The article was first published in, The South African.
Portugal has no shortage of amazing spots to experience, and, Aveiro, an hour south of, Porto, is one such place.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
It is occasionally dubbed by tourist literature as the Venice of Portugal for its small network of picturesque tree canals that cross the town and “gondola” type painted boats.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Even though it bares some resemblance to, Italy’s favorite city, it doesn’t have to have an International doppelganger to stand on its own.
This authentic, quaint, and characterful fishing district that boasts unique, Art Nouveau Architecture, has a colorful personality.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Its streets are filled to the brim with buildings covered in a flair of unique mosaics and patterns.
The city center is just as good-looking and offers a youthful, energetic buzz.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Contemporary craft shops, boutiques, themed cafes, and gourmet stores will ensure that you will simply get lost in its streets.
Getting Around
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Arguably the most unique and colorful part of Aveiro is its, Moliceiros. These slim wooden vessels take you on a journey through the network of canals on the delta of the Volga River.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Traditionally they were used by locals to collect algae and seaweed as well as transport other goods. Today, they serve as a great transport means to get a glimpse of the natural side of the estuary or to admire an alternative viewpoint of the city from the water.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Moreover, take a closer look at their unique intricate paintings at the end of each boat. Some are rather saucy! Another great way to get around is by making use of the city’s “Bugas”.
These bicycles have been made freely available by the Averio City Council and can be rented free of charge.
The electric Tuk-Tuks are also super cool.
Architecture
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores
Aveiro definitely holds true to Portugal’s unique architectural style. Each of its buildings adorning its narrow streets are uniquely different from the next.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
In fact, the city is renowned as the city museum of Art Nouveau and Romanesque styles.
The usage of exposed iron and large, irregularly shaped pieces of glass is attribute to its architectural style. Such buildings can be found along the main channel.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The beautiful blue building on Rua Dr. Barbosa de Magalhães is one of the best examples of Art Nouveau styles and is home to the Art Nouveau Museum. It can be found just above the garden cafe and is worth a visit.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Aveiro Museum and the Convent of Jesus are worth a visit to admire the gilded wood carvings that decorate its interiors.
The University buildings display contemporary Portuguese architecture and are also special.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Old Train Station
The old train station, built in 1861 is a must-see.
Whilst the original buildings have been replaced by a more modern version, the old one boasts beautiful blue, “Azulegos”, which refers to Portugal’s unique tile work.
They are usually square in shape and covered with impermeable and glossy enamel.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Each ceramic tile, hints at previous civilizations, displaying intricate details from scenes from the past Aveiro region culture.
As a matter of fact, you will find a wide variety of tiles displaying different color combinations throughout the city.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Another thing that makes Averio unique is its pavements. They are far from boring.
Their black and white cascade takes on maritime motifs, swirly circular patterns, and geometric forms.
Local Cuisine
In addition to its unsurpassed characterful surroundings, Aveiro has some local delicacies for the foodie.
Emblematic of the city is,“ovos moles”, a sweet made from heavily sugared egg yolks.
Aveiro | Portugal | Ovos Moles. Image by Nelson Carvalheiro.
Originally, they come from the ancient women’s convents that once existed in the area. The presentation of them here is key.
You will find them either, encased in rice paper or wrapped in a crusty wafer made from the whites of the egg; similar to those that, once blessed, are served in Holy Communion.
What’s more, is that they come in a variety of shapes resembling that of the ocean and some are served in wooden barrels.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Another delicacy characterized by the region is fresh grilled or fried eels, which come from the nearby town ofMurtosa.
They can be found accompanied by delicious seafood rice and an escabeche sauce (a combination of olive oil, garlic, laurel, and vinegar).
Pair your meals with Portugal’s famed Port wine, which is native to the Douro Valley, and is a popular drink in the north.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Salt Lagoons
Aveiro used to be a major artisanal salt-producing center for centuries thus attributing to the economy of the region.
Aveiro | Portugal | Salt Lagoons. Image by Itinari.
Nowadays, this activity takes place on a smaller scale.
You can see evidence of this in the form of top-quality salt crystals being sold in stores. More so, you can find flor de sal, used to flavor local dishes.
Enjoy a day at Piscina e Spa Cale do Oiro, an outdoor spa where you can apply wet mud from the base of the salt pan onto your skin. You would be surprised at how wonderfully soft your skin will feel afterward.
Beyond Averio
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Nearby Averio, is the beach town of Costa Nova.
Although it is still pretty much low-key on the tourist radar, it has become popular among those that have visited for its wooden colourful and quirky striped houses.
These ‘Haystacks”, as referred to by the locals, are quite exceptional and add to the authenticity and uniqueness this place offers.
The long soft sand beach is perfect for a day of sunbathing, and one of the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing. But beware though, it is on the Atlantic, so it might not be that ideal for swimming.
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Aveiro | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
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