Aveiro is one of the most charming destinations of Portugal for its network of canals crossing through the city, humpbacked bridges, high-prow colorful boats (moliceiros) and its calm urban atmosphere. Aveiro captures the essence of the perfect picture-book destination, light and color go hand-in-hand in this magnificent area: the unique moliceiro boats which slowly cross the waters of thesalty lagoon, Ria de Aveiro, as if time stood still; the unmistakeable striped houses of Costa Nova beach, the wonderful Art Noveau buildings, the houses in the river bank with their doors and walls in thousands of vibrant colors and the bright sunset over the Salinas (salt pans).

Aveiro is one of the most charming destinations of Portugal for its network of canals crossing through the city, humpbacked bridges, high-prow colorful boats (moliceiros) and its calm urban atmosphere.

Aveiro captures the essence of the perfect picture-book destination, light and color go hand-in-hand in this magnificent area: the unique moliceiro boats which slowly cross the waters of thesalty lagoon, Ria de Aveiro, as if time stood still; the unmistakeable striped houses of Costa Nova beach, the wonderful Art Noveau buildings, the houses in the river bank with their doors and walls in thousands of vibrant colors and the bright sunset over the Salinas (salt pans).

www.aveiro.eu

Aveiro Attractions

Ria de Aveiro

The main characteristic of Aveiro surrounding area is an extensive coastal lagoon (“Ria de Aveiro”).The city of Aveiro is crossed by channels, which give it an individual character. Known as the “Portuguese Venice”, the city is quietly dominated by the Ria de Aveiro, described by Saramago as “a living body that connects the land to the sea like a huge heart.”

Moliceiro

Of all the boats seen in the area, the “Moliceiro” is the most elegant traditional boat, being perfectly lined, painted with bright colours and with often creative and humorous decorations. These slim, colourful vessels used to be used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are for sightseeing trips. On-board of a “Moliceiro” boat along the Ria is a romantic option to know the “City of the water”.

Ovos Moles

Appreciators of good food can taste, besides the delicious eel stew and a variety of fish soups, the famous Portugal’s famous dried cod (bacalhau). In fact, Bacalhau is closely related to the history and daily lives of this region as you can easily find out visiting the nearby Portuguese Codsfish Capital: Ílhavo. However, Aveiro is specially known for its famous sweets “ovos moles”, sweetened egg yolk in candied casings shaped like fish or barrels. www.oficinadodoce.com

Aveiro University

Created in 1973, the University of Aveiro quickly became one of the most dynamic and innovative universities in Portugal.  The University campus, overlooking the "Ria de aveiro" , is a prize-winning Campus, renowned for its many buildings designed by famous Portuguese architects. Those who appreciate contemporary Portuguese architecture should not miss the University buildings. www.ua.pt