Grestel is located in a small village named Vagos near the main town Aveiro. The geographical position of Aveiro explains much of its character. Along with life on land and on sea, symbolized by fisherman-salter farmer, and the special houses where they lived, Aveiro today is a rapidly expanding city as regards economy and population.

A University largely concentrated on R&D activities was founded and considerable investment in port structures and road acces was made over the past few decades. This is a region with a long tradition in ceramic manufacturing where some of the most ancient factories of the country and Europe were born and are still in activity.