Welcome to the ‘Venice of Portugal’ – where temperatures soar to 29 degrees, bustling canals line the streets and pints cost just £1.80

If you’ve always dreamed of a trip to Venice but are dreading the crowds and high prices, this Portuguese city might be the best option for you.

Dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ by holidaymakers, the charming coastal city of Aveiro has a similar atmosphere to its Italian counterpart.

Aveiro owes its nickname to its picturesque canals, colorful boats and Art Nouveau architecture.

Gondola-like vessels called moliceiros ply the city’s three main canals, offering cruises along the estuary that runs through the heart of the city.

Aveiro is about half the size of Venice, so the streets are much quieter and visitors can explore the city without having to fight through the crowds.

Dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ by holidaymakers, the charming coastal city of Aveiro offers a similar atmosphere to its Italian counterpart

Aveiro owes its nickname to its picturesque canals, lively boats and Art Nouveau architecture

Like Italy’s “City of Water”, Aveiro has a rich maritime history and a thriving fishing industry, reports LadBible.

For those looking for a bit of adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from, from canal cruises to saltwater pools and surfing lessons along Portugal’s beautiful central coastline.

The city is also known for its sandy beaches, including the popular Barra Beach and the scenic São Jacinto Beach, ideal for sun worshippers and swimmers alike.

During the summer months, temperatures can reach 29 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal European destination to enjoy the sun.

If you’re more interested in sampling local flavors and drinks, Aveiro has it all for a fraction of the cost of Venice.

Instead of gelato and tiramisu, you’ll find plenty of cheap beer to keep your spirits up. And at just €2 (£1.74) a pint, you might just forget you’re missing out on iconic Italian treats.

What’s more, a meal in a good restaurant can easily cost you €8 (£6.98), meaning you can enjoy local Portuguese cuisine without it costing you a lot of money.

According to the Center of PortugalTraditional dishes served in restaurants and homes throughout Aveiro include “ovos-moles” – a sweet dessert made from sugar and egg yolks – and “Caldeirada de Enguias”, an eel stew flavoured with saffron.

Aveiro is about half the size of Venice, meaning the streets are much more relaxed, allowing visitors to explore the city without having to navigate the crowds.

During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 29 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal European destination to catch some rays

Like Italy’s “City of Water”, Aveiro has a rich maritime history and a thriving fishing industry

Aveiro Train Station

If you’re still not convinced to swap Venice for Aveiro, perhaps the price of the trip will convince you.

Flights to the nearest airport in Porto are a bargain, with return tickets from the UK starting from £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. Once you land, it is just a short one-hour drive to Aveiro.

The accommodation is also affordable: a stay at the four-star beachfront Costa do Sal Hotel Boat Lounge costs just £27.50 per person per night if you share a room – half what you would pay in Venice.

For anyone looking to experience the beauty and history of a canal town without breaking the bank, Aveiro offers an affordable and tranquil alternative to Venice – complete with sunny beaches, colourful boats and plenty of local charm.