Aveiro is a popular tourist destination, famed for its canals, Nouveau architecture and colourfully painted Moliceiros boats. The city lies on the edge of the Ria de Aveiro, a saltwater lagoon that was historically farmed for its seaweed, salt and bountiful fish.

Today, Aveiro is a prosperous university city, with an authentic fishermen's district, ornate Art Nouveau buildings, and many grand religious buildings. The low-rise buildings and authentic Portuguese atmosphere of Aveiro, gives no indication that the city is in the heart of Portugal's major manufacturing region.

The region may be hard-working, but it also contains many beautiful natural areas. There are the glorious beaches of Costa Nova, the pristine pine forests of the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto and the Passadiços Ria de Aveiro, the scenic footpath along the southern side of the lagoon.

Aveiro is frequently described as the Venice of Portugal, and it is easy to understand why. It was historically an influential trading city, there are canals, and gondola-like boats (the Moliceiros) ply the waterways.

By referring to Aveiro as the Venice of Portugal, does a disservice to the city; it sets visitors expectations too high, while missing the real allure of the city. More accurately, Aveiro should be described as a characterful and traditional Portuguese city.