Venue
The RTME 2016 Conference will be held at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Aveiro. A young institution with 40 years of existence that is in the vanguard of technical programs in various engineering fields and with strong ties to local and foreign industry.
City of Aveiro
Aveiro is an attractive city on the southeastern edge of a scenic lagoon. It is crossed by three canals spanned by low-arched bridges – reason why the city is known as the Portuguese Venice, and is divided into two parts by the Central Canal. North of this canal is the old fishermen’s section, and the southern part is home to the city’s most historic buildings. The canal itself is lined with fine Art Nouveau buildings and beautifully painted gondola-like boats known as “moliceiros”. These were once mainly used to collect seaweed, but now transport tourists down the canal.
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The city is great for walking because it has no hills and its places of interest are easily accessible. One of the major sight is the former Convent of Jesus, now the City Museum. The church dates from the 15th century, but its interior decoration and Baroque façade were completed in the 18th century. Princess Joana, a daughter of King Afonso V lived in the 15th-century convent. Several miracles have been attributed to her, and she is now known as Saint Joana.
Facing the museum is the Sé (cathedral) whose baroque façade has twisted columns and sculpted figures of Faith, Hope and Charity. Inside is a 17th century organ and 17th century tiles.
A short walk away is Praça da República, a small square with the City Hall on one side and the 17th-century Misericórdia Church (with a lovely Renaissance portal and tiles on its façade) on another.
A fun way to explore Aveiro is by bicycle. There are several bikes known as “BUGA” parked around the city. They are free, working like a shopping cart at the local supermarkets – the 1-Euro coin inserted to unlock the bike is returned when the bike is parked again at any of the several BUGA stops around the city.
Facing the Atlantic nearby are the sandy beaches of Barra (with the country’s tallest lighthouse; the second-tallest in Europe and third in the world) and Costa Nova (known for its attractive candy-striped houses). They are good beaches for a day’s outing in the summer, but visitors wanting to explore the lagoon instead, may visit the city’s tourism office that organizes two-hour boat trips.
The area around the dunes of São Jacinto has what is considered some of Europe’s most spectacular dune land, and is also worth exploring.
An attraction outside the city is the Vista Alegre Museum that records the history of the famous Vista Alegre porcelain that is sold since 1824 when the factory was founded. It is well-known around the world, with famous names such as Britain’s Elizabeth II and Spain’s Juan Carlos having commissioned pieces.
When arriving in Aveiro by train, visitors are usually drawn to the train station’s tile-adorned façade. From there it is about 1km (just over half a mile) to the Central Canal, walking down the main avenue, Avenida Dr. Lourenço Peixinho.
Flying to Portugal
The closest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport in Oporto, located some 70kms to the north of Aveiro. Portela International Airport in Lisbon is located 250kms to the south of Aveiro. ANA (airports).
From Oporto to Aveiro
The journey from the airport to the railway station (called Porto-Campanhã) which has direct rail connections to Aveiro can be done using the Metro, Violet (E) Line, which has a terminal at the airport. The trips between the airport and the railway station take about 32 minutes (Z4 ticket). Click here for Metro information. If you prefer to do it by taxi, it takes around 30 minutes and cost around 20€.
The train journey to Aveiro takes about 40 minutes if you take the Alfa Pendular train and Intercidades or 1h15 if you take a regular train. There are many trains running regularly to Aveiro from Porto. Click here for train timetables.
From Lisbon to Aveiro
If you’re arriving by plane, the best way to come to Aveiro is by train from Lisboa-Oriente railway station. To get to the train station, you can take a taxi, which takes about 10 minutes, but there are less expensive ways to get there, by bus, for example (lines 5 and 44). Click here for train timetables.
Accomodations
The RTME2016 secretariat is not responsible for accommodation booking. The proposed hotels are just indicative.
Melia Ria Hotel & Spa ****The Meliã Ria Hotel & Spa is a four-star de luxe property conveniently located in the heart of Aveiro`s city centre, right on an inlet of the picturesque Ria de Aveiro. Each of the 128 guest-rooms is fully equipped with air-conditioning and heating, direct-dial phone, satellite and cable TV, internet access (wi-fi), mini-bar and safe-deposit box. A main feature of the Meliã Ria Hotel & Spa is its modern spa centre which comprises an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, turkish bath and gymnasium. The hotel`s wide-ranging on-site facilities include a restaurant, bar, snack bar, boutiques, hairdresser and meeting space for up to 250 pax theatre-style. |
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Hotel Afonso V ***In one of the most noble areas of Aveiro, the Hotel Afonso V is near the town center, of the Cultural and Congress center, and of the University and Comercial Center Forum. |
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Hotel As Américas ****Totally refurbished. The Hotel As Américas has 70 rooms, including 2 suites, 4 junior suites, 7 executive rooms, several adjoining rooms and some specially adapted for handicapped guests, each equipped with air-conditioning, direct-dial telephone, automatic alarm, mini-bar, cable TV, complimentary safe-deposit box, Wi-Fi Internet access and a private bathroom with hair-drier. Facilities include a bar, living room, lobby, Zen area, business centre, art nouveau-style breakfast room, free private garage parking and conference and meeting rooms for up to 150 people. Massage and baby-sitting services and rent-free BUGA bicycles are also available to guests. |
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Hotel Imperial ***The Hotel Imperial is a modern hotel situated in the centre of Aveiro, a lovely town known as the Venice of Portugal. Boasting fine views of the canals and enchanting cityscape, the hotel has 107 comfortable guest-rooms, each with cable and satellite TV, air-conditioning, mini-bar, direct-dial telephone, AM/FM radio-alarm clock, hairdrier and free Internet access. Facilities include a restaurant, cocktail lounge, laundry service, elevator, solarium and meeting rooms. |
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Hotel das Salinas **Hotel das Salinas is located in the center of the city, close to the University and the Forum Aveiro. Overlooking the city’s central canal, it features self catering rooms and free Wi-Fi. |
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Hotel Aveiro Palace ****In Aveiro, the city of water and light, stands the “HOTEL AVEIRO PALACE” Situated in the heart of the city where the main channel of the river, baths Aveiro. The Hotel is characterized by the tradition of its architecture and art entertainment. |
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Hotel Moliceiro ****The Hotel Moliceiro offers tourists and business travellers alike the chance to make the most of their stay in Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. There are 49 rooms in total, each fully equipped with every modern convenience. Facilities and services include a cocktail bar, valet parking, light meals, a wide choice of pillows and free Internet access in all the rooms and public areas. |
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