AVEIRO - 4 GIORNI

Aveiro, just an hour north of better-known Porto, is a town of picturesque canals and a prosperous fishing industry. Bar and café crawling in Aveiro is nearly as popular as the beaches at San Jacinto or Barra, and the northern reaches of Aveiro’s lagoon. Aveiro's traditions are closely tied to the sea and to the Ria de Aveiro, a few canals cross the city, and in the neighbourhoods, most of their life is connected to the sea and lagoon. There are also tours of the canals and Ria de Aveiro, it is a very special way to enjoy the city. In much of the older part of town, sidewalks and squares are paved with calçada, traditional Portuguese hand-laid pavement, in intricate nautical patterns. The town's most attractive buildings date from the latter half of the 17th century. Aviero's Cathedral, Sao Domingos Church, was founded in 1423 and is best visited early in the day; it's a major attraction for tourists. Over the last few years, a massive restoration project has transformed the old fishermen's quarter, just off the main canal, into a delightful little area of small bars and restaurants. A central market square hosts live entertainment during the summer months. Aveiro is a surprisingly cosmopolitan fishing town on northern Portugal with a youthful, energetic buzz.