If you’ve been dreaming of a getaway to Venice but are afraid of the crowds and high prices, this Portuguese city may be the best option to visit.
Known to tourists as the “Venice of Portugal,” the charming coastal town of Aveiro offers a similar atmosphere to its Italian counterpart.
Aveiro has earned its nickname thanks to its picturesque canals, vibrant boats and Art Nouveau architecture.
Gondola-like boats called moliceiros glide along the city’s three main canals, offering aquatic tours of the estuary that runs through the heart of the city.
Aveiro is about half the size of Venice, meaning its streets are much more relaxed and allow visitors to explore without having to navigate dense crowds.
Known to tourists as the “Venice of Portugal,” the charming coastal town of Aveiro offers a similar atmosphere to its Italian counterpart.
Aveiro has earned its nickname thanks to its picturesque canals, vibrant boats and Art Nouveau architecture.
Like Italy’s “Water City,” Aveiro has a rich maritime history and a thriving fishing industry, as reported by Boys Bible.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, there are plenty of activities to do, from canal cruises to salt spas and surfing lessons along Portugal’s stunning central coast.
The city is also known for its sandy beaches, including the popular Barra Beach and the picturesque São Jacinto Beach, perfect for both sunbathing and swimming.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach 29 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal European destination for sunbathing.
If you’re more interested in trying local flavors and drinks, Aveiro has you covered at a fraction of the cost of Venice.
Instead of gelato and tiramisu, you’ll find plenty of cheap beer to keep you going, and at just €2 (£1.74) for a pint, you might even be able to forget about Italy’s most iconic treats altogether.
Plus, a meal at a good restaurant can set you back just €8 (£6.98), meaning you can enjoy local Portuguese dishes without spending a fortune.
According to the Central PortugalTraditional dishes served in Aveiro restaurants and homes include “ovos-moles”, a sweet dessert made with sugar and egg yolks, and “Caldeirada de Enguias”, an eel stew seasoned with saffron.
Aveiro is about half the size of Venice, meaning its streets are much more relaxed and allow visitors to explore without having to navigate dense crowds.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach 29 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal European destination for sunbathing.
Like Italy’s “Water City”, Aveiro has a rich maritime history and a thriving fishing industry.
Aveiro train station
If you are still not convinced by the idea of exchanging Venice for Aveiro, the cost of the trip may convince you.
Flights to the nearest airport in Porto are very cheap – return tickets from the UK cost as little as £26 with Ryanair and easyJet.
With flights departing from cities such as London, Leeds, Bristol, Belfast, Birmingham and Edinburgh, there is no shortage of options. After landing, it is just an hour’s drive to Aveiro.
Accommodation is equally affordable: a stay at the four-star beachfront Costa do Sal Hotel Boat Lounge costs just £27.50 per person per night sharing a room – half what you’d expect to pay in Venice.
So for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of a canal city without emptying their wallet, Aveiro offers a budget-friendly, crowd-free alternative to Venice, with sunny beaches, colorful boats and plenty of local charm.