Discover the charm of the city on a traditional moliceiro boat ride through its historic canals. Join our expert guide to learn about the deep connection between the city and its waterways, uncovering fascinating stories along the way!
Take a boat trip aboard the most famous boat in the Ria de Aveiro region. The moliceiro, a traditional boat with deep roots in Portuguese maritime culture, was used in the past to transport moliço, a group of seaweeds crucial for fertilizing agricultural land.
With a capacity to carry up to 7 tons of moliço, these boats were propelled by ancient methods such as the sail, the pole, or the sirga. However, the evolution of chemical fertilizers has replaced the use of moliço, making its harvest practically non-existent.
Today, the moliceiros have taken on a new life, predominantly used for tourist trips and regattas, where they preserve the cultural heritage and offer visitors a unique experience on the calm waters of the Portuguese streams.