The moliceiro boat is a traditional wooden vessel from the Aveiro region. Originally used for harvesting moliço, an aquatic vegetation essential for local agriculture, it is now a cultural symbol representing the connection between the community and the Ria de Aveiro.
Moliceiros are often decorated with vibrant colors and panels reflecting everyday scenes and local traditions, making each boat unique.
Moliceiro tours are available daily, with hours varying according to the season.
The painting of moliceiros is an artistic form of expression, with images that tell stories and traditions of the region, helping preserve Aveiro's cultural identity.
The combination of historical functionality and artistic expression makes the moliceiro boat a distinctive element of Aveiro's cultural landscape, offering tourists an authentic view of Portuguese maritime tradition.
For centuries, moliceiros played a fundamental role in the local economy, contributing to the fertilization of fields. Over time, their agricultural function diminished, but the moliceiro boat remained a cultural icon, now used in festivals and tourist tours that celebrate Aveiro’s maritime heritage.