Exploring Aveiro in a Motorhome: A Complete Guide to an Unforgettable Journey
Introduction
Surrounded by rivers, canals and the sea, Aveiro, sometimes nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal”, is a city rich in charm and history. Located in central Portugal, this destination is ideal for motorhome and roadtrip travelers in search of natural beauty and tranquility. This article introduces you to Aveiro, its parking options, must-do activities and much more.
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What is Aveiro in Portugal?
Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is a city that has taken advantage of its geographical location to develop and prosper.
History of Aveiro
Its history dates back to the great dolmens of prehistoric times, but it was in the Middle Ages that Aveiro began to gain in importance, becoming a center of salt exploration and a commercial crossroads.
Countess Mumadona Dias’ will, dated January 26, 959, already mentions Aveiro, emphasizing its ancient name and referring to the monastery’s lands in Alauario and Salinas, literally, “a place for gathering or preserving birds and great salt”.
Over the centuries, Aveiro has had its ups and downs, including an economic and social crisis in the 16th and 17th centuries due to the instability of the river at its mouth, hampering the use of Aveiro’s port and creating stagnation in the lagoon’s waters. However, the city has bounced back and adapted.
The opening of artificial canals in 1808 enabled Aveiro to develop economically, marking the beginning of the city’s growth. Today, Aveiro is an industrial city with a major seaport, and is known for its system of canals and boats, similar to the Italian city of Venice.
Location and climate
Aveiro is located on Portugal’s west coast, about 75 km south of Porto. The town enjoys a temperate maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring Portugal’s Centro region.
The maximum temperature in Aveiro averages 20°C over the year, ranging from 14°C in January to 26°C in August. Rainfall averages 1,384mm over the year, with a minimum of 15mm in July and a maximum of 193mm in January.
When to travel to Aveiro on a RoadTrip?
The climate is generally pleasant all year round, with an average maximum temperature of 20°C. Temperatures range from 14°C in January to 26°C in August. Annual rainfall is 1384mm, with a minimum of 15mm in July and a maximum of 193mm in January.
The climate is perfect for a trip to Aveiro from March to November, but the weather is really ideal from June to September. For those who like to swim, the best period for a suitable water temperature is from June to October.
| Month | Average temperature (°C) | Precipitation (mm) | Weather | Opinions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°/14° | 193 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| February | 9°/15° | 171 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
| March | 10°/17° | 135 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| April | 12°/19° | 118 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| May | 14°/21° | 93 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| June | 17°/23° | 48 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| July | 18°/26° | 15 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| August | 18°/26° | 15 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| September | 17°/26° | 63 | ☀️ | Ideal |
| October | 16°/23° | 181 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| November | 12°/17° | 172 | ☀️ | Favorable |
| December | 10°/15° | 185 | ☔️ | Unfavorable |
Our first impression on arriving in Aveiro wasn’t the most pleasant: apartment blocks, lots of luxury stores and shopping malls. Not exactly what we expected, especially after spending a few days in the wilderness.
But our “disappointment” was short-lived when we discovered the old town, which is really very typical and pretty, although sometimes a little touristy, as the Portuguese people’s requests for a gondola ride were a little too much for our liking.
So, when is the best time to go to Aveiro? Well, if you ask me, I’d say without hesitation between June and September. During these months, the sun shines, the temperature is ideal and rain is rare. It’s the perfect time to explore the city’s canals on a moliceiro boat, stroll the cobbled streets, visit museums and sample delicious local specialities.
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- Sleeping spots and caravan parks in Aveiro
Aveiro offers several options for motorhomes. Parking is generally free and conveniently located. However, be sure to comply with local parking regulations to avoid fines or towing. For motorhome services, you may have to travel to neighboring towns.
- 📍 Private farm in Murtosa (GPS: 40.7324, -8.6378)
- 📍 Parking 10 Rua do Batalhão de Caçadores, Aveiro (GPS: 40.6383, -8.6531)
- 📍 Parking 32 Rua José Afonso, Aveiro (GPS: 40.6404, -8.6567)
- 📍 Parking 19 Rua Sebastião de Magalhães Lima, Aveiro (GPS: 40.6397, -8.6541)
- 📍 Parking 70A Rua Comandante Rocha e Cunha, Aveiro (GPS: 40.6402, -8.6539)
We spent a few days in the parking lot between the station and Pingo Doce, with other motorhomes. This seemed to be the best place to discover the city in a converted vehicle.
A few kilometers away, in the town of Angeja, you’ll find a motorhome repairer called 📍AlbicampoCaravan Ltd. It came in very handy with a recalcitrant water pump. His store was quite well-stocked, and we were able to stay for a morning with free internet so we could work while the camper van was being repaired.
What to eat in Aveiro, and where to eat out?
Aveiro is renowned for its regional cuisine and in particular for its fresh seafood. The traditional dish “ovos moles” (soft eggs) is a sweet treat unique to Aveiro, made with egg yolks and sugar, and is often served in a bread shell shaped like a fish or a boat.
Popular Aveiro restaurants include:
- “Sal Poente”: Renowned for its modern Portuguese cuisine with a regional influence, this restaurant is perfect for those wanting to experiment with seafood and other local dishes.
- “Mercado do Peixe”: Here, you choose your own fresh fish from the market and they’ll cook it for you.
- “O Bairro “: a friendly place where you can enjoy tapas and traditional Portuguese dishes.
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We ate in a restaurant called O Telheiro, and of all our discoveries of Portugal, it was in this restaurant that we ate the best Baccalhau com Natas so far. The restaurant was quite stunning, with barbecues inside and a very long counter. Truly a beautiful place, a lovely memory.
See the Vanlife video on the visit to Aveiro
The video subtitles are available in your language, don’t hesitate to activate them!
What can you do in Aveiro?
There’s plenty to do in Aveiro, from discovering its architectural and historical heritage to relaxing on its magnificent beaches. Here are a few suggestions:
- Take a ride on a “moliceiro “: these traditional boats were once used to harvest “moliço” (seaweed), but are now used to show visitors around the city’s canals.
- Visit Aveiro Museum: Housed in a former convent, this museum traces the history of the city and region.
- Explore the historic Beira Mar district: This is the city’s oldest district, with charming narrow streets and colorful houses.
- Discover the region’s beaches: The beaches of Costa Nova and Barra are particularly popular for their fine sand and iconic striped houses.
- Take a walk in the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve: This reserve offers a diverse ecosystem with hiking trails and birdwatching areas.
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Conclusion: Discover Aveiro on a Vanlife roadtrip
Aveiro is a picturesque destination offering a perfect blend of culture, history, delicious cuisine and natural beauty. Whether you’re on the road for a long trip or looking for a destination for a weekend getaway, Aveiro is a great option for motorhome travelers.
FAQ
Yes, you can visit Aveiro by camper van. The town offers several options for spending the night, including free parking and service areas for motorhomes.
The climate is pleasant for a trip to Aveiro from March to November, but the weather is really ideal from June to September. For swimming, the best period for a suitable water temperature is from June to October.
There’s plenty to do in Aveiro, from discovering its architectural and historical heritage to relaxing on its magnificent beaches. You can take a “moliceiro” ride, visit Aveiro’s Museum, explore the historic district of Beira Mar, discover the region’s beaches, and stroll through the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve.
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