Aveiro is a popular destination among expats looking for a coastal city in the Central Region of Portugal. This city is often called the “Portuguese Venice.” It’s full of colorful canals, boats, and houses, with the Ria de Aveiro being the biggest highlight.
Aveiro might not be the first city people think of when moving to Portugal, but it is a great location for expats looking to settle down.
Is Aveiro a nice place to live?
Aveiro is a fabulous place to live. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy the picturesque water canals, colorful boats, regional shops, and cafés on a daily basis.
You are likely to meet up with friends for a nice cup of coffee and to savor all the wonderful flavors of the region.
Aveiro is quite a vibrant town without the stress of living in Porto or Lisbon. And if you miss it terribly, Porto is only a 45-minute drive away, and Coimbra (the third most important city in Portugal) is even closer.
Is Aveiro a good place to retire?
For the same very reasons, Aveiro is a perfect retirement destination.
It’s actually one of the best cities for expats looking for a quiet yet vibrant retirement place.
Aveiro is located in the central region of Portugal, at the start of the Silver Coast. It is the perfect place for expats who want a smaller city with a lively town center, plenty to do and visit, great medical care, and English-speaking locals.
Aveiro is a flat city where it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, which makes it inviting for long walks.
You can take a stroll in the city’s historic center, pass by the canals, take a tour of the Art Nouveau Museum, visit the Fish Market, have a coffee near the Praça 14 de Julho, or just enjoy the heartbeat of the city.
Another thing retirees appreciate in Aveiro is its healthcare.
Your healthcare options
Portugal’s healthcare, in general, is excellent, ranking number twelve in the world according to the World Health Organization.
As a resident, you have the option to join and use the public healthcare system, sign up for private health insurance (between €40 and €100 per month, depending on age and pre-existing conditions), or opt for an international health insurance plan.
To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal.
Aveiro has two hospitals: one public and one private. For a city with a population of 73,600 people, it seems to be quite enough. If you go public, the one thing that might be frustrating when you need to see a doctor is a long wait at one of the health centers in the city.
To find out more about healthcare in Portugal, read our Living In Portugal guide.
Is Aveiro good for families?
Aveiro is a great destination for families interested in stability and quality of life, and education for their children.
The University of Aveiro plays center stage, having ranked among the top six higher education establishments in Portugal in the year 2021/2022, according to the Centre for World University Rankings.
Local schools have excellent ratings as well, and there are several options both in terms of private and public schools.
Getting around Aveiro
You can get around easily in the city of Aveiro using buses, both from private and public companies. The regional trains have very efficient and punctual service, and Aveiro’s train station, decorated with typical tiles, offers a great atmosphere while you wait for your ride.
You can also travel the city in a more imaginative way by boat through the many canals the city has to offer.
Is Aveiro safe?
Aveiro is quite a safe city with low crime rates. Most residents feel safe walking home at night, and violent crime is rare.
The presence of many resident university students and tourists offers quite a lively atmosphere. Therefore, it makes total sense to be a bit vigilant in public places and take reasonable precautions regarding your property and personal safety.
The cost of living in Aveiro
One of the advantages of living in Aveiro is the low cost of living in terms of services, food, and rent. It is especially evident when compared to major cities like Lisbon or Porto.
The cost of living in Aveiro is around 9% cheaper than in Lisbon. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are €1,795.46 without rent. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are €515.57 without rent.
A one-bedroom furnished apartment in the city center may be found for €800 per month. Add about €150 for utilities (gas, electricity, water, all depending on usage), internet and mobile phone packages, €100 for health insurance for two (it may increase with age and pre-existing conditions), €350 for groceries and supermarket plus €500 if you opt to dine out as well.
Transportation costs could run around €200 with a car, and a monthly pass for public transport would be around €55.
Housing costs
Renting an apartment in Portugal will always have a primary weight on your personal budget. However, rental prices in Aveiro are lower than in Porto, for example. A one-bedroom apartment in the city can be found for around €500 and up to €1300, depending on the area you choose to live in, the size in terms of square meters, and whether it is a house or an apartment.
While considering renting a property in Aveiro, take a look at the guide “Renting A Property In Portugal”, which will help you understand the process you need to go through.
The same rule applies if you are looking to buy in Aveiro. The prices can range from €180.000 if you are looking for a T1 apartment (one bedroom) to €300.000 for a T4 house (4 bedrooms) with a first floor and attic.
You will find very useful tips on the property purchasing process in our Buying A Property In Portugal guide.
The pros of living in Aveiro
- Aveiro has a low cost of living in comparison to major cities like Porto and Lisbon.
- It is a popular location for retirees, but you can find people of all age groups as the University of Aveiro brings young people from all over the country to Aveiro.
- It’s a modern city with colorful architecture and a lot of fun and interesting activities.
- The city is close to amazing beaches such as Barra Beach.
- Aveiro is conveniently located for traveling to Porto and Coimbra.
The cons of living in Aveiro
- Aveiro is a small city with less than 80,000 people, and it might feel isolated for someone who enjoys the big city buzz.
- The city can feel quite cold and humid during winter.
- If you are looking for a job, it can be more difficult to find it in Aveiro in comparison to Porto or Lisbon.
The best areas to live in Aveiro
The best locations in Aveiro, in terms of real estate, would be places with sea or Ria de Aveiro views, which are the two points that add value and will make the investment safe in the future.
Aveiro is flat, and everything is relatively near and within walking distance, so most of the locations feel central and trendy. Here are some of the popular spots in Aveiro for expats:
1. São Jacinto
It is a lovely coastal area between the Ria de Aveiro and the Atlantic Ocean. The São Jacinto Dunes Natural Reserve lies north of the parish, and it is mostly sought for leisure and recreation. It has a beautiful landscape and an attractive environment.
2. Glória and Vera Cruz
Glória and Vera Cruz is a very popular parish in Aveiro. It is the larger and most populated parish in the city. Located right in the center, it is beautiful, full of history and culture, and very convenient for everyday living.
3. Esgueira
Esgueira is also a relatively large neighborhood quite popular with the young population.
4. Santa Joana
Santa Joana is another trendy parish in Aveiro, and it is home to various touristic, architectural, and religious landmarks in the city.
Other popular neighborhoods
São Bernardo is a central neighborhood and quite popular among tourists and expats.
Aradas and Cacia are very popular with families because of the quiet atmosphere.
Oliveirinha, Eixo e Eirol and Requeixo, Nossa Senhora de Fátima e Nariz are also charming parishes, welcoming to most expats.
Things to do in Aveiro
Allow me to invite you for a tour around Aveiro and raise your enthusiasm for this lovely town.
Let’s start with one of the must-dos: a tour in one of the typical boats called “moliceiros”. These slender, colorful boats are used to collect seaweed or “moliço” from the Ria de Aveiro.
In the mood for shopping? You are in the right place, as the city’s shopping center is right here, by the bridge.
If you are an admirer of architectonic wonders, you must visit the Art Nouveau Museum on one of the banks of the Central Canal.
You can also check the Aveiro City Museum, which has content that illustrates the moments, the facts, and the protagonists that have given soul to the history of this charming city.
Do a bit of history
Since we are on a roll and your adventure must continue, we advise you to explore the historic center.
This part of town has quaint squares, various shops, several churches, and many restaurants and pastry shops. Here you should take a break and taste the traditional Aveiro sweet known as “Ovos Moles”, a delicious custard of egg yolk, sugar, and water, wrapped in a wafer.
Beaches are a must
Of course, you will want to enjoy the proximity of the beach and take a walk near the colored houses of Costa Nova, taking in the scenery that makes Aveiro such a unique city in the country.
The Barra beach is well known for the lighthouse, one of the largest in Portugal, marking the point where the Ria runs into the sea.
To end any day in style, visit the Dunas de São Jacinto Nature Reserve. Here you will find scenery that remains undecided between land and sea, composed of sandy beaches, marshland, freshwater, and saltwater, and is home to many valuable wildlife species.
Final words on living in Aveiro
Whatever locations you are considering while planning your life in Portugal, one of the best cities to live in Portugal is, undoubtedly, Aveiro.
Aveiro is particularly attractive to expats because of its uninterrupted sea views, stress-free environment, and rich historical background.
A laid-back lifestyle with all the amenities on your doorstep and two big cities within easy reach are just a small sample of what this city is all about.
Other popular locations in Portugal to consider:
- Living In Cascais As An Expat
- Living In Sintra, Portugal As An Expat
- Living In Madeira: Facts For Expats
- Living In The Algarve: Things To Know Before You Move
- Living In The Azores As An Expat
- Best Places To Live In The Azores
You might find useful:
- Living in Portugal – The Expats’ Guide – the benefits and drawbacks of living in Portugal, visa options, residency, the cost of living, healthcare, taxes, and more.
- Best Places To Live In Portugal – a detailed overview of the most popular Portugal locations for expats starting from the southern region of the Algarve and its towns and going up North all the way to Porto.
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