https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa6ShagBHF4
Stretching 45 kilometers in length, parallel to the sea, the Ria de Aveiro traverses the municipalities of Aveiro, Estarreja, Ílhavo, Murtosa, Ovar, and Vagos.
Its formation dates back to the 16th century. It is the result of the sea’s retreat and ongoing sedimentation, which led to the development of a lagoon and a network of canals that earned Aveiro the title of “Portuguese Venice.”
It has been a long journey for the Ria to become a symbol and one of the most distinctive and significant elements of the region’s heritage. Today, the Ria is the heart of this territory, and it is what gives it its unique charm and enchantment.
history
From the Ria comes sustenance
In the mid-18th century, the soils near the Ria de Aveiro were sandy and unsuitable for cultivation. This led to finding a solution to make the lands more fertile. Local farmers discovered that “moliço” (seaweed) was an excellent fertilizer. Thus, harvesting “moliço” became one of the main activities in the Ria de Aveiro.
Since “moliço” was located at the bottom of the Ria, it was necessary to develop a boat adapted to the lagoon’s conditions and the task of harvesting “moliço”, giving rise to the traditional Moliceiro Boats. Nowadays, these beautiful boats that paint the Ria with color are no longer used for the same purposes as before. Still, they are highly sought after by tourists and visitors who take leisurely rides along the navigable channels of the Ria de Aveiro on these typical boats.
In addition to these elements that are part of the territory’s identity, there is also the fishing activity, which remains an essential source of income for the populations near the Ria, as well as port activities that have marked significant activity in the region.
I die of Love for the waters of the Ria
This foam of pain, I did not know
I am a moliceiro of your fertile mud
I am the Ria of Aveiro, the Salt of the world
Long pole, the size of life
An arm of sea, plowing, plowing...
I die of Love in this net I weave
and it is in the Salt of Sweat that I happen.
Beyond the Salina, the horizon teaches me
that there is much Sea, to plow, to plow...
José Carlos Ary dos Santos
biodiversity
The perfect symbiosis between humans and nature
The Ria de Aveiro is a special place, painted with the most beautiful colors, offering the most whimsical and diverse landscapes imaginable, including plains, forests, beaches, canals, and even islands. Therefore, the enchantment of the Ria is endless, providing a new experience with each visit.
Dozens of fish species inhabit the waters of the Ria, and fishing is one of the main activities practiced here. Among the main species are cockles, crabs, sea bream, shad, sole, bass, turbot, flounder, lamprey, and eel – one of the region’s most relevant and sought-after culinary delicacies. This diversity of fish promotes the presence of hundreds of birds that feed and nest along the waters of the Ria.
The Ria de Aveiro stands out for its scenic beauty and unique natural heritage in the region, the country, and the Iberian Peninsula, making its protection and conservation imperative. The Ria is classified as a Special Protection Area. It has been designated a Site of Community Importance under the Natura 2000 network.
Curiosities about the Ria de Aveiro
Ria’s Salt: From Food Preservation to Cosmetics
The salt collected from the Ria de Aveiro was once used for food preservation. However, with the advent of refrigeration, saltworks lost some of their importance. That’s when cosmetics products, such as salt soap, bath salts, moisturizing creams, and exfoliants, were created, among others. These products are 100% natural and produced in a traditional way using salt from the Ria de Aveiro.
What is the origin of the colorful “palheiros” in Costa Nova?
The promenade of Costa Nova Beach is a must-visit place, thanks to the famous and iconic “palheiros” (fishermen’s houses), whose colorful and vibrant stripes have become the region’s trademark. These tiny houses were initially built by fishermen to store their fishing gear. Later, they started to be used as summer residences, with their façades painted in colorful red, blue, green, or yellow stripes. It is believed that the different-colored stripes were added so fishermen could locate their “palheiro” in foggy weather.
The color of flamingos says a lot about them
There are flamingos whose feathers have a deeper pink hue, indicating that they have recently arrived in Portugal from Spain or France. In these countries, the birds primarily feed on shrimp, which gives them a more intense pink coloration. On the other hand, flamingos with whitish feathers are juvenile birds that stay in the region throughout the year.
tourism
The most relevant tourist attraction in the region.
The Ria is now one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Aveiro region. The boat tours on the traditional Moliceiro boats are one of the main tourist highlights and allow visitors to admire the picturesque views of the canals while discovering some secrets of the city.
The Ria is also highly sought after by water sports enthusiasts, as the deep waters of the Ria de Aveiro are navigable for all types of recreational boats and provide a variety of unique environments and conditions in the country.
Rich in biodiversity, the Ria de Aveiro is also one of the country’s most abundant and exciting areas for birdwatching. If you are a nature lover, you will absolutely love this experience!
One of the most exciting and challenging ways to explore and experience the region is through the Great Route of Ria de Aveiro, which is defined as a long-distance trail spanning almost 600 km. This unique experience covers eleven regional municipalities and promotes an authentic awakening of the senses.
Must-do activities in the Aveiro Region
For Watersports Enthusiasts
Sailing, canoeing, rowing, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing are just a few of the thrilling activities you can enjoy on these waters. Experience moments of adrenaline and fun as you immerse yourself in a breathtaking backdrop. Whether with family or friends, come and have a great time!
Event: Ria de Aveiro Weekend
In July, the Aveiro Weekend takes place, featuring the highlight of the event, the Great Moliceiros Regatta. This event showcases the best of the region, from its customs to its gastronomy, while highlighting innovative projects that combine leisure experiences with the salt marshes. You can even stay in houseboats for a unique accommodation experience.
Biodiversity? Grab your binoculars!
Rich in biodiversity, the Ria de Aveiro is one of the country’s most abundant and exciting areas for birdwatching. Numerous bird species can be observed in the region throughout the year. Some make it their permanent habitat, while others pass through during long migratory journeys. Flamingos, for example, are a common sight in the Ria de Aveiro.
Have you ridden a BUGA?
BUGA stands for “Free Utilization Bicycle of Aveiro,” a project aimed at providing an ecological and accessible means of transportation for visitors and residents of Aveiro. Suppose you want to experience a ride on a BUGA and feel the breeze on your face as you meander along the beautiful canals of Ria. In that case, you only have to go to a Loja BUGA shop and request one.
The Great Route of Ria de Aveiro
Stretching over 600 km, the Great Route of Ria de Aveiro is divided into three independent itineraries:
- The blue route is the shortest and can be completed in 6 days.
- The golden route is the longest, taking 11 days to traverse.
- There’s the green route, which lasts for 10 days.
An unforgettable destination awaits you
A Land of Stories and Traditions
The Ria de Aveiro has undergone many changes. Knowledge, flavors, habits, and beliefs have been passed from hand to hand, from mouth to mouth, until they have reached the present day, bringing us a glimpse of the history that shaped the region’s identity.
From the festivals of Santa Joana and São Gonçalinho to the Ria de Aveiro Weekend Festival and the March Fair, and not forgetting the “Xávega” traditional fishing art and the artisanal crafts that find their rich and unique legacy in the hands of the masters, the Ria de Aveiro is a place of sensory experiences, emotions, genuine smiles, and friendly people that are worth getting to know.
Embark on one of the four experiences we have created for you.
Experiences to
Learn from the masters
The region of Aveiro is renowned for its rich artisanal tradition and the variety of arts and crafts. If you love local culture, take advantage of your days in the Aveiro region to visit and learn from the masters, the true guardians of cultural and traditional wisdom.
