From June 10 to 13, the charming city of Aveiro, recognized as Portugal’s leading Art Nouveau destination, will host its annual Art Nouveau Festival, perfectly timed to celebrate World Art Nouveau Day on June 10. This year’s festival promises an extraordinary experience for all attendees, featuring an innovative and thrilling attraction: daily hot air balloon rides in the heart of Rossio. As an added bonus, the Art Nouveau Museum will offer free admission throughout the four-day event, welcoming everyone to explore the rich history and beauty of this iconic artistic movement.
The Aveiro Art Nouveau Festival is designed to be an inclusive celebration, with all activities open to the public free of charge. The event aims to transport visitors back to the early 1900s, a period when hot air balloons and dirigibles captivated the public’s imagination and frequently made headlines. This year’s festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of a hot air balloon ride, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit that defined the Art Nouveau era.
For four consecutive days, weather permitting, festival attendees can enjoy tethered hot air balloon flights during two time slots: from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. To ensure a safe and well-organized experience, participants must register in advance, and flights will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. This extraordinary experience provides a breathtaking perspective of Aveiro’s stunning landscapes, making it a highlight of the festival.
In addition to the hot air balloon rides, the festival will offer guided tours of the Aveiro Art Nouveau Route at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM each day. These expert-led tours will guide participants through the city’s most significant Art Nouveau buildings, sharing fascinating insights into the artistic movement and its local development. This interpretative journey offers a deeper understanding of Aveiro’s unique architectural heritage, making it a must-attend event for art and history enthusiasts.
The Aveiro Art Nouveau Festival also caters to younger audiences with the “Traveling on Paper” children’s workshop, held daily at 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM. This creative activity encourages children to explore their imagination using collages, paints, and replicas of old postcards inspired by travel and discovery. With a maximum of 10 participants per session, this workshop promises to be a delightful experience for families attending the festival. To secure a spot, advance registration is required by emailing museucidade@cm-aveiro.pt.
On June 10, the Museums of Aveiro will host a special Happy Hour event at 6:00 PM, dedicated to the theme “In private. Art Nouveau and the domestic interior.” This engaging gathering will be broadcast live on the Museums of Aveiro’s Facebook page, allowing viewers from around the world to join in the celebration and learn more about the intricate details of Art Nouveau interiors.
Throughout the festival, the Art Nouveau Museum will showcase the captivating exhibition “Artisans of Fire.” This remarkable display features one of the most important collections of Art Nouveau glass produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the French region of Lorraine, particularly in Nancy. The exhibition highlights the exceptional skill and dexterity of the glassmakers who created these unique pieces, drawing inspiration from the natural world to produce intricate and breathtaking designs.
The Aveiro Art Nouveau Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of art, history, and innovation, offering a diverse range of activities and attractions for all ages. Mark your calendars and join the festivities in Aveiro from June 10 to 13 for an extraordinary journey through the enchanting world of Art Nouveau.

Embark on an Art Nouveau Journey through the Enchanting Cities of Aveiro and Porto.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Portugal’s coastal gems as we invite you to join our private tours exploring the captivating Art Nouveau treasures of Aveiro and Porto. Uncover the rich history, architecture, and culinary delights of these picturesque destinations, all within the exclusive and personalized experience of a private tour.
Aveiro boasts majestic Art Nouveau buildings, showcasing modernist gems that provide a fresh perspective on Northern Portugal. The Beira Mar district, the historic heart of the city, unveils the Rota da Arte Nova, a trail allowing visitors to marvel at structures and monuments reminiscent of the heyday of 20th-century art.
Nestled along Portugal’s picturesque coastline, Aveiro emerges as a captivating destination where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. With origins tracing back to the 13th century, this charming city has flourished thanks to its vibrant fishing industry, ancient salt pans, and strategic position as a bustling commercial port. Today, visitors can wander through its labyrinth of streets, uncover the fascinating stories behind its lush parks, and indulge in the city’s signature delicacy, ovos moles, making it an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike seeking an authentic Portuguese experience.
Aveiro’s unique character is perhaps best exemplified by its nickname, “the Portuguese Venice,” a moniker earned through its intricate network of canals and the iconic moliceiros boats that glide gracefully along them. These traditional vessels, reminiscent of Venetian gondolas, were once used by local fishermen to harvest and transport moliço, a type of seaweed. Today, they offer visitors a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and stunning architecture as they navigate the central waterways, providing an unforgettable way to explore Aveiro’s many treasures.
The city’s architectural landscape is a feast for the eyes, with its distinctive Portuguese tile houses adding a splash of color and charm to the urban scenery. This decorative motif can also be admired in the beautiful Church of Mercy, a testament to Aveiro’s rich cultural heritage. At the heart of the city, the gastronomic scene thrives, with fresh fish from the nearby estuary taking center stage. Here, visitors can savor traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau, a beloved culinary staple, or indulge in hearty lamb stews for a true taste of the region. No visit to Aveiro would be complete without sampling its famous ovos moles, a delectable sweet treat made from eggs, sugar, and rice cakes that has become synonymous with the city.
Just a short distance from the city center lies the enchanting coastal village of Costa Nova, home to the iconic palheiros. These vibrant, painted structures were once humble fisherman’s tool sheds but have since been transformed into one of the most photographed spots in the region. Surrounded by golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Costa Nova offers a picturesque setting for visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Nearby, the Farol da Barra lighthouse stands tall at an impressive 62 meters, making it the tallest lighthouse in Portugal and a must-visit attraction for those exploring the area.
For those seeking a truly immersive experience, private tours of Aveiro and nearby Porto offer an exclusive opportunity to delve deeper into the region’s rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders. These personalized excursions provide a unique perspective on the Art Nouveau movement that has left an indelible mark on the cityscape, blending history, culture, and gastronomy to create an unforgettable journey through one of Portugal’s most captivating destinations.
Whether you’re strolling along the canals, admiring the colorful tile houses, or indulging in the local cuisine, Aveiro promises a wealth of experiences that will leave a lasting impression. With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, this charming city is a true gem of Portugal, waiting to be discovered and explored.
We offer several art nouveau private tours in the north of Portugal. Check this LINK and see if any of them is of your interest.
Experience the charm of Portugal’s Art Nouveau scene with the Aveiro Art Nouveau Discovery Tour, an exceptional private tour that takes you through the picturesque canals and stunning architecture of Aveiro. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is home to a wealth of beautiful buildings that showcase the elegance and creativity of the Art Nouveau movement. This private tour offers an in-depth exploration of iconic structures, such as the stunning Rossio Palace and the ornate Museu de Aveiro, allowing you to appreciate the intricate details and historical significance of each site.
Your expert guide will share captivating stories about Portugal’s Art Nouveau heritage, revealing the distinctive elements that set it apart from the movement’s expressions elsewhere in Europe. As you meander through the picturesque streets and alongside the scenic canals, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Aveiro’s rich cultural tapestry and time-honored traditions, creating a truly engaging and comprehensive experience. This tour offers something special for everyone – whether you’re passionate about art history or simply looking to explore one of Portugal’s most charming destinations, the Aveiro Art Nouveau Discovery Tour will leave you with lasting memories of this beautiful city’s unique artistic legacy.
We organise your exclusive art nouveau private tour in Aveiro. Fill the form HERE if you want more information.
Get ready to witness Aveiro’s cultural renaissance unfold throughout the year, as it takes center stage in the realm of Portuguese arts and creativity. Check the Aveiro webpage to be updated on recent news.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, Porto is also a treasure trove of Art Nouveau architecture that plays a crucial role in Portugal’s cultural identity. The city’s exquisite buildings, adorned with floral motifs and ornate detailing, offer a fascinating glimpse into the artistic movement that flourished in the early 20th century. For more insights into what Porto has to offer, visit the official tourism website at Visit Porto. At artnouveau.club, we specialize in creating unique private events and experiences that allow you to explore the city’s Art Nouveau gems in a personalized and engaging way.