April 2025

A Quick Stop in Aveiro: Color, Canals, and Coastal Flavor

On our way to a housesit in Oliveira do Hospital, we made a quick stop in Aveiro—often called the “Venice of Portugal.” With its winding canals, colorful boats, and eclectic architecture, it was a delightful detour.

Aveiro sits along the Ria de Aveiro lagoon and was once an important seaport.We wandered along the canals, admiring the mix of tiled facades, bright colors, and quirky houses—each one different from the next. The town has a laid-back, creative vibe, with murals and street art around every corner.

Lunch was a highlight: rich, flavorful arroz de marisco (seafood rice) at a local spot. For dessert, we tried ovos moles, the town’s signature sweet made with egg yolks and sugar, shaped like little seashells.

Aveiro was a vibrant, bite-sized taste of coastal Portugal—just right before heading inland.