Welcome to Aveiro
The “Venice of Portugal”
Discover Aveiro, a captivating coastal city in the Centro region. Known for its vibrant canals, art‑nouveau architecture, rich maritime heritage, beaches and easy walkability, Aveiro offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, ideal for Erasmus+ courses.
Why Aveiro is a Unique Erasmus+ Destination
- Architectural Heritage: Admire 15th‑century convents, cathedrals, and a wealth of early 20th‑century Art‑Nouveau masterpieces—Aveiro is one of only 20 members of the Réseau Art Nouveau Network.
- Sustainability & Learning: Visit Ria de Aveiro Lagoon, a 45 km estuarine landscape filled with biodiversity, protected under Natura 2000, home to abundant birdlife and artisanal salt production. Lagoon conservation, biodiversity, sustainable aquaculture, and salt-flower harvesting in a living ecosystem.
- Cultural Traditions: Experience artisan crafts, vibrant local festivals, student life with the dynamic University of Aveiro, and of course, taste famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro—delicious egg‑based sweets.
- Picturesque Canals & Moliceiro Boats: Glide through urban canals aboard colourful traditional moliceiros—once workboats used to gather seagrass.
- Coastal Escapes: Seek adventure or calm on nearby Barra and Costa Nova beaches, perfect for surfing, cycling, birdwatching, or paddleboarding.
- Wellbeing: you can easily integrate outdoor stress relief (cycling, kayaking) with mindfulness and local gastronomy.
Aveiro offers an authentic, tranquil, yet vibrant setting—perfect for educational journeys.
Planned Courses in Aveiro
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A Little History
Aveiro, founded in the 10th century and is located on the west coast of Portugal, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and several neighboring municipalities.
An Ancient Gathering Place: Once called “Aviarium” by the Romans, “garden of birds,” famed for salt production since medieval times.
Medieval to Modern: Flourished as a salt port, then revived in the 19th century with canal diggings that rejuvenated connections with the Atlantic.
Maritime & Cultural Legacy: The salt and moliço industries shaped its identity. The university and tech sectors continue to propel Aveiro forward, blending heritage with innovation.
🍴 Distinctive Cuisine
- Ovos Moles de Aveiro: Iconic local sweet—egg yolk in rice paper.
- Seafood Specialties: Indulge in fresh fish stews such as ensopado, shellfish platters in Costa Nova, and seasonal lagoon fish.
- Artisan Products: Try flor de sal (gourmet salt) and locally harvested seagrass‑influenced cuisine.
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 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.y!)
🏖️ SIGHTSEEING
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.
Other cities: Just 1 hour away from major cities like Porto and Coimbra, Aveiro is a great central starting point to explore Portugal!
🍲 EATING
- 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.
🛍️ ENTERTAINMENT
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.
Come Discover Aveiro with us!
Portugal Awards 2020 (27 awards)
All Erasmus Courses in Aveiro
