Aveiro combines a network of canals with Art Nouveau architecture and the history of its salt pans. The three canals of the Ria serve as landmarks and naturally separate older neighbourhoods from newer ones. Moliceiro boats travel along the waterways and are now used for sightseeing trips. At the same time, the city is relatively easy to explore on foot thanks to its flat terrain. When planning your stay, you can therefore weigh up a trip on the water against time for exploring on foot; check operators and timetables before your trip if you are planning a Moliceiro boat ride.

Discover Art Nouveau: Museum and City Walk

Many Art Nouveau buildings stand along the main canal. At the Museu Arte Nova, you can learn about the socioeconomic and cultural background of the movement that became widespread in Aveiro. The museum is housed in the former residence of the Mário Belmonte Pessoa family, built between 1907 and 1909 and classified as an “Imóvel de Interesse Público” (Property of Public Interest). The house’s architecture thus connects with the history of its use and the Art Nouveau style presented by the museum.

To look beyond a single building, the Roteiro Arte Nova starts at the Museu Arte Nova and takes you on a walking tour through the city. It comprises 28 elements. The museum and the walk offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on the socioeconomic and cultural context, while the route brings several Art Nouveau features together in an urban circuit. The Museu de Aveiro / Santa Joana adds another historical stop: it is housed in the former Convent of Jesus of the female Dominican Order.

The Antiga Estação de Comboios de Aveiro is also worth a visit for a look at local decorative design. Its 59 azulejo panels depict occupations, local figures, and landscapes from the city, the region and the country. The former station is open to residents, visitors and tourists; check opening details before your trip.

Salt Pans, Nature and Local Specialities

The Ecomuseu Marinha da Troncalhada explains how seawater is turned into salt in Aveiro’s salt pans. Visits also include identifying the salt pans’ animal and plant life. Tastings of salicornia and fleur de sel are also part of the visit programme. If you would like to include these tastings, check booking arrangements before your trip. This makes the ecomuseum’s focus distinct from the architecture in the city: here, the emphasis is on salt production, salt-pan ecology and related tastings.

For more culinary inspiration, there is the “Sabores com Tradição” gastronomic guide, which is available year-round. Participating establishments may change. The guide therefore complements the tastings at the Ecomuseu with another way to explore local gastronomy, although the two offerings do not cover the same subject.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

These highlights lead to different visits and can be included as separate activities when planning. If you would like to combine them, it helps to include the individual visits and the booking arrangements for the Ecomuseu in your plans well in advance. A Moliceiro boat ride is another way to experience the canals as part of your stay in the city; you should also check timetables and operators in advance.

Discover more destinations: Travanca, Monte, Espinho, Murtosa, Oiã, Vila Nova de Monsarros, Eixo, Cortegaça.

For the main travel overview: Aveiro.