Ria Viv’Arte is a project developed by AIDA CCI – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the District of Aveiro – to structure and promote tourist experiences related to the arts and traditional crafts of the Aveiro Region, including Xávega Art and Craftsmanship that can be enjoyed by visitors to the destination.
The project aims to:
- Preserve and enhance the traditional arts and crafts of the Aveiro Region.
- Value and honor the knowledge of artisans and professionals practicing traditional arts and crafts.
- Increase awareness of Arte Xávega and Artisanal Culture among visitors to the region.
- Structure a tourist product and engage tourists in learning experiences – Creative Tourism.
- Promote the destination in a segmented manner (targeting audiences interested in intangible cultural experiences) and attract high-quality tourist flows to the Aveiro Region.
The creative tourism activities of Ria Viv’Arte represent an opportunity for artisans and professionals of traditional crafts in the region to have an additional source of income alongside their main activities.
Diversifying the tourism offer of the Aveiro Region
Creative Experiences criativas
One of the main focuses of the Ria Viv’Arte project is to create structured creative experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors to the region. It aims to diversify existing tourist offers by integrating alternatives that attract visitors with different travel motivations. By distributing them throughout the region, the project allows visitors to discover more about the territory, its people, and its traditions.
A commitment to sustainability
Living traditions that endure
Ria Viv’Arte is a project committed to sustainability principles, focusing on the social and cultural aspects. The project’s experiences promote direct interaction between visitors, artisans, and traditional craftsmen of the region. Through this interaction, the aim is to value and honor the expertise of the local community, elevating it to an unmissable tourist experience when visiting the Aveiro Region.
The territories covered by the Ria Viv’Arte project
Albergaria-a-Velha
Albergaria-a-Velha is a picturesque city with a rich history and authentic charm. Known for its stunning and serene landscapes, it offers visitors a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. With its well-preserved historic center, Albergaria-a-Velha enchants tourists with its traditional streets and houses.
Anadia
With a privileged location in the Bairrada wine region, Anadia is a must-visit destination for wine and gastronomy lovers. Renowned for its sparkling wines and delightful regional cuisine, highlighting traditional dishes like Bairrada-style suckling pig, Anadia offers a rich cultural heritage with historical monuments, ancient churches, and intriguing museums. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in numerous outdoor activities, such as cycling and hiking.
Aveiro
A charming city famous for its picturesque canals, Aveiro offers a unique experience to visitors. From the colorful moliceiro boats navigating the canals to the unique architecture of buildings adorned with tiles of different patterns, not to mention the local gastronomy and traditional sweets, including the delicious ovos moles. It is a cosmopolitan, vibrant, and captivating city.
Estarreja
Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Estarreja offers a relaxing retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities. The city is renowned for its cultural heritage, with historic buildings and churches that tell its fascinating history. Additionally, Estarreja is famous for its Carnival, an event that attracts visitors from all over the country. With its welcoming atmosphere and the perfect blend of nature and culture, Estarreja is a must-visit destination.
Ílhavo
Ílhavo offers visitors an authentic maritime experience. The city is famous for its Maritime Museum, which tells the story of cod fishing and the local fishing community. Visitors can enjoy its beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Costa Nova, with famous colorful houses (palheiros). With its nautical atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, Ílhavo is a must-visit destination for those who want to explore Portugal’s maritime essence.
Murtosa
Known for its close connection to the Ria de Aveiro, with a privileged location in the lagoon area, Murtosa offers stunning natural landscapes and a serene atmosphere. Here, you will discover a rich history linked to the art of naval carpentry of moliceiros boats, with the Monte Branco Shipyard Museum being one of the highlights not to be missed. Visitors can explore the Ria de Aveiro, sailing on moliceiros boats and enjoying the tranquility.
Oliveira do Bairro
Oliveira do Bairro, located in central Portugal, lies between the sea and the mountains in the heart of Bairrada. Oliveira do Bairro is a land of culture, music, art, history, modernity, heritage, and nature. The city houses important collections related to Bairrada music and sacred art from the churches in the municipality. It showcases the natural beauty of riverside parks and rice fields.
Ovar
Ovar attracts visitors seeking sun, sea, and culture. The city is famous for its regional delicacy – the “pão-de-ló” cake of Ovar – which delights all gastronomy lovers. In addition, Ovar boasts a picturesque historic center with narrow streets and traditional houses adorned with colorful tiles, where visitors can explore the unique architecture and immerse themselves in local history. Ovar is the perfect combination of natural beauty and tradition.
Vagos
In Vagos, Vagueira Beach is known for its vast sandy shoreline and the fascinating traditional fishing method called “Xávega” Art. Visitors can witness this ancient form of fishing almost daily during the spring and summer months when small boats brave the waves to cast and haul nets with the help of tractors. It is an unmissable tradition. Explore the culture and fantastic cuisine of the destination as well.
The Ria Viv’Arte project is the result of the application for the enhancement of the identity heritage, “Arte Xávega e Cultura Artesanal da Região de Aveiro,” promoted by the Local Action Groups “Aveiro Norte” and “Aveiro Sul,” funded by the CENTRO 2020 Regional Operational Program under the CENTRO-41-2021-03 Notice – Valorização do Património Identitário dos Territórios no Âmbito do Desenvolvimento Local de Base Comunitário.
