Baixo Vouga

Baixo Vouga is a Portuguese subregion integrated in the Centro region. It is centered around the city of Aveiro. Other major cities include Águeda, Ílhavo and Ovar. The subregion covers an area of 1,807 km² and has a population of 394,393 inhabitants (2005) for an overall density of 218 hab/km². It is crossed from east to west by the river Vouga.

Economy

Baixo Vouga is a subregion of heavy industry; its exports include paper, ceramics, chemicals, automobiles, and food. Tourism, education (including the University of Aveiro) and health services are also very developed.

Tourism

The city of Aveiro & it`s environs has much to offer.From urban lansdcape,malls,beaches and wooded areas. Tere are some interesting beaches in this area wich is in Costa de Prata("Silver Coast").,ie:Barra,Costa Nova,Sao Jacinto,Torreira,Furadouro.The Ria de Aveiro is one of the most amazing lagoons.The Ria crosses the city in several canals,often known as Veneza Portuguesa"Portuguese Venice".The boats are "Moliceiros".Gastronomy/regional:Ovos moles"Soft eggs"(sweets).Spas/Termas:Luso(famous for it`s mineral water/agua mineral),Curia(Park/Jardim)both tree lined with esplanadas(outdoor cafes).Forrest/Floresta:Mata do Bussaco(in Serra do Bussaco).Vouga river valley around Sever do Vouga is nice too. There several hotels,Pousadas,Pensions and residenciais,some in the city,other in the countryside.

Municipalities

The municipalities (Concelhos) of Baixo Vouga ("Lower Vouga" river valley) are:

*Águeda city [about 15.000 in city/ [cidade]
*Albergaria-a-Velha town [8.000]
*Anadia city [3.500] parish/freguesia:Arcos
*Aveiro [chief city] {capital distrital & of Baixo Vouga} [67.003] in several urban parishes/freguesias.
*Estarreja city [7.000] freguesia:Beduido
*Ílhavo city [17.000] freguesia Sao Salvador
*Mealhada city [5.000]
*Murtosa town/vila [3.000]
*Oliveira do Bairro city [4.500]
*Ovar city [18.000]
*Sever do Vouga town [3.000]
*Vagos town [4.000] other cities: Gafanha da Nazaré [15.000] ( a parish and city in the municipality of Ílhavo ) & Esmoriz [12.000] ;(in the municipality of Ovar).

Transportation

Several motorways,tollways(auto-estradas) [A 1;A 25] .Main train stations:Aveiro(main hub),Ovar,Esmoriz,Pampilhosa,Mealhada,Estarreja,O.do Bairro,Mogofores.Other stations:Avanca,Oia,Paraimo/Sangalhos,Quintas,Luso.Principal airfield:Aveiro/Sao Jacinto [PVA] .Chief harbor(harbour):Porto de Aveiro{Ilhavo/Aveiro}.