In the 19th century, the area around Cais dos Botirões and Praça do Peixe in Aveiro was a bustling neighborhood primarily inhabited by fishermen, marnotos (salt workers), and merchants involved in the city’s salt and fishing industries. Many homes in the Beira Mar district, including those near Praça do Peixe, were owned by tradesmen and skilled laborers whose loyalties and livelihoods shifted with the political and economic pressures of the time, particularly during the Liberal Wars (1828–1834). The conflict brought significant challenges, as resource demands and instability affected local industries and spurred Aveiro’s alignment with liberal ideals, ultimately contributing to the constitutional victory that restored Queen Maria II to the throne in 1834.
The houses in this district often served as multi-functional spaces, doubling as residences and storage or workshops for fishing equipment and salt supplies. Passed down through generations, these buildings form a living archive of Aveiro’s maritime past. Although the traditional fish market has since closed, the area has preserved much of its historic character, with old fishermen’s homes now interwoven with modern bars and eateries. This blend of heritage and modernity has transformed Cais dos Botirões into a culturally vibrant space, linking Aveiro’s economic past to its present-day social landscape.
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.