Hidden pearls of Portuguese Arte Nova in the North of Portugal – full day from Porto

Itinerary

This 9-hours driving private tour will depart Porto in the morning and return in Porto in the evening. A full day in which you will visit the hidden pearls of Portuguese Arte Nova outside the main cities of Lisbon an Porto.

We believe that to fully enjoy Art Nouveau in the North of Portugal you must visit Aveiro, Ílhavo and Ovar. During this tour you will discover the architecture and heritage of these unique and exclusive villages.

The guide will explain this artistic style, the context of its emergence, its inspirations, representations and symbols. The Museum of Art Nouveau of Aveiro will be one of the highlights of the walk.

First you will have a 2-hours walking tour in Aveiro to discover the main highlights of Art Nouveau. You will discover how this style discreetly became present in the architecture, all while learning about the history of the city at the beginning of the 20^th century, and its importance in Portuguese history.

You will discover a museum that celebrates the Art Nouveau design located the Casa Major Pessoa (1909). The building is probably the most beautifully preserved Art Nouveau building in Portugal. The stone facade and wrought iron embellishments are an extraordinary example of that architectural period. Another interesting building that you will visit is the Hotel As Americas – Hotel Art Nouveau & Design, designed by Engenheiro Von Haff.

After Aveiro you will go to Ílhavo and Over, where you will discover the most interesting Arte Nova buildings.

In Ílhavo your private guide will show you several façades, most of them concentrated in Rua do Cimo da Vila and Rua Vasco da Gama. Villa Africana is an outstanding house that will call your attention because of its profusely tile decorated façade. We will go to the beach to end this village tour.

In Ovar you will find a very specific Art Nouveau approach. The traditional tile façades received some innovative motives here. Special combinations that sometimes also included other ceramic ornaments like balustrades, pine cones and allegoric figures. Some of the most beautiful buildings are located in R. José Falcaão street. With half an hour you will have enough to see the interesting tiles on display in this village.

Before returning to Porto you will discover Costa Nova beach, which is a colorful piece of the Portuguese coast. Some wooden houses painted with strips of white and bright colors make this beach a very special place. These houses used to be haystacks and shelters for fishermen.

Art Nouveau lasted just a few years in Portugal but it left a strong presence in Portugal. Discover it all!