The Venice of Portugal
Aveiro
Aveiro is commonly known as “The Venice of Portugal” due to crisscross of canals around the historical center. This city has a unique natural and urban landscape, dominated by Lagoon of Aveiro with its arms of water that enter the urban space and permanently marking its history, heritage, culture and local identity.
You can navigate these canals on painted gondola-style boats, known as Moliceiros, having the opportunity of discovering the city from its canal perspective that, at sunset, turns from silver to gold with the reflection of the sun’s rays. To enhance your boat ride, we can serve onboard a typical conventual sweet and uniquely from Aveiro called “Ovos Moles”.
Another manner to savor “Ovos Moles” is by rolling up your sleeves and participating in a workshop. You’ll navigate through the journey of the delicacy from its origins in Catholic Convents in the 16th century to present day.
A walking tour along the main canal in downtown Aveiro, offers the perfect opportunity to admire a series of buildings inspired by Art Nouveau period, that’s responsible for the city’s reputation as an open-air Art Nouveau Museum. This incredible voyage through 20th century art, starts at the Art Nouveau Museum (Museu da Arte Nova) and unfolds through strategic pedestrian route identifying the buildings and monuments of this era.