When it comes to a picture perfect vacation spot in Portugal, you simply cannot beat Aveiro. The colorful town features modern architecture along with ancient cobblestone roads throughout. This is definitely a place where the days of old merge with the modern era.
Aveiro is known by many as the Portuguese Venice because of its many gondola-like boats which are used by the locals to travel through up and down the canal which crosses through the city.
You will find that the area surrounding Aveiro is filled with natural lagoons, a wolden sand beaches and some of the finest estuaries and parks imaginable. Inside the city you will find the Mercado do Peixe which is the city’s fish market and home to its finest seafood restraint too.
All around the market area one can find a number of restaurants and shops which feature many delicacies and locally made crafts. Once you get tired of walking though, you can count on one of the local BUGA bicycles to give you a free ride through the city.
Nearby you will find the seaside city of Ílhavo which boasts a long and colorful maritime history. It is also where you will find the Vista Alegre factory which is world-renowned for its high quality porcelain. There is also the oldest light house in all of Portugal found in Praia da Barra.
Then there is the 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia which is considered to be one of the most charming examples of religious architecture in the region. The nearby Convento de Jesus was founded in the 15th century by Saint Joan of Portugal. The princess called the convent home from 1472 until her death and today you can see her marble tomb.
Igreja da Misericórdia, Aveiro
There are several museums to check out and experience the culture and history of Aveiro. The Museu da Vista Alegre can be found next to the factory which shares its name and is home to the rich history of the ceramics industry in Aveiro.
The Museu de Aveiro is home to some of the most important and sacred religious artifacts in Portugal. You can also stop by and check out the Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo which is a maritime museum that has one a number of distinguished awards to date.
Museu de Aveiro
But for the rest and relaxation that you have been seeking, make your way to the Parque Infante D. Pedro Park which is not too far outside the city. It is filled with many beautiful gardens and even has a museum on site.
There is also the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto which is home to beautiful marshes and natural lagoons. It is also a popular location for migratory birds to spend their winters.
Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto
Whether walking, riding on the BUGA bicycles or taking a boat ride down the canal in one of the many moliceiro boats, you will definitely see why so many people make their way to this city every single year.
