Nestled along the coast of Portugal, Aveiro attracts tourists from all over the world. With almost 80.000 citizens, this coastal gem is known as “The Venice of Portugal” or “Small Venice” due to its network of canals that cross the city centre. Keep reading to learn why this city has earned the reputation of being one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations:
Discovering the canals of Aveiro
The canals of Aveiro are the soul of the city, providing a backdrop to its historic architecture and culture. These waterways function nowadays are mainly touristic, but originally they were built to transport goods. Visitors can go on boat tours or explore the canals by foot, admiring the bridges, the houses’ facades and the colourful boats moored. These traditional boats, similar to Venetian gondolas, are called moliceiros.
Averito’s network of canals is the city’s nervous systema, connecting all the city, and mixing history, architecture, and natural beauty. Following the canals you can pass from the fish market at the Mercado do Peixe to the shores of the Ria de Aveiro. Ria de Aveiro is an estuary on the Atlantic coast of Portugal that forms five urban canals: Central Canal, Cojo Canal, Pyramids Canal, San Roque Canal, and Santos Mártires Canal.
Exploring Aveiro’s architectural and cultural treasures
Aveiro has much more to offer than its canals. Aveiro’s historic centre brings together cobblestone streets, Art Nouveau buildings, and religious monuments, such as Nuestra Señora de la Presentación Church, and the Museu de Aveiro. Visitors can wander through the city’s squares of Praça do Peixe and Praça da República, with plenty of beautiful facades.
Art enthusiasts will fall in love with Aveiro. The Small Venice offers numerous galleries and museums that showcase local pieces of art and the work of international artists. Aveiro is known for its modernist buildings, but that’s not all, traditional art is also a big deal; there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Aveiro’s cultural landscape.
Sampling Aveiro’s culinary delights
No visit to Aveiro would be complete without having a taste of Aveiro’s typical dishes. The city’s gastronomy reflects the influence the coast has on the city, with an abundance of fresh seafood and traditional delicacies. From salted codfish dishes to some of the best deserts in Portugal, ovos moles pastries, Aveiro’s culinary scene is unique.
Visitors can sample the local specialties at charming waterfront cafes and traditional taverns, savouring the flavours of Aveiro’s rich culinary heritage. Whether enjoying a leisurely seafood feast overlooking the canals or indulging in a sweet treat at one of the city’s iconic pastry shops, Aveiro promises a culinary experience like no other.
Navigating Aveiro with CarJet
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Benefits of renting a car with CarJet for exploring Aveiro
For travellers looking to explore Aveiro’s surroundings, CarJet offers the best option for rental cars, providing the freedom and flexibility you are looking for to truly immerse in the region. With CarJet, visitors can easily drive through Aveiro’s streets as they want, avoiding the hassle of public transportation.
Renting a car with CarJet also allows you to go on day trips to nearby cities, such as Porto, Coimbra, and the Wes Anderson-esque houses and sandy beaches of Costa Nova. CarJet offers a wide selection of vehicles and competitive rental rates, ensuring a stress-free travel experience.
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Tips for driving and parking in Aveiro
When driving and parking in Aveiro, keep the next ips in mind to ensure a hassle-free experience. Firstly, don’t panic: Be ready for narrow streets and limited parking spaces, especially in the city centre. Consider renting a small car! Also, pay attention to parking signs and regulations, as parking restrictions may change depending on the area and the day. If you don’t want to stress at all, just pay for a garage spot.
Parking will stop being a problem once you venture out of the city. With these tips in mind, driving through Aveiro can be a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your holidays.
Day trips from Aveiro
Visitors can venture beyond the city limits with their rental, discovering lesser-known attractions. From the fishing villages of Costa Nova and São Jacinto to the sand dunes of the Ria de Aveiro Natural Park, all of them just a short drive away from Aveiro’s city centre.
With a rental car from CarJet, travellers can drive along the coast at their own pace, stopping to admire the Atlantic coast. The surrounding region of Aveiro offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Embrace the beauty of Aveiro with CarJet
Let CarJet be your trusted companion during these holidays. A rental car provides you the flexibility and freedom you are looking for. Aveiro has it all: canals, vibrant streets, beautiful coastline, nature, and more. All of it just a short drive away.
Aveiro promises a truly unforgettable experience. With your rental car you will be able to discover every single corner of Aveiro, enjoying your holidays like never before. Insert the keys, start the engine and let your Portuguese adventure begin.
