Aveiro is a charming Portuguese city, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal" due to its canals and colorful moliceiro boats. If you only have one day to explore Aveiro, here's how you can spend it:
Morning:
- Breakfast at a local cafe: Start your day with a cup of Portuguese coffee and a pastel de nata at one of the local cafes.
- Canal walk: Stroll along the beautiful canals of Aveiro. You can rent a moliceiro boat for a canal tour to see the city from the water and learn about its history and culture.
- Vista Alegre ceramics factory: If you're interested in art and design, visit the Vista Alegre ceramics factory. Here you can see how the famous porcelain pieces are made and visit the museum.
Day:
- Central Market of Aveiro: Explore the central market, where you can find fresh local products including fish, cheeses, and sweets. It's a great place to try ovos moles - traditional egg sweets from Aveiro.
- Aveiro Museum: Visit the Aveiro Museum located in a former monastery. Here you can see art pieces and historical exhibits of the region.
- Art Nouveau architecture: Take a walk along Rua João Mendonça and other streets in the city center to admire the unique Art Nouveau architecture.
Evening:
- Beach relaxation: Head to Costa Nova Beach, located near the city. Here you'll find the famous striped houses and can relax by the ocean.
- Dinner at a canal-side restaurant: Back in the city, choose one of the restaurants along the canal to try dishes made from fresh fish and seafood.
- Sunset stroll: End the day with a walk across the bridges and waterfront of Aveiro, enjoying the evening atmosphere of the city and the beautiful lights reflecting on the water.
A day filled with these activities will give you a complete overview of the culture, history, and charm of Aveiro.