5 Portugal Destinations That Feel Like Italy That Are Half The Price Right Now

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Italy is my favorite country in the world, so much so I’ve spent roughly a year and a half traveling across it.

After countless return trips to Italy over the years, from the northernmost corners of the snow-capped Dolomites down to its most remote island, Pantelleria, geographically closer to Africa than Europe, I’ve seen enough of the country to know my way around at this point, and when to avoid overspending on overrated experiences.

Tucked away on the western edge of Europe, there’s this other sun-drenched country that I absolutely adore.

Portugal is known for its mild, sunny climate, sandy shores, and mouth-watering food, but there’s something about this Iberian gem that often gets overlooked: how it can sometimes feel like Italy’s spiritual sister.

I kid you not, whenever I get my dolce vita cravings but don’t exactly fancy splurging on another Roman holiday, these 5 Portugal dupes are my Italian fix, often for a fraction of the latter’s rates:

Instead of Venice, try…

Aveiro

One of the prettiest Portuguese cities yet to be overrun by the masses, Aveiro sits roughly one hour south of Porto, and it’s Portugal’s direct answer to the world-famous floating city.

It revolves around a picturesque central canal, connected to several smaller, bridge-spanned waterways, and all along it, these long wooden boats with beautifully painted, high-arched bows travel up and down carrying passengers.

Aveiro locals call them moliceiros, and they have been around since the late 18th century, when they were used to harvest moliço, aquatic plants from the neighboring Ria de Aveiro lagoon that were then used as agricultural fertilizer. Nowadays, they’re mostly tourist boats.

Now, let’s not sit here and pretend Aveiro is the perfect, one-to-one alternative to Venice: it’s by no means a city fully built over water, and instead of a string of bridge-connected islands and winding waterways in lieu of streets, it has one main canal, with regular streets running alongside it.

The moliceiros are truly the main attraction, and don’t get me wrong, it’s a pretty relaxing, roughly $16 ride, but Aveiro’s true showstopping moments for me are farther away from the historic center:

A 15-minute drive towards the coast, Costa Nova is one of the prettiest beach towns in Portugal, with candy-colored striped houses and endless golden sands.

Slightly north of Aveiro, Válega is home to this stunning azulejo-clad Baroque church, with a façade and interior covered in colorful tiles and beautiful stained-glass windows.

How much cheaper than Venice is Aveiro?

Quite a bit. Restaurant meals are around 40% cheaper, while a three-course meal for two can cost around half as much as it would in Venice.

Is it less crowded?

Absolutely. Although Aveiro does get busy around its canals during summer and weekends, but it’s certainly nowhere near Venice’s constant day-in, day-out tourist crush.

Average Prices in Aveiro, Portugal in 2026

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $14
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $50
• Half-liter of domestic draft beer: $3.35
• Cappuccino: $2.15
• Three-star hotel: around $105 per night
• Moliceiro boat ride: around $16
• One-way local transport ticket: around $2.25

Instead of Capri, try…

Madeira

Capri is truly one of a handful of high-priced European destinations that are actually worth splurging on, but if you’re in the mood for a similar island escape with lush mountains, dramatic coastlines, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Madeira’s your ultimate alternative.

Sitting around 600 miles from the Portuguese mainland, this volcanic outcrop in the middle of the Atlantic has lush mountains, winding coastal drives that feel just like Amalfi, and volcanic swimming spots that aren’t off-limits behind a $40 paywall.

Funchal, the vibrant capital and largest city on the island, feels like a more relaxed, laid-back version of Capri Town:

It’s the social and commercial hub, with a calçada-paved Historic Center, beautiful colonial-style buildings, and lively markets, all just a short stroll from the water.

Half the reason people go to Capri these days is sailing around the island, Hugo spritz in hand, with the spectacular Faraglioni rock formations as a backdrop. Only major downer? A two-hour boat trip can set you back around $143.

In Madeira, the same shared three-hour catamaran cruise will cost around $45 per adult.

My own personal favorite thing to do in Madeira, though? Well, other than the epic hikes, millennia-old laurel forests, and eating half my body weight in pastéis de nata, the natural, lava-made pools of Porto Moniz in the north are all the water fun you need.

How much cheaper than Capri is Madeira?

Significantly cheaper. More affordable acommodation aside, your biggest savings will come from eating out and enjoying the island’s many natural attractions without paying entry fees every few meters.

Is it less crowded?

100%. Madeira has a few busy spots, especially around Funchal and Porto Moniz, but the attractions are spread across a much-larger landmass, so the tourism concentration isn’t the same as in tiny Capri.

Average Prices in Madeira, Portugal in 2026

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $15
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $64
• Half-liter of domestic draft beer: $2.80
• Cappuccino: $2
• Three-star hotel in Funchal: around $160 per night
• Shared three-hour catamaran cruise: around $45 per adult
• Porto Moniz main pool complex: around $3.35

Quick Intermission

Check The Local Travel Rules Before Flying To Europe In The Future

Before you take off, remember that Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area.

U.S. passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but their passports must remain valid for at least three months beyond their planned departure from the Schengen Area.

The EU’s Entry/Exit System is now in operation, meaning American travelers may have their passport details, fingerprints, and facial images registered when entering Schengen. Over 44,000 travelers have been denied entry so far due to not having familiarized themselves with the rules.

Head over to the free-to-use Entry Requirement Checker to pull up the complete list of documents you’ll need for a smooth entry into the EU.

Instead of Rome, try…

Braga

Often dubbed the ‘Rome of Portugal‘, Braga is the country’s oldest city, with a rich history stretching back over 2,000 years. It was once the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia and is now a stately university city with a contrasting youthful vibe.

Sounds like a proper estranged daughter of Rome, alright.

The most imposing monument you can see here is Sé de Braga, the city’s medieval centerpiece. Construction began in 1070, making it Portugal’s oldest cathedral, built several decades before the country itself existed.

Its combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements is worth the 40-minute Porto detour alone.

For that dose of Roman history, we have the Roman Baths of Alto da Cividade, a sizable early-2nd-century public bath complex, right beside the remains of a partially excavated ancient Roman theater.

The Historic Center’s cobblestone alleys and 18th-century gateways genuinely feel like you’ve lost your way in a quieter, less-crowded corner of Rome’s own Trastevere district, and if you’re looking for a hilltop viewpoint with spectacular views—you know, the local Janiculum Hill—Bom Jesus do Monte is the clear standout:

A grand Baroque staircase climbs a steep hillside, passing fountains, small chapels, and delicately sculpted statues. This UNESCO-listed sanctuary culminates in a beautiful basilica at the top, and the panoramic views over Braga’s church spires and terracotta roofs are breathtaking.

How much cheaper than Rome is Braga?

Around one-third cheaper on average if you’re a mid-range traveler. Typical daily spending in Braga comes to around $159 per person, compared with approximately $232 in Rome.

Is it less crowded?

Oh, definitely. Braga has its fair share of visitors, yet a majority are Portuguese weekend visitors, and they mostly pool around the cathedral and Bom Jesus do Monte.

Average Prices in Braga, Portugal in 2026

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $12
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $48
• Half-liter of domestic draft beer: $3.35
• Cappuccino: $1.90
• Three-star hotel: around $106 per night
• One-way local bus ticket: around $1.75
• Braga Cathedral admission: free

Before The Next Spot On The List…

Is Portugal Safe To Visit Right Now?

Portugal is one of the safest destinations in Europe, and the U.S. Department of State currently gives it its lowest risk classification: Level 1, or in simpler terms, exercise normal precautions.

The main concern here is petty theft, particularly pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, rather than serious violent crime. Even then, most of the theft occurs in larger urban centers, namely Lisbon and Porto, rather than smaller towns like Braga.

Travel Off Path Traveler Safety Index: Portugal currently scores 82 out of 100, based on live reports from recent visitors.

Instead of Cinque Terre, try…

Azenhas do Mar

Silenzio, Bruno! Instead of joining the tourist throngs for another chaotic, overcrowded day out in Cinque Terre, cramming into coastal trains like sardines and fighting for a spot in the sun, we’re taking the scenic route to Azenhas do Mar, a short 40-minute drive from Lisbon.

Out of all the coastal villages I’ve visited in Portugal, this is easily one of the most impressive, and it’s easy to see why it gets sometimes compared to Italy’s iconic quintet of villages facing the Ligurian Sea… dcespite the absence of color:

The whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs are perched on a steep cliff above the Atlantic, with buildings that almost seem to cascade down the hillside.

They’re not painted in the vibrant reds, weathered yellows, or deep blues you see in Riomaggiore or Vernazza, coming instead in shades of limewashed white, but the dramatic seaside setting, scenic viewpoints, and sea access are all there.

In fact, right at the bottom of the hillside houses, there’s a sheltered ocean pool tucked into the rocks. The rocks retain seawater at low tide, and in the summer months, it’s a lovely spot for a refreshing dip in the Atlantic without troubling yourself with the rough waves.

Looking for a bite to eat? Adega das Azenhas is my go-to restaurant in town: it’s family-run and cozily set inside an old wine cellar that once stored the famous Colares wine. Fried hake fillets are a house specialty, and they will almost always have them on the menu.

How much cheaper than Cinque Terre is Azenhas do Mar?

Using the wider Colares area as a comparison, a typical overnight costs around 15% less than it would in Cinque Terre. If you’re visiting Azenhas do Mar as a day trip from Lisbon only, without staying the night, you can spend considerably less.

Is it less crowded?

Without a doubt. Azenhas do Mar is a mere tiny coastal village that sees only a small fraction of the crushing tourism Cinque Terre hosts in peak season.

Average Prices in Azenhas do Mar, Portugal in 2026

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $12–23
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: around $56
• Half-liter local draft beer: around $3.35
• Cappuccino: around $1.70
• Guesthouse or small hotel in the nearby Colares area: around $100–160 per night
• Village walks and natural ocean pool: free

Instead of Siena, try…

Évora

Out of all the smaller medieval towns of Tuscany, the vineyard-dotted Italian region best known for Florence, Siena is arguably the prettiest one: medieval town squares, a soaring belfry, and Renaissance palaces just about everywhere you look.

Coming up with a Portuguese dupe for that ain’t easy, especially given Siena’s rich history and incomparable character, but if we’re talking Roman heritage, medieval town layout, and centuries-old wine-making traditions, then Évora takes the cake.

A town of around 56,500 residents in the heart of inland Alentejo, it’s got a handful of Old World wonders to its name.

Most notably, the 1st-century Roman Temple, right in the UNESCO-listed Historic Center, featuring 14 Corinthian columns still standing on its ancient granite base. This is probably the best-preserved ancient pagan temple in Portugal, and I’d happily make a trip to Évora for that alone.

We’re not done yet: a short five-minute walk from the main square, you’ll find a Gothic cathedral with an atmospheric cloister and a rooftop terrace you can climb for astonishing views of the town’s terracotta roofs, maze-like cobbled center, and the verdant winelands of Alentejo in the distance.

I’d be lying if I said history and culture were the only reasons why I keep returning to Évora every chance I get, perhaps even more so than Italy’s own Siena:

A single bite of Tempero & Prosa’s pork cheek served over mushroom risotto, washed down with a glass of Cartuxa, one of Alentejo’s best-known wine labels, will have even the toughest men crying tears of joy.

How much cheaper than Siena is Évora?

Around 15–20% cheaper on an average mid-range trip. Typical daily spending in Évora comes to around $162 per person, compared with approximately $194 in Siena (it can cost considerably less if you’re only visiting as a day trip form Lisbon without spending on hotels)

Is it less crowded?

Yes, for sure. Évora is a popular day trip from Lisbon, but it remains much calmer than Siena, particularly outside weekends.

Average Prices in Évora, Portugal in 2026

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $12–14
• Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: around $45
• Half-liter local draft beer: around $2.75
• Cappuccino: around $1.70
• Three-star hotel: around $111 per night
• Roman Temple: free
• Évora Cathedral (including cloister, panoramic terrace, and museum): around $5.60

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