A colorful boat with a decorative prow, carrying passengers on a calm waterway. Behind the boat, there is a brick building and greenery, with some people visible on bicycles.
Two colorful boats with passengers float on a calm waterway in front of a large red-brick building and greenery.

Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” the city is laced with canals that reflect pastel buildings, arched bridges, and the slow glide of traditional moliceiro boats.

It’s picturesque without trying too hard – and that’s part of its magic.

A traditional boat carrying a group of people on a river, with a colorful mural featuring fish and aquatic themes in the background.
Staircase with large painted text reading 'I Love Aveiro' in bold letters.

As usual I am easily distracted by colourful things and have to spend a significant amount of time taking pictures of the 1000s of colourful ribbons that adorn several of the bridges in the city.

A man stands in front of large stairs with the text 'I ❤️ AVEIRO' painted on them. The scene is bright and sunny.
A man stands on a wooden bridge adorned with colorful ribbons, wearing a black tank top and denim shorts, under a clear blue sky.
A smiling woman wearing a white top, sunglasses, and a straw hat takes a selfie by a scenic canal with greenery and buildings in the background.
A colorful display of ribbons tied to a railing by a canal, with a small box of matches resting on the stone ledge nearby.
A close-up view of colorful ribbons tied together, featuring various shades and textures, hanging on a wooden structure with sunlight casting shadows.
Colorful ribbons tied to a railing beside a canal, with buildings and trees in the background.
A colorful display of pinwheels in pink, yellow, green, blue, and red hanging from a canopy against a clear blue sky.
A colorful bridge adorned with numerous ribbons spans a canal, with a boat carrying tourists passing underneath. Lush greenery surrounds the area, and a historic building is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person standing on a bridge adorned with colorful ribbons, with a waterway and greenery in the background.

Architecture plays a big role in Aveiro’s charm. Elegant Art Nouveau buildings line the streets, decorated with curved ironwork, floral motifs, and tiled façades that catch the light beautifully.

A side-by-side view of two architectural facades: one featuring blue decorative tiles and white windows, and the other in pastel pink with ornate details and green metal balconies.
A bronze statue of a woman holding a bouquet of flowers, set against a backdrop of water and colorful boats.
Two colorful traditional boats with distinct designs and names on the river, surrounded by lush greenery and buildings.
A decorative red postal mailbox featuring a painted design of tropical leaves and a yellow bird, with the word 'CORREIO' prominently displayed.
A stone monument with intricate carvings stands in a sunny plaza, surrounded by colorful buildings and shops. The cobblestone pavement features a decorative leaf pattern, and people can be seen walking nearby.
Facade of a historic building with decorative elements and detailed balconies, featuring green doors, intricate designs, and a visible storefront.
Facade of a historic building featuring ornate architectural details, multiple windows with red frames, and balconies. The ground floor displays signs for a city museum and local attractions.
A colorful display of bird sculptures perched on a red balcony railing, with a traditional tiled wall and a window featuring an exhibition poster in the background.
Colorful traditional boats with yellow and black designs docked in the water, featuring artistic decorations and inscriptions.
A scenic view of a harbor with traditional boats, featuring a prominently displayed Portuguese flag and colorful buildings along the waterfront.
A colorful painted emblem on a traditional boat featuring a girl reaching out towards a dove, with a scenic background of buildings and a clear blue sky.
Colorful boats docked in a calm waterway with a lifebuoy on one of the boats and greenery in the background.
Colorful decorative boat with a painted image of a young girl reaching out towards a bird, with a scenic waterfront in the background.
A person standing in front of large, colorful letters spelling 'AVEIRO' in a park, with buildings in the background and a clear blue sky.

The city’s identity is deeply tied to the water. Once an important port, Aveiro built its livelihood around fishing and salt pans.

A decorative building facade featuring intricate architectural details, large windows, and balconies, set against a clear blue sky.
A historic building featuring ornate architecture with intricate stone carvings, decorative balconies, and a prominent eagle statue at the top.
A colorful boat named 'FELISBERTO' with a decorative flamingo design on the bow, moored near historic waterfront buildings under a clear blue sky.
Street view of a shop named 'A Casa da Rosa' with mosaic tiles on the facade, featuring large windows and a balcony. A person stands at the entrance, surrounded by colorful merchandise displayed outside.
A view of a canal lined with colorful buildings and boats, with people enjoying a boat ride on a sunny day.
Colorful traditional boats on a canal in front of historical buildings under a clear blue sky.
A colorful traditional boat with passengers floats along a canal lined with historic buildings and cafes under a clear blue sky.
Colorful traditional boats lined up on a picturesque canal with historic buildings in the background, showcasing vibrant architecture and a clear blue sky.
A man with a shaved head, wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless shirt, stands beside a colorful display of intertwined ribbons in various shades hanging from a structure against a clear blue sky.

Amazing Aveiro

At first glance, Aveiro Train Station seems like a simple stop along the tracks—but step closer, and it reveals itself as one of the city’s most beautiful surprises.

This isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s a celebration of Portugal’s deep love affair with azulejo tiles.

A decorative mural featuring blue tiles depicting a riverside scene in Aveiro, Portugal, with traditional boats, buildings, and trees, topped by a sign that reads 'AVEIRO'.
A man stands next to a blue and white tiled mural depicting a canal scene with buildings, alongside a sign that reads 'AVEIRO'.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a monument with an obelisk surrounded by fields and hills, framed by ornate tilework.
A white double door with divided glass panels, framed by decorative blue and white tiles and intricate plasterwork on a building exterior.
Azulejo mural featuring a detailed blue tile painting of an ornate architectural facade.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a river scene with a bridge, buildings, and people in boats, titled 'Ponte e Rio Agueda'.
A mural depicting fishermen in a traditional boat at sea, rendered in blue and white tiles.
Ceramic plaque commemorating the 75th anniversary of the railway in Albergaria-a-Velha, featuring the date 8-9-1911 and 8-9-1986, along with images of a steam locomotive and a train, adorned with local coat of arms.
Ceramic mural depicting a maritime scene with boats and figures in shades of blue.

The station’s façade and interior walls are covered in large panels of hand-painted blue-and-white tiles that instantly command attention. Unlike purely decorative patterns, these tiles tell stories.

A detailed blue and white ceramic mural depicting a waterfront scene with buildings, trees, and a small dock.

They depict scenes of everyday life in the Aveiro region – salt harvesting, fishing traditions, boats gliding through the canals, and pastoral countryside moments.

A row of white doors with decorative blue and white tile murals depicting landscapes, set against a white wall.

Each panel feels like a frozen snapshot of local history, quietly preserving traditions that shaped the city.

A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiling in front of a blue and white tiled mural featuring a castle and decorative elements, labeled 'Castelo da Feira.'
A decorative tile mural depicting the facade of a historical building, possibly a monastery, in blue and white colors.
A woman with sunglasses and a straw hat taking a selfie in front of blue and white tiled artwork depicting 'Castelo da Feira'.
A detailed blue and white tiled mural depicting a grand entrance with ornate architecture, featuring sculptural decorations and a set of wooden doors.
A detailed blue tile mural depicting an ornate building facade, featuring columns, statues, and a large door.
A close-up view of blue and white ceramic tiles depicting a picturesque cityscape with buildings, trees, and a street scene.

What makes the tiling especially striking is the contrast it creates.

Decorative blue and white tile artwork featuring intricate floral and geometric patterns, displayed above a white archway with terracotta accents.

The crisp blue tones stand out against the soft light and clean lines of the station, turning a functional space into something almost poetic.

A historical building with blue and white tile murals, featuring balconies and multiple windows, under a clear blue sky.
A blue-toned mural depicting a smiling man holding a stick, dressed in vintage work attire, with a landscape of other workers in the background.
A blue and white tiling mural depicting three women in traditional attire, engaged in agricultural activities, set against a backdrop of trees and landscape.
Ceramic tile mural featuring a fisherman standing by the sea, wearing traditional attire, with a fishing net in his hand. The sign above reads 'O Pescador Aveiro'.
A blue and white tile mural depicting a woman in a traditional dress holding a shawl, set against a landscape background. The mural is titled 'Tricana em Aveiro.'
A blue and white tiled mural depicting a woman in traditional attire, standing by the sea, holding a woven basket. The mural is titled 'A Peixeira Aveiro' at the top.
A blue and white ceramic mural depicting a woman in traditional attire, standing confidently in a natural landscape, with decorative elements at the top and the year '1916' labeled.
Decorative blue and white tile mural on a building wall, featuring intricate designs and two white windows framed by ornate detailing.

Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal,” and the station sets the mood perfectly.

Before you even step into the city – before the canals, the moliceiro boats, and the Art Nouveau buildings – the tiles introduce you to Aveiro’s identity: maritime, hardworking, and deeply proud of its heritage.

A man standing in front of a decorative blue and white tiled wall depicting scenes of traditional labor along with a door and windows.

In Aveiro, even waiting for a train feels like standing inside a work of art.

A decorative blue and white tiled mural depicting historical scenes of rural life, including a man with a cart and a boat on a river, framed by ornate designs and a window above.
A blue and white ceramic tile mural depicting two fishermen working in shallow water, with intricate decorative elements and the title 'Marinhas de Sal' at the top.
A decorative blue and white tile mural depicting a rural scene with a man standing on a cart, two children, and a body of water in the background. The mural is framed by ornate blue designs, with a white window integrated into the artwork.
A close-up view of a traditional Portuguese building featuring intricate blue and white azulejos, with a balcony and decorative architectural elements.

Tram tracks and sandy toes

Trying out the trilby . . it quite suits him to be fair and fuelling up for another full day of Portuguese sightseeing.

A smiling man with glasses and a straw hat sits at a wooden table, holding a glass of drink. He is wearing a green shirt with 'retraps' printed on it, in a casual dining setting with colorful banners in the background.
A man with a beard leans against a railing by the river, with the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge in the background and colorful houses lining the riverbank in Porto, Portugal.
A smiling man with glasses holds up a glass of beer while sitting at a table with a pizza in front of him, decorated with greenery, in a casual dining setting.

You know by now that if there is a quirky, tiny tram in our vicinity then we are getting on that!

A person standing in front of a vintage yellow tram with 'Porto Tram City Tour' written on the side, with a sunny blue sky in the background.
A historic tram, numbered 287, parked with a person boarding it on a sunny day, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
A man wearing sunglasses sits inside a vintage train car with empty red seats, smiling and holding a phone.
A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiles for a selfie inside a vintage tram, with empty seats and large windows in the background.
A man with glasses sitting inside a boat, looking at the camera. The background features a clear blue sky, trees, and a view of a riverscape with buildings.
Interior view of a tram driver's cabin, featuring a man in a light blue shirt operating controls and a computer, with wooden paneling and a steering wheel.
A person operating a vintage yellow tram labeled '1' and 'PASSEIO ALDEORE,' while others wait nearby in a sunny outdoor setting.
A person with sunglasses and a straw hat smiles for a selfie in front of a vintage tram with the sign 'PASSEIO ALEGRE'.
A couple posing for a selfie in front of a vintage tram with a 'PASSENO ALEGRE' sign.
A person stands next to a vintage yellow tram marked 'Passeio Alegre' on a sunny day, with railway tracks visible in the foreground.

We hop off at Foz do Douro and head to the very breezy Ingleses beach so the mini man can run amok in the sand.

A sunny beach with golden sand, people sunbathing on towels, and a rocky area near the water. A jetty extends into the ocean with a few individuals on it, under a clear blue sky.
A sandy beach under a clear blue sky, with a person walking towards the water carrying a bag and sandals, and another person swimming in the ocean.
A shirtless man standing on a sandy beach near the ocean, with a lighthouse in the background and waves breaking softly on the shore.
A sandy beach with a person walking along the shore, waves crashing in the background and footprints visible in the sand.
A woman in a straw hat and sunglasses smiling for a selfie on a beach with waves in the background.
A man walking along a sandy beach with waves in the background on a clear sunny day.
A man walking along a sandy beach with waves crashing in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man standing on a rocky beach with waves crashing nearby, wearing shorts and sunglasses, with a lighthouse in the background.

The solar powered sun seeker is very happy despite it being incredibly blowy.

A man with sunglasses and shorts stands on a rocky beach, raising his arms in excitement against a backdrop of ocean waves and a clear blue sky.
A man jumping joyfully on a sandy beach near rocky formations, with ocean waves in the background under a clear blue sky.
A man jumping joyfully on a sandy beach near the ocean, with rocks and waves in the background.
View of a beach with gentle waves and a clear blue sky. Residential buildings are visible in the background, along with a beachfront area where people are relaxing.
Waves crashing against a stone structure near the ocean, with a clear blue sky above.

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