Nestled along Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast, Aveiro is a charming city often referred to as the “Venice of Portugal”. With a population of around 80,000, this picturesque destination offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Aveiro’s unique network of canals, colourful moliceiro boats, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture create a captivating backdrop for daily life.
For expats and retirees considering a move to Portugal, Aveiro presents an attractive alternative to larger cities like Lisbon or Porto. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate, while its location provides excellent access to beautiful beaches and nearby cities. The city boasts a growing international community, drawn by its high quality of life, affordable cost of living, and laid-back atmosphere.
Aveiro’s climate is mild and pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for those seeking year-round comfort. The city’s rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals contribute to a welcoming environment for newcomers. Whether you’re looking to retire in a peaceful setting or embark on a new adventure, Aveiro offers a unique blend of Portuguese charm and modern convenience that’s hard to resist.
Renting & Buying Property
Aveiro’s property market offers a range of options for both renters and buyers. The city’s growing popularity among expats and tourists has led to increased demand, but prices remain competitive compared to larger Portuguese cities.
Buying
Property prices in Aveiro vary depending on location and condition. In the city centre, you can expect to pay around €2,500 per square metre for an apartment. Prices drop to about €1,800 per square metre in the outskirts. A small apartment in need of renovation might cost around €100,000, while a luxurious villa could set you back €500,000 or more. Traditional Portuguese townhouses and modern apartments are common, with some properties offering canal views.
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Renting
Rental prices in Aveiro are relatively affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs between €500-€700 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment ranges from €700-€1,000. Prices are generally lower outside the city centre. Long-term rentals are available, but competition can be fierce, especially during the summer months. For more information on renting in Portugal, including tips and legal considerations, visit this helpful guide.
Cost of Living
Aveiro offers an attractive cost of living, especially when compared to larger Portuguese cities or other Western European destinations. While property costs are the most significant expense, day-to-day living in Aveiro is generally affordable.
A couple can live comfortably in Aveiro on a budget of €1,500-€2,000 per month, including rent. Groceries, dining out, and entertainment are reasonably priced. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost around €8-€10, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant could be about €35-€45.
Public transportation is affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €30. Utilities for a small apartment typically run about €80-€120 per month, including electricity, heating, water, and internet.
Healthcare costs are low, especially if you’re eligible for the public healthcare system. Private health insurance is also affordable, with basic plans starting at around €40-€50 per month for an individual.
Can I move to Aveiro?
Portugal offers several visa options for those looking to move to Aveiro:
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: Can move to Portugal without a visa.
- The D7 Visa: Ideal for retirees or those with passive income.
- The D8 Visa: Designed for digital nomads and remote workers.
- The Golden Visa: For those willing to make a significant investment in Portugal.
- The D2 Visa: Suitable for entrepreneurs planning to start a business in Portugal.
Attractions
Aveiro Canals
Aveiro’s picturesque canals are the city’s main attraction. Take a leisurely ride on a colourful moliceiro boat, traditionally used for seaweed harvesting but now repurposed for tourism. These 45-minute tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and history.
Costa Nova
Just 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Aveiro, Costa Nova is famous for its striped beach houses. This charming fishing village offers beautiful beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for a day trip or a summer getaway.
Museu de Aveiro
Housed in a former convent, this museum showcases religious art and artefacts. The highlight is the tomb of Princess Saint Joana, Aveiro’s patron saint. The building itself is a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
Expat Life
Aveiro has a growing expat community, although it’s smaller than those found in Lisbon or the Algarve. The city attracts a diverse mix of nationalities, including British, American, French, and German expats. Many are drawn to Aveiro for its relaxed lifestyle, affordable living costs, and proximity to both beaches and larger cities.
The local Portuguese community is generally welcoming to newcomers. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations, but learning Portuguese is highly recommended for better integration.
Expats in Aveiro often gather for social events, language exchanges, and cultural activities. The University of Aveiro attracts international students and researchers, adding to the city’s multicultural atmosphere.
Retiring Here
Aveiro is an attractive option for retirees seeking a peaceful yet engaging lifestyle. The city’s flat terrain makes it easy to navigate, even for those with mobility issues. The mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, from golfing to beach walks.
Healthcare in Aveiro is of good quality, with both public and private options available. The city has a general hospital and several clinics. Many doctors speak English, especially in private facilities.
The cost of living is relatively low, allowing retirees to stretch their pensions further. The relaxed pace of life, combined with cultural attractions and beautiful surroundings, provides plenty of opportunities for an active and fulfilling retirement.
Food
Aveiro’s cuisine is a delightful mix of seafood and regional specialities. Here are some local dishes to try:
- Ovos Moles: Aveiro’s most famous sweet treat, made from egg yolks and sugar wrapped in a thin wafer shell.
- Caldeirada de Enguias: A hearty eel stew, often served with bread.
- Bacalhau à Moda de Aveiro: A unique take on Portugal’s beloved salted cod, prepared with cream and cheese.
- Tripas à Moda de Aveiro: A local version of tripe stew, different from the more famous Porto style.
- Bolo de Roda: A ring-shaped sponge cake flavoured with cinnamon and lemon.
You’ll also find national Portuguese dishes like caldo verde (kale soup), grilled fish, grilled meat dishes, and cozido à portuguesa (a Portuguese stew) on most traditional Portuguese menus. And of course, the famous pastel de nata is available throughout the city.
For vegans and vegetarians, options are increasing, especially in more touristy areas. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, many restaurants now offer plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free options are also becoming more common, although it’s advisable to learn relevant Portuguese phrases to communicate dietary requirements.
Upsides & Downsides of Living Here
Pros
- Beautiful and unique cityscape with canals and Art Nouveau architecture
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Portuguese cities
- Proximity to beautiful beaches and nature reserves
- Good transport links to other parts of Portugal
- Relaxed lifestyle and friendly local community
Cons
- Smaller expat community compared to Lisbon or the Algarve
- Limited international flight connections (nearest major airport is in Porto)
- Fewer job opportunities for non-Portuguese speakers
- Can be quiet in the off-season
- Summer tourists can make the city feel crowded
Climate
Aveiro enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in August. Summer highs can reach 25-30°C (77-86°F), while winter lows rarely drop below 5°C (41°F).
The city receives about 906 mm (35.7 inches) of rainfall annually, with most precipitation occurring between October and April. Summers are generally dry and sunny.
Aveiro’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean helps moderate temperatures and provides cooling sea breezes in summer. The nearby beaches offer a perfect escape on hot days. For those preferring freshwater, there are several praias fluviais (river beaches) in the surrounding region.
Will I Need To Learn Portuguese?
While it’s possible to get by in Aveiro with just English, especially in tourist areas, learning Portuguese will greatly enhance your experience. Many locals in Aveiro, particularly older generations, may not speak fluent English.
Learning Portuguese is crucial for truly integrating into the community, dealing with bureaucracy, and navigating daily life outside tourist zones. Portuguese people appreciate when foreigners make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just basic phrases.
Moreover, if you plan to apply for Portuguese citizenship in the future, you’ll need to pass an A2 level Portuguese language exam. Start learning Portuguese today to make the most of your life in Aveiro!
Schools
Aveiro offers a range of educational options:
- Public Schools: Free for residents and generally of good quality. Instruction is in Portuguese.
- Private Schools: Several private schools in Aveiro offer bilingual education or enhanced English classes.
- International Schools: While there are no international schools in Aveiro itself, there are options in nearby Porto (about an hour away).
- University of Aveiro: A well-regarded institution offering various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, some in English.
For more information on schooling options in Portugal, check out this comprehensive guide.
Getting Around
Aveiro is a compact and relatively flat city, making it easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle. The city centre is particularly walkable, with most attractions within easy reach.
- Train: Aveiro has a train station with good connections to Porto (45 minutes), Coimbra (40 minutes), and Lisbon (2.5 hours).
- Bus: Local buses serve the city and nearby towns. There’s also a tourist bus that circles the main attractions.
- Car: While not necessary in the city centre, a car can be useful for exploring the surrounding region.
- Ride-sharing: Uber and other ride-sharing services are available in Aveiro.
- Flying: The nearest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, about 80 km (50 miles) away.
Day trips from Aveiro are plentiful. You can easily visit Porto for its historic centre and port wine cellars, explore the university town of Coimbra, or head to the Serra da Estrela mountain range for hiking and winter sports. The beautiful beaches of the Silver Coast, including the famous Costa Nova with its colourful striped houses, are just a short drive away.
Similar Locations
If you’re considering Aveiro, you might also want to look at:
- Coimbra: Another university city with rich history and culture, about 60 km south of Aveiro.
- Figueira da Foz: A coastal city known for its wide sandy beach, about 75 km south of Aveiro.
- Viana do Castelo: A picturesque coastal town in northern Portugal, known for its folklore and handicrafts.
- Caldas da Rainha: A spa town on the Silver Coast, famous for its thermal springs and ceramic tradition.
Each of these locations offers a similar size and lifestyle to Aveiro, with their own unique charms and attractions.