Italians and some Aveirenses (people from Aveiro) dislike this moniker.
They say that Aveiro is not at all like Venice. And it is true, they are very different cities. However, they both have canals and gondola-like boats that cruise them.
They are two of my favorite cities. Venice is truly unique and has a dark mystique to it. Aveiro is all love and light. Instead of black gondolas, the Moliceiros are brightly painted and have names and/or risqué sayings on them. These boats, originally used to harvest seaweed (moliço), are now used to ferry tourists through the canals for a unique look at the city.
Aveiro also has the Friendship Bridges. The city took a page from the locks that symbolize union in Paris and substituted ribbons to suggest the ties that bind. They give a festive air to the surroundings.
Aveiro has the most Art Nouveau buildings in Portugal. The Art Nouveau Museum is in the former house of Mário Belmonte Pessoa, a businessman from the area.
It is also famous for its salt from the neighboring salt flats.
There is plenty to do and see in Aveiro. The nearby cities of Ovar, Águeda, Costa Nova, and Ílhavo are well worth a visit.
We left Porto for Aveiro because we are getting older, and Porto has become more crowded and frenetic lately. There is a calma in Aveiro that called to us.
It is quieter, cleaner, and friendlier than some bigger cities.
The people are easygoing, and the food is fabulous. We feel right at home already.
We will always love Porto but now Aveiro is our new home.
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