One of northern Portugal’s best kept secrets; Aveiro is a small city just 50 miles south of Porto. It lies on the mouth of an estuary, has a lagoon, is surrounded by a terrific coastline and has a canal system dividing the quarters. Hence its common nickname “Venice of Portugal,” water features one way or another here, and a popular way to see some of the sights is to ride on a Moliceiro boat along the canals. The moliceiros were previously used to collect seaweed and have been prettily restored and painted in bright colors. But probably the most eye-catching feature of this town is its varied architecture. The beautiful Portuguese “azulejo” (painted tiles) decorated the old train station, Misericórdia church, and the whimsical Art Nouveau period buildings along the main strip. Also, the cathedral and the colorfully painted fisherman cottages at Costa Nova (so cute they look like toy houses) are just some of the architectural highlights.
History
Aveiro has historically always been associated with fishing and sea trade. It grew and benefited immensely by the Discoveries era, which brought merchants and explorers from all over Europe to its port. The city was also a favorite place for monarchs, namely Princess Joana (daughter of King Afonso), she entered the Dominican Convent in Aveiro, having lost her succession to the throne after the birth of her younger brother John. The Monastery of Jesus has since been converted into a beautiful museum, besides the richly decorated tomb of Joana, the museum has an impressive collection of paintings from the 10th to 15th centuries.
Unfortunately, Aveiro also suffered terrible times and a period of extreme hardship after the tragedy of 1575, when a combination of silt build up in the river, and a horrendous storm caused the collapse of the port, which in turn cut the lagoon off from the tide and turned it into a swamp. Diseases breed and spread like wildfire, devastating the population.
Modern Times
The city did eventually recover, and what had been the source of such ruin for years, the lagoon provided two fruitful industries; salt production and seaweed harvesting. The salt was used for the Atlantic Northwest Cod Fishery, and the kelp was used as a natural fertilizer. Both industries are still actively exploited today.
Wine and Gastronomy
Naturally, fresh fish and shellfish can be found in abundance here. Aveiro has an additional source for its aquatic delicacies, eels from the nearby rivers and lakes are a particular favorite in the region, served as stews and casseroles. Look out for “caldeirada de enguias” (eel stew). “Feijoada de búzios” is another local choice dish, a hearty bean stew with sea snails, as is “Arroz de marisco” (seafood rice).
You must try the “Ovos Moles” for something sweet, made from eggs and sugar; people flock from far and wide to purchase them from the Aveiro pastry shop.
Bairrada is the neighboring wine region that produces robust reds predominantly from the Baga variety. High acidity and sturdy tannins mean these wines need time to evolve before drinking. Nevertheless, some exceptional sparkling wines come from this region; DOC Bairrada Espumante is responsible for over half the Portuguese sparkling wine production. Several varieties are permitted, both native (Fernão Pires, Baga, Arinto, Bical…) and international, particularly Chardonnay. Here the high acidity of the wines produced is perfect for sparkling wine production, and the traditional secondary fermentation in the bottle method is used. Over the Serra DO Caramulo mountains is the Dão region with its exceptional dry wines, both red and white. Porto is also on the doorstep, just an hour’s drive north.
Highlights
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Take a “Moliceiro” boat ride on the canal
Traditionally used for collecting seaweed, which was, in turn, used as the local fertilizer. Now restored and painted in vibrant colors, the Moliceiro boats are a relaxing way to take in some of the city’s main sights.
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Portugal Wine Tours
Visit the vibrant town of Aveiro on our Portugal Wine Tours. It makes for a perfect stop between Lisbon and Porto on a longer trip or as a day excursion from Porto.
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Beaches and the photogenic Costa Nova
Barra and Costa Nova beaches are lovely for a spot of sunbathing, but also where some of the best seafood restaurants can be found. Costa Nova is where you will find the brightly painted fishermen houses.
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St. Domingo Cathedral
A striking example of Portugal’s religious heritage, dating back to the 15th century, when it was a Dominican Convent. Both Gothic and Baroque influences can be seen from the various restorations over the centuries.
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Ovos Moles
Pop into Aveiro Pastry shop for a box of the local sweet “Ovos Moles”, from egg and sugar, they are a popular treat.
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Home of Vista Alegre
Just a couple of miles down the road in Ilhavo you can visit the Vista Alegre Museum. Discover what inspired the designs behind this emblematic brand and the inspiring relationship between the founding Pinto Basto family and its workers.
