Canals of Aveiro

The canals of Aveiro are the channels that cross the centre of Aveiro and link it to the Ria de Aveiro, the lagoon behind the coast. The moliceiros, flat wooden boats with painted prows, once carried seaweed from the lagoon and now carry visitors along the canals.

The main canals are the central canal, the canal of São Roque, the canal dos Santos Mártires and the canal das Pirâmides.

What to see at the canals of Aveiro

Central canal: the canal along the Rossio and Cais da Fonte Nova, where the moliceiro trips start and where the Art Nouveau houses stand.
Canal de São Roque: the canal that separates the old Beira-Mar quarter from the salt pans, with the fish market on one bank.
Moliceiros: the traditional boats, with high curved prows painted with scenes and sayings.
Bridges: the footbridges over the canals, among them the ribbon bridge, the Ponte Laços de Amizade, where visitors tie coloured ribbons.
Beira-Mar: the old fishermen's quarter beside the canal, with narrow streets and restaurants.

Visiting the canals of Aveiro

Boat trips: moliceiro trips of about 45 minutes leave through the day from the central canal.
On foot: the canals can be followed on foot from the Rossio to the salt pans and the Cais da Fonte Nova.