Aveiro

Aveiro is a distinct and captivating Portuguese city, shaped entirely by its sprawling coastal lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro. This network of saltwater canals weaves through the center, earning the city its reputation as a water-centric destination.

The canals are traversed by the iconic moliceiros, traditional flat-bottomed boats once used to harvest moliço (seaweed) for agricultural fertilizer. Today, these vessels are celebrated for their distinctive, colorful, and often humorously painted prows, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city's architectural charm and maritime history.

The heart of Aveiro showcases a remarkable collection of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, characterized by graceful, flowing lines and ornate facades that are beautifully reflected in the canals waters. This design style, often enriched by the masterful use of Portuguese azulejo tiles, gives the downtown area a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere.

A short trip from the center leads to the charming coastal settlement of Barra and Costa Nova. The latter is famous for its unique rows of wooden, former fishermen's houses, painted in cheerful, vertical stripes of bright colors-a truly memorable sight.

The local gastronomy is rooted in the sea, featuring fresh fish, eel, and shellfish. However, Aveiro's most famous culinary contribution is a distinctive sweet: the Ovos Moles. These irresistible confections of egg yolk and sugar paste, traditionally presented in small wooden barrels or delicate wafer casing shaped like shells and fish, originated in the city's convents.