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Abroad, Aveiro, Portugal

Aveiro, the sunny corner of Portugal

posted by Dario
Jun 1, 2021 537 0 0
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The adventure of being a Portuguese #Aveiro

Aveiro, the city I hadn’t heard of until the day I just bought tickets to visit. But isn’t that the idea of ​​adventurers? To rush into the known and the unknown in the name of discovering and learning new things. Such was the case with this beautiful and sunny town.

Aveiro is located about 58 km north of Coimbra and about 68 km south of Porto and is one of the largest and most important cities in the region. The cityscape is crisscrossed by canals that can be navigated by painted gondola-style boats, known as moliceiros. And on the pier in the older part of the city are charming houses in Art Nouveau style in pastel shades.

Aveiro canals

But how can this city impress you and what makes it more special than others? Follow me and I’ll take you on my one-day impromptu walk in Aveiro.

  • Walk from Aveiro
  • Costa Nova

Walk from Aveiro

Just wandering the old-fashioned and colorful streets of Aveiro made me feel truly the city. Each building is uniquely different from the next and so one can truly enjoy the wide range of tiles and color combinations on every corner of the city.

Portugal is known for its tall and narrow buildings and beautiful tiles, and Aveiro sticks to this look. That’s why I won’t hide the fact that the best way to explore the city is to get lost on the streets, as happened to me.

Aveiro traditions
Aveiro tales

Aveiro is compared to Venice because of the architecture and history it has. Yes, indeed, there is a network of canals with which everyone can ride in local boats, but there are also significant differences. As I mentioned, the boats here are called moliseiros and are painted in typical symbols and colors of the region. In the past, they were used to collect algae, which were transported to farmland outside the city for fertilization. While today they have become one of the main attractions and symbols of the city, through which you can see Aveiro from a different perspective.

Aveiros people
Aveiro culture

Aveiros attractions

Another distinctive feature of this Portuguese city are the colors with which it is painted. Here every visitor will witness beautiful combinations of bright colors, which easily become a favourite detail for everyone. I admit that I was very impressed by them, they definitely attract attention.

Aveiro streets

Costa Nova

The nearby former fishing village of Costa Nova is easily accessible by taxi or bus from the centre of Aveiro. If you want to spend part of your trip to Aveiro on the beach or experience a drastic change of scenery, then I would recommend exploring Costa Nova. This small former fishing village is famous for its interesting architecture and striped houses.

Costa Nova

Costa Nova buildings

Once you take a taxi or bus, they will take you on the main road of the city and you will easily reach the beach after about five minutes walk from there. Along the beach there is a wooden path, which is dotted with various places where you can get something to eat.

The path to the ocean

Atlantic ocean

The long section of sand provides endless opportunities for rest, and why not taking a sunbath. Keep in mind that we are still talking about the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, which means that the water is relatively cold, but at the right time you can always take advantage of a quick dive into the salty ocean waters.

the beach

The city is about 10-minute taxi ride away and will cost you around 12 euros from the center of Aveiro. If you prefer the cheaper route, a 2 euro bus will take you there in about 45 minutes to an hour.

This is how my short walk in Aveiro happened, which took place in November and I will not forget that it was snowing in Bulgaria then, and I was on the other side of Europe and spent a nice and sunny day, accompanied by a modest 17 degrees. Aveiro showed me the history and culture of Portugal through a different prism and I can say that there are really interesting differences between where a city is and how it has developed over the years. And this place, like Cascais, showed me how the fishing villages of the country have undergone rapid transformations.

The waves

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Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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While we stayed in our host town of Lithoro it was While we stayed in our host town of Lithoro it was a must to explore with a walk the surroundings. That’s how we found ourselves in front the Bath of Zeus. 

The path is easy and mostly concrete or paved, it is only just over 1 km, an easy walk to Zeus Bath Tub through a beautiful canyon. Nature around the path is magnificent with lots of greenery growing out the bedrock, caves and stunning views back to the coast. 

The waterfalls are not sensational, but it is a tranquil and relaxing spot, probably why Zeus chose it to hide his love affairs from his wife Hera.

#Greece #hike #nature
Many people don’t realize but Greece is not only Many people don’t realize but Greece is not only a sea destination, the country has the second highest mountain on the Balkans – Mount Olympus.

That’s why I decided, after climbing several times the highest peak on the peninsula - that is Musala in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria - it was time to do this Greek challenge.

Mount Olympus has 52 peaks and deep gorges. The highest peak, Mytikas, meaning "nose", rises to 2,917 metres and to add that was quite a challenge to go on top of it.

But at the end the prize was worth it, to see the beautiful mountain nature, to witness some of the last winter snow and all this accompanied with breath taking panoramic views over the sea, that’s what I call the true beauty of our Earth.

#Greece #mountain #hike
Greece is particularly known for the countless bea Greece is particularly known for the countless beautiful beaches and islands that it has on its territory. So, naturally, being in a country that has border with three European seas it was inevitable to officially open the sea season. But one question popped in my head. What do people know about the Aegean Sea except its location?

With this post I will tell you some curious facts for one of the charming seas in Europe:

🌊 It is said that the sea was named after the Greek town of Aegae. Another derivation may be possible from the Greek word aiges means “waves.”

🌊 There was a civilisation named the Aegean Civilization; was a Bronze age civilization that flourished on the islands in the Sea around 2 millennium BC. In 1876 a German archaeologist, Heinrich Schliemann discovered it.

🌊 The area in the Aegean Sea is known as the Aegean Islands. There are more than 1400 islands the majority of which fall into the jurisdiction of Greece, while the remainder belong to Turkey. Crete is the largest Island in the region.

🌊 Many of the islands in the Aegean Sea are actually extensions of the mountains that lie in the mainland.

🌊 The maximum depth of the Aegean Sea is at the eastern side of Crete, where it reaches 3,543 meters below the sea’s surface.

🌊 In some South Slavic languages, the Aegean Sea is referred to as the White Sea.

#Greece #aegeansea #curiousfacts
Talking about breathtaking places in the Bulgarian Talking about breathtaking places in the Bulgarian mountains – Pashovi rocks is definitely one of them.
Overhanging over the deep valley of the Lyuta River as a beautiful rock massif, which offers a wonderful view of part of Rila and the whole Pirin.

The rocks are at an altitude of between 1300 and 1400 meters above sea level. The view from the rocks is very beautiful. Here is the beginning of the Rhodopes, where Rila and Pirin mountains meet. The part here is called Veliytsa. From here you can see the ridge of Balabanitsa hill, which is the first hill from Rila to the west and the peaks of Pirin to the south, and after Balabanitsa rises a second even higher hill, Rakovica. You can see part of the meadows of Yundola, the hill with the village of St. Petka, the valley of the river Ablanitsa. The horizon to the east is closed by the giants of the scale of the Rhodopes - Syutkaya and Batashki Snezhnik.

#bulgaria #hike #panoramicview
Keeping up with the beautiful panoramic views in R Keeping up with the beautiful panoramic views in Rhodope mountains we move on to Momina rock.

Momina rock is a landmark with many beautiful views. It is located near Plovdiv, only 16 kilometres south of the city. However, it is not a very famous place. If you like short walks in nature, this is a great idea.

The route combines a walk in the woods and outdoors, unique views, sheer cliffs of Momina Skala itself and is also light and pleasant.

#Bulgaria #mountain #hike
Let’s go up and admire the pure spring beauty of Let’s go up and admire the pure spring beauty of Rhodope mountains!

Our stop will be the mystic and beautiful rock phenomenon "Slaveevi Rocks" which is located about 5.5 km west of the town of Velingrad, in the Alabak mountain range. They are a unique rock complex located at the foot of Chernovets Peak. From the top of the rock massif there is an amazing panoramic view of the Chepino valley, Velingrad and the surrounding Rhodope parts - Alabak, Karkaria and Batashka mountain.

The Slaveevi Rocks are the centre of a large Thracian necropolis of several square kilometres. According to the researcher, the rock carvings of "Slaveevi Rock" indicate that there were cult facilities - sacrificial altars, pools, sacrificial pits, and fragments of pottery and clay spoons found during excavations date back to the Late Bronze or Early Iron Age.

#Bulgaria #hike #panoramicview
Witness the Bulgarian Niagara waterfall or also kn Witness the Bulgarian Niagara waterfall or also known as the waterfall near the village of Hrabrino.

The waterfall is located only 11 kilometres from the city of Plovdiv and can be easily reached by asphalt road, and then on a convenient path. The waterfall is a great idea for a light walk, because in addition to the views, you can have a picnic, there are seats by the paths, and also in front of the waterfall you can sit and admire its freshness and beauty. 

The waterfall is small, but it is full of water and powerful even during the summer season. The river next to it is also very beautiful, as the road runs right next to it.

#bulgaria #waterfall #hike
To the Rhodopes we go! On this adventure we visit To the Rhodopes we go!

On this adventure we visited Sitovo waterfall - a place far away from the human and industrial hand and completely preserved by the surrounding nature. 

It is located in the Rhodopes, 30 km from Plovdiv, right at the junction between the beautiful Rhodope villages Sitovo and Lilkovo. They can be reached by a unpaved, but relatively flat road. The left road continues to Sitovo, and the right - to Lilkovo. 

Under the bridge at the fork, which turns to Lilkovo, the passing river has formed a cascade of waterfalls. The waterfalls have a maximum drop of about 2 meters and are extremely picturesque as you can see from the pictures.

 #Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
🚨First reel alert! Going in the high grounds o 🚨First reel alert!

Going in the high grounds of Pirin mountain we went to explore a pretty hidden gem - Bukov Dol Waterfall. It is located between the villages of Kovachevitsa and Gorno Dryanovo. Its waters are low in summer, but from snowmelt and rains in spring and autumn they increase. It can be reached by crossing the Roman bridge between the two villages. The river has clear icy waters, the forests are dense and cool, and the views are unique.

This spot is a true adventure because there is not a clear path to pass by but only some red signs to show which is the right direction. For the true explorers this is a true dream place.

Near the waterfall you can see the chapel of St. George and the remains of a Thracian sanctuary.

Thanks to @radah.b for always pushing and motivating me to try start doing this type of content. 💚

#Bulgaria #hike #waterfall
Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in the Rila Mountains. Located in Rila National Park. The waterfall is located on the Skakavitsa River in the Skakavishka Valley at the foot of the eastern slope of Kabul Peak, Northwestern Rila. It is located at 1950 m above sea level, and the height from which the water falls is 70 m.

The hike can be challenging during the winter but the final destination is pure wonderland. Although you can visit the waterfall every season because it is always “working”. Skakavitsa is in fact one of the most majestic and amazing waterfalls in Bulgaria, so don’t miss to visit it.

#Bulgaria #Waterfall #hike
Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Yuki-Doro!

Can't describe how much I love this little sassy piece of fur. 😄

Anyway about our new destination - Slivodolsko praslkalo. It is located in the Dobrostan part of the Western Rhodopes. The nearest settlement is the village of Yugovo located in the southeast.

The water falls from a height of 49 meters, making the waterfall the highest in the Rhodopes.

This waterfall is absolutely magical so it is worth to do the hike to reach the place even if at some spots it is a little bit difficult but the pleasure and views at the end is worth doing the hike!

#bulgaria #hike #dog
We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulg We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulgarian waterfalls. This time we are finding ourselves in the Rhodope mountains. 

There we went to the beautiful village of Manastir. Near the village is situated the waterfall "Holy Spirit". Its height is about 15 meters and is the highest in the period April - June. The waterfall is located on the river Manastirska and is about 1.5 km walk from the center of the village of Manastir. It was declared as natural landmark in 1965, and the area of 0.5 ha around it is protected.

Curious fact:
The village of Manastir is the highest altitude village on the Balkan Peninsula - 1500 meters above sea level.

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will be the Sramejlivetza waterfall or directly translated in english the Shy waterfall.

The waterfall is located on the river Kameshnitsa between the villages Samuilovo and Kamena. It is locked by a rock in the shape of the letter "P", which surrounds the entire gorge, starting from the waterfall. It is 21 meters high, making it the highest waterfall in the Belasitsa mountain.

It is quite impressive and its totally worth it to go over all the obstacles that the trail has.

#waterfall #bulgaria #hike
Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem of Belasitsa mountain.

#Bulgaria #waterfall #hike
Let’s open the season of the waterfalls! Finall Let’s open the season of the waterfalls!

Finally, the warm spring days have arrived and was time to start exploring the awakening waterfalls in Bulgaria. For my first stop I choose the village of Skrat – a place in the very corner of Southwest Bulgaria.

The first waterfall is called waterfall Dubitsata - an easily accessible spot. The hike is around 40-50 min depending of your speed of walking.

It is a wonderful place to explore and to dive into the Belasitsa mountain’s nature.

The face of our mountain expert Yuki-Doro is the living proof of this experience!

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
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