Aveiro Hotels

Aveiro was once a large seaport with links to the salt pans going back hundreds of years and then later with the cod fishing industry. This was until the seas surrounding it were hit by ferocious storms and the mouth of the harbor was blocked by silt, spelling the end to the industries and trade. Today the lagoon area has become a charming place to visit with an eye catching combination of cottages and 'Art Nouveau' townhouses which are painted in different colors. Mixed in with this are a few historical buildings and churches. The city has earned itself the nickname 'The Portuguese Venice' due to the large number of canals and boats, called 'moliceiros', which move around on the waters. Some Aveiro hotels are located on these canals offering a charming view. In the 'old town' there is a fish market and azulejo-faced buildings.

During a stay at the Aveiro hotels it is recommended that you either take a tour or hire transportation and visit the Bairrada region nearby. This is one of the main red wine producing areas of Portugal. The red wines produced here are full bodied, smooth and suave with a deep, rich color which take on an almost brown tint as they are aged. The white wine from the area is not as well known and is fruity and has a slight zing to it. If you are not a wine buff and want something that is pleasant try the Rose wines which are fruity but fresh tasting which gives your taste buds a chance to appreciate the lovely foods which can be found in this region. The Aveiro hotels often have local wines on their menus so if you find one you like during a tasting you may well be able to enjoy it again during your stay.

It has to be said that there are not a huge number of attractions in the area. There are three very old churches / cathedrals in the town and a few other places to visit outside of the town. Vista Alegre is a factory for fine porcelain items and has been working since 1824. The history of the factory and their products can be seen at the museum which is attached. The prosperity of the town and the surrounding areas can be seen in the historic houses and wealthy lifestyle of their former owners, found in Vouzela and Sau Pedro do Sul. To the south of Aveiro in the town of Ilhavo is the Maritime Museum.

When deciding where to stay during your break you could be spoiled for choice. There are inns, guest houses, hotels, spas and pousadas. A pousada is a hotel that the state owns and partly manages. Quite often these will be historic buildings - castles, cathedrals etc - which have been restored to four or five star standard with good quality traditional cuisine from local produce.

Aveiro is one of the resorts on what is known as Portugal's Silver Coast and has some really nice beaches, which lie both north and south of the actual town. As the name suggests the beaches are wide and the sand white. Windbreakers can be a good idea as the wind off the sea can be brisk at times. The lagoon and the canals make for a varied landscape and slightly sophisticated feel to the town. The Sao Jacinto Nature Reserve and Ria de Aveiro Marshes offer nature lovers a chance to explore woodlands, marshes and sand dunes for all kinds of wildlife.

It is sad to say but it would seem that as there are not the large number of attractions that some other resorts have, on this holiday you may just have to relax, eat, drink, do a bit of shopping at one of the malls, laze around the pool and soak up the fresh air and sunshine. If the thought of having too much free time is one you can't handle there are a few golf courses around and the Portuguese seem to be very fond of spas as well. You will easily be able to keep yourself busy with massages, facials and other treatments which will make you look and feel as if you have a new lease on life.

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Sun, May 20 - Thundery Shower
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Mon, May 21 - White Cloud
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Tue, May 22 - Sunny Intervals
Max : 20°C (68°F) Min : 11°C (52°F)

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