Aveiro Portugal's Venice

09 August, 2024 | Reading Time – 5 min

Aveiro Portugal’s Venice! Doubtful?

Then come and discover this wonderful city bathed by its picturesque estuary. Aveiro is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities.

This romantic city is drawn by several canals that connect the Aveiro estuary to the sea. Whether it’s for its crystal-clear canals, its fresh fish dishes or its buildings, Aveiro is nicknamed the Venice of Portugal.

So if you’re thinking of touring the country, this city has to be on your list! In this article we’ll take you to discover the most special places in this city to include in your next visit!

Let’s get to know Aveiro Portugal’s Venice

What to SEE in Aveiro

Aveiro is a city on the west coast of Portugal, originally founded next to a lagoon known as the Aveiro estuary.

As mentioned earlier, it is characterized by its canals navigated by its colorful boats, known as moliceiros.

In addition, this city is known for its art nouveau style buildings.

But let’s stop talking and get to the list of things not to miss in this wonderful city!

Moliceiro ride

One of the best ways to visit the town of Aveiro is on a boat tour, specifically on the traditional boats from Aveiro, the moliceiros.

These traditional boats were used in the past to travel around the estuary and collect seaweed, which was used for food. The moliceiros were later remodeled, so in order to maintain their basic characteristics, each one has a special feature or phrase.

In addition, they are very colorful and cheerful, which makes them super instagrammable for photo lovers. The moliceiros are currently only used for tourism.

If you choose to visit the city this way, you’ll be able to enjoy Aveiro’s historic center and learn a little more about the city’s past, as the sailors who sail the boats are not only very funny but also share a lot of information about the past of the Aveiro estuary and the moliceiros.

Historic center

In Aveiro’s historic center you’ll feel an authentic and unique vibe.

With its colorful buildings and monuments, it’s perfect for strolling through its streets and feeling the flavors of this city.

Start this visit from the Central Canal, walk along the channel and pass the iconic Bridge of Ties.

We recommend that you stop for a few moments at this wonderful spot and maybe put a bracelet on the bridge to celebrate your friendships! Then continue your walk and you’ll find the Aveiro Congress Center.

Art Noveau Route

Aveiro is one of the top destinations in Portugal for Art Noveau lovers.

And rightly so, because the city is full of wonderful buildings. You can take the Art Noveau route created by the municipality. It identifies 28 iconic buildings, starting at the Museum of New Art.

From there, you just have to wander through the streets of the city and appreciate the unique buildings that mark the architecture and art of Aveiro.

Some of the places you shouldn’t miss are the old Agricultural Cooperative, House of Lilies, Infante D. Pedro Park, Rossio House and Yellow House. Believe me, you won’t regret it!

Beira Mar neighborhood

The Beira Mar neighborhood has a very special aura.

Formerly known as Vila Nova, it is the most typical neighborhood in Aveiro.

Strolling through its narrow streets, you can see the tiles that decorate the old fishermen’s houses. You can also appreciate the urban art in Marnoto Street.

You’ll be surprised! As you stroll along, you’ll realize that all the streets lead to the S. Roque Canal and the Botirões Canal, which is located next to the Fish Market.

Fish Market

After a fantastic walk around the seafront district, we invite you to visit the fish market and get to know all the flavors of the city.

As well as being one of the busiest places in the city, you can mingle with the locals and experience the special vibe of the city. If you’re looking for a good meal, this is the place for you! In the Fish Market area there are several restaurants where the ex libris is fresh fish.

So all you have to do is choose your table, decide which fish you want to try and enjoy the moment!

Aveiro Walkways

Continue your walk through the city to the famous Aveiro Walkways. Inaugurated in 2018, this place is home to a diverse lagoon ecosystem.

These almost 8 km long walkways offer visitors a magnificent view over the Aveiro estuary and the surrounding lagoon environments. These walkways are always flat and do not present much difficulty.

Aveiro salt pans

You couldn’t come to Aveiro and not visit the salt pans! The salt pans are open to the public, so you can enter and walk all the trails in the complex.

This structure was once one of the main sources of income for the locals, so salt is undoubtedly a hallmark of the city of Aveiro.

Here’s a tip: Visit the salt pans in the late afternoon!

Walking through the salt pans at sunset is an image you’ll never forget, believe us.

Costa Nova Houses

These houses, also known as palheiros, are the famous colorful striped houses on the Costa Nova beach.

Originally in shades of red ochre and black, they were used as storerooms for fishing gear.

They were initially large without any interior divisions, but over time they were divided with wooden screens decorated with shells and oysters.

The external colors used on their exterior walls come from the bathing fashion of the time they were built, sometime in the 19th century.

As interest in these houses grew and tourism increased sharply, they were rehabilitated and are now used for residential tourism. These famous houses are closely associated with the city of Aveiro, but they belong to the municipality of Ílhavo.

In any case, they are undoubtedly a unique place that you should visit!

In short, this city is a little box of surprises full of color and canals that make Aveiro Portugal’s Venice! Pack your bags, we look forward to SEEing you.