Welcome
to Aveiro!
The Venice of Portugal
About the City
Why Aveiro is a Unique Erasmus+ Destination
Architectural & Cultural Heritage
Aveiro blends history and creativity, with 15th-century convents, cathedrals, and elegant Art Nouveau façades (it’s one of only 20 cities in the Réseau Art Nouveau Network). The city is enriched by artisan crafts, lively festivals, and the dynamic presence of the University of Aveiro. And no visit is complete without tasting the iconic Ovos Moles, a sweet symbol of local tradition.
Nature, Sustainability & Learning
Ria de Aveiro Lagoon, stretching 45 km, is a living laboratory of biodiversity. Protected under Natura 2000, it is home to abundant birdlife, artisanal salt pans, and sustainable aquaculture. Visitors can witness salt-flower harvesting and explore how local traditions and environmental conservation intertwine.
Canals, Boats & Coastal Escapes
Aveiro is often called the “Venice of Portugal” thanks to its colourful moliceiro boats gliding along charming canals. Beyond the city, the nearby beaches of Barra and Costa Nova offer the perfect setting for surfing, birdwatching, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the sea air among the striped houses that have become an icon of the region.
Wellbeing & Outdoor Lifestyle
Aveiro’s flat, walkable streets and cycle paths make it ideal for outdoor activities. Whether kayaking through the lagoon, cycling along the coast, or practising mindfulness by the water, the city encourages a relaxed, healthy rhythm of life. Combined with its gastronomy and friendly atmosphere, it provides both inspiration and balance, an authentic yet vibrant setting for educational journeys.
Come Discover Aveiro with us!
Explore 100+ courses in our UNESCO Cities: Algarve, Aveiro, Azores Island, Lisbon, Madeira Island, Porto, Malaga, Seville, Valencia and Kraków.
Planned Courses in Aveiro
Aveiro was founded in the 10th century and is located on the west coast of Portugal, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and several neighboring municipalities.
A Little History
The story of Aveiro begins in antiquity. Known to the Romans as Aviarium — “the garden of birds” — the region was prized for its fertile lagoon and abundant wildlife. Early settlement thrived around fishing and salt production, setting the foundations of Aveiro’s identity.
By the Middle Ages, Aveiro flourished as a salt port of strategic importance. Its salt pans fed both local consumption and long-distance trade, making the city a key link in Portugal’s maritime economy. The lagoon’s resources also gave rise to the moliço industry, where seagrass was harvested for agriculture.
The silting of the lagoon in the 16th century brought decline, isolating Aveiro from the sea. Yet the city reinvented itself in the 19th century, when the digging of new canals restored its Atlantic connection. This era shaped the picturesque urban waterways and moliceiro boats that remain symbols of Aveiro today.
Aveiro’s history reflects resilience and reinvention. From salt pans and maritime trades to today’s thriving university and technology sectors, the city blends heritage with forward-looking innovation. Its canals and Art Nouveau buildings recall a storied past, while its research centers, cultural festivals, and eco-projects ensure its place in Portugal’s dynamic present.
Let's get to the good part, shall we?
Dive into regional specialties like Ovos Moles de Aveiro, the iconic egg-yolk and sugar confection wrapped in delicate rice paper. Relish fresh seafood dishes (considered some of the best in the country) such as ensopado de enguias (eel stew) or grilled fish caught just offshore.
Along the colorful Costa Nova, enjoy generous platters of clams, shrimp, and seasonal fish accompanied by crisp Vinhos Verdes or regional whites. For a true taste of the region, don’t miss the flor de sal, artisan salt harvested from the Aveiro saltpans. Here, gastronomy is more than a meal, it’s a celebration of land, sea, and tradition!
By Bus (Direct from the Airport)
- Bus companies like Rede Expressos and Flixbus provide connecting bus lines between the airport and Aveiro Bus Terminal.
Duration: ~1h – 1h40. / Cost: ~4–12 €.
By Train (from Porto center)
- Take the airport subway to Campanhã metro station.
Take a direct train to Aveiro (Comboios de Portugal – CP).
– Urban (U): ~55min, ~4–6 € (slower, but much cheaper).
– Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC): ~40 min, ~10–18 € (more expensive).
Moliceiro Canal Tour
Navigate the four main canals – Central, Côjo, Pirâmides, São Roque, with guides explaining historic canal systems.
Art‑Nouveau & Museums
Visit Museu de Aveiro (formerly Mosteiro de Jesus), Museu de Arte Nova, Aveiro City Museum between historic churches and palaces.
Cathedral & Churches
Admire the 15th-century Sé and Igreja de Jesus and the baroque Misericórdia and Carmelite churches.
Nature Reserve & Beaches
Explore the São Jacinto dune reserve and spend a day at Costa Nova’s striped wooden palheiros by the beach.
Central location – Other cities
Just 1 hour away from major cities like Porto and Coimbra, Aveiro is a great central starting point to explore Portugal!
- Canal-side Cafés & Bars: Relax with a port tonic by the water post moliceiro ride.
- Costa Nova Dining: Sample shellfish and fish stew at local favorites like Restaurante Dóri.
Boat Tours
From moliceiro rides in the city canals to lagoon birdwatching cruises featuring flamingos and otters.
Culture & Nightlife
University‑led events, arts festivals, live music venues, and student gatherings enliven Aveiro’s evenings.
Outdoor Recreation
Cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding in the Ria, nature walks in dunes and lagoon reserves.
Portugal Awards 2020 (27 awards)
