Avenida João Mendonça, or João Mendonça Waterfront, is one of Aveiro’s most picturesque and historically significant areas. Running along the main canal, this avenue offers breathtaking views of colorful moliceiros boats and vibrant Art Nouveau buildings, capturing the city’s essence as the “Venice of Portugal.”
João Augusto de Mendonça, born in 1871, played a key role in the city’s modernization as head of the Port Authority. His efforts in strengthening Aveiro’s maritime and trade connections are memorialized by this street’s name. The nearby bridge is adorned with the figure of a salineira, a tribute to Aveiro’s rich salt-harvesting tradition, reflecting the city's deep connection to its salt flats and maritime economy. This blend of history and beauty makes the João Mendonça Waterfront a cherished symbol of Aveiro’s past and present.
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.
