The Praça do Peixe (Fish Square) in Aveiro is a historic site originally established as the city’s main fish market in the 19th century. Its location by the Canal da Praça do Peixe (also called Canal dos Botirões) made it ideal for fishermen to bring fresh catches directly to market. Here, locals could find various fish like sardines, eels, and cod. However, due to the modernization of the fishing industry and a decline in demand for traditional fish markets, the marketplace ceased operations as a fish market. Today, the building and square are filled with restaurants and cafes that honor the area’s history through seafood cuisine, transforming it into a social and culinary center.
The name Praça do Peixe directly translates to “Fish Square,” referencing its function as a fish market. The nearby Canal dos Botirões takes its name from the Portuguese word botirões, which refers to traditional fishing and seaweed-gathering boats used in the region. This canal served as a docking area for moliceiros—the colorful, long boats that once transported seaweed, called moliço, used as fertilizer in local agriculture. The name moliceiro comes from moliço, emphasizing the boat’s original purpose.
Together, these names reflect Aveiro’s rich history in fishing and agriculture, preserving a linguistic and cultural connection to the city’s past, even as the area transforms into a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Join us for a three-hour walking tour through Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals and traditional moliceiro boats. We’ll begin in the Beira Mar district, exploring narrow streets with colorful tiled facades and Art Nouveau architecture, and hear tales of Aveiro’s history as a center for salt production and fishing.
As we stroll along the historic Rua de Coimbra, you’ll discover the story behind Aveiro’s famous ovos moles—creamy custard treats wrapped in rice paper—and other local pastries. We’ll make a stop at a popular shopping center for a modern taste of the city before crossing Aveiro’s iconic pedestrian bridges, like the colorful Ponte do Laço, which offer stunning canal views. The route will lead us to Praça do Peixe, a lively square where traditional and contemporary Aveiro meet, rounding off the journey with a true sense of this charming city’s history and flavors.
