What to see in Aveiro
Waterways and golden sands
The Atlantic Ocean provides Aveiro with a series of fairy-tale like canals and waterways which act as pathways for the locals, and these channels are the veins which keep such a vibrant city alive and refreshingly beautiful. In this sense, the city is elegantly weaved with nature, and it also has a lagoon located on the periphery of Aveiro.
Another prominent feature is the abundance of bird-life which is said to have inspired the name of the city and its ability to balance both urban and marine life in the region. The coast on which Aveiro sits is also home to many beautiful stretches of beach which are easily reachable by car or local transportation. Some of these beaches are Blue Flag rated and lay on one of Portugal’s most famous coastal strips called the Silver Coast.
Vibrant and historical architecture
Old and new architecture can be seen all over the city and some buildings, such as the iconic Monastery of Jesus, can be dated back to the 15th century. The cities vibrant colors are not only reflected off the water’s surface but also reflect the inspirational influence of the surrounding natural environment which has been a source of life for centuries.
Aveiro is a city which has thrived off the sea as seen in the style of cuisine which is based largely on Aveiro’s proximity to the ocean. Many dishes are seafood in this respect and consist of the most sublime flavors which are harvested from the backyard of Aveiro’s. Some of these include lamprey and eel which are common throughout the city and known as delicacies to locals in the area. Having a plain tongue could also keep you from experiencing the real taste of Aveiro, so it is advisable to give it a go and uncover Aveiro’s unique culinary delights along with the more fanciful sweets and pastries which adorn the shop windows of bakeries and café’s all over town.
Age-old yet young at heart
In spite of it being an ancient city, the age of Aveiro does not reflect on the attitude of the population, and you can find a very youthful population taking over the city after dark. For when the sun sets in Aveiro, you will notice the neon lights in old salt warehouses and abandoned buildings which have been refurbished into bars and night clubs, giving the city a refreshingly elegant twist of old and new culture. Famous clubs such as Estacao da Luz nightclub, which can house up to one thousand people, are a testament to the robust growth of an ever-expanding nightlife culture in the city and this has in some way translated as a source of inspiration for the many artists these local bars and restaurants frequently host.
Aveiro is quite an unassuming destination in Portugal, but with such a stunning coastline, a myriad of waterways and an artistic nature running throughout, any visit to this hidden gem is guaranteed to be a unique and truly authentic experience.
