Pateira de Fermentelos

Pateira de Fermentelos, a lagoon to fall in love with in the district of Aveiro

Near the city of Águeda, the Pateira de Fermentelos is an obligatory stop to rest the soul.

Located between Águeda and Aveiro, the Pateira - or Ribeiro, as some locals call it - is a must for anyone visiting this region. It is, in fact, the largest natural lagoon in the Iberian Peninsula, with 529 hectares of surface area, and it holds the secrets of a place that serves as the perfect backdrop for a romantic visit, as well as for a moment of reflection, or a simple Sunday stroll with the family.

However, we must make something clear: Pateira is not only from Fermentelos. It is also from Espinhel, Óis da Ribeira, Requeixo and, although less known, Carregal. Several localities, between the counties of Aveiro and Águeda, each one with its space and special interpretation of Pateira. For example, not even the name is universal. After all, the people of Espinhel call it Ribeiro (brook).

Each one of these places involves the lagoon in a different and unique way, and it is interesting to see, one by one, what surprises they hold for their visitors. Even so, in general, all of them are easily accessible, with parking spaces and changing rooms, some of them with restaurants or cafés and children's playgrounds.

Fermentelos

The Pateira de Fermentelos gains its greatest popularity in the parish of the same name, where the riverside area is marked by several leisure spaces and an environment worthy of a postcard. It is usual to find fishermen who choose this place to spend their afternoons, as well as families and other people who, especially on days when the calm waters of the lagoon reflect the sun, choose this place to walk and relax. That or think and reflect, and for that there is the Monument to the Emigrant, a statue in honour of the many Fermentelenese who left for different places in the world over the years, from Venezuela to Brazil, in search of a better life. But the créme de la créme of Pateira de Fermentelos is really its Inn, which has been planted on the edge of the lagoon since the 1970s, marking the landscape and becoming irremovable from the landscape when one thinks of this place. The Inn is the perfect place to spend the night in the peace of the lagoon, with all its silence and tranquil atmosphere, or to have lunch in its restaurant.

Óis da Ribeira

Even so, when it comes to lunch, the Pateira de Óis da Ribeira - opposite Fermentelos, on the other side of the lake, is not far behind. After all, it is where the Pôr do Sol restaurant is located, the main attraction for those who visit this side of the river. But those who think that Óis da Ribeira is just a restaurant are wrong. This side of the lagoon, in fact, has a children's playground that attracts several families, accompanied by a long space for walking along the water's edge and, as could not be missed, a large structure where one can read "I LOVE PATEIRA", ideal for those looking for the most 'instagrammable' places in this pearl of the district of Aveiro.

Espinhel romantic

Fermentelos and Óis da Ribeira are two of the main places to visit in this town, for their spaces worthy of laying your head on the grass and letting your thoughts flow, or taking the kids and using the spaces to burn off some energy and create good memories. In Espinhel, there are no cafés or restaurants, but there are two great symbols of Pateira - which, on this side, should be called Ribeiro. It is here, south of Fermentelos and Óis da Ribeira, where visitors can literally walk to the middle of the lagoon - without any divine miracles. Two twin platforms guide the way to two wooden corbels placed over the calm waters, making the ideal space for romantic moments, photographs and flirtations. That or moments with family, or with friends, around a game of cards or an impromptu party. Whatever the objective, these two open 'cabanas' provide a unique setting in the middle of the lagoon, with a view of the remaining shores of the lagoon and its points of interest.

Requeixo hidden

When people talk about this place, they mainly think of Fermentelos, Óis da Ribeira and Espinhel. However, if this were not the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula, there are a few more hidden corners bordering this body of water. One of them is in Requeixo, a small village north of Fermentelos, with a slightly more complicated access than the other places mentioned, and without big structures like restaurants or car parks. Still, Pateira de Requeixo is the ideal place for those looking to escape from other visitors and enjoy the calmness of the lagoon alone, or at least in great privacy. A dirt track runs along the shore of the lagoon, overflowing with the smells and sights of pure nature. The sounds of birds and the leaves of the trees dancing in the wind play the music of this natural orchestra, opening up a space of pure relaxation, allowing you to organise your thoughts and give a breath of fresh air to minds often clouded by the problems of daily life.

Carregal for those most interested

And if we are talking about hidden places around Pateira, we cannot forget Carregado, a place little known by visitors, but which is nonetheless one of the most interesting points of this place. After all, this is where you can find a large picnic park, which exudes summer afternoons playing cards with friends and family. That and, of course, the biggest point of interest of this corner of Pateira: the swing that is almost above the water, giving its user the fantastic sensation of jumping towards the waters of the lagoon. A space where there is no wi-fi, no TV, just real life. Or at least that's how it reads on an inscription next to the swing, on which there's another: Look with your Soul, feel with your Heart.