In the square in front of Igreja da Misericórdia, tables are set up, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy traditional Portuguese sweets in the open air. One of the highlights is the iconic Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a local delicacy made from egg yolks and sugar. Originally created by convent nuns who used leftover yolks after the egg whites were utilized for starching fabrics or clarifying wine, this treat is encased in delicate wafer shells often shaped like shells or fish, symbolizing Aveiro’s maritime heritage. With its rich, sweet filling, Ovos Moles has become a symbol of Aveiro, known and loved across Portugal.
Alongside this specialty, you’ll often find Pastéis de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tarts. Made from flaky puff pastry and filled with a creamy custard, these tarts were first created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon in the 18th century. After the monastery was closed in the 1830s, the monks began selling the recipe, which quickly gained popularity and spread nationwide. Today, Pastéis de Nata are enjoyed around the world, but tasting them in Portugal remains a unique experience, with each bite offering the perfect combination of crisp pastry and creamy custard, lightly caramelized on top.
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.
