Share the article
Last update
It's officially European summer.
Everyone knows someone planning a trip to Europe, with destinations like Italy, France and Spain being the most popular European destinations for American travelers.
But if you're looking for an alternative that's a little out of the norm, why not consider the Algarve instead?
This magnificent coastline is the jewel in Portugal's crown.
And as a bonus, for budget travelers, it's also an affordable destination.
Here's what you need to know:
Why the Algarve?
Often called the “California of Europe,” the Algarve is attracting a growing number of American travelers this year.
Actually, Portugal News reports that there has been a 70% increase in the number of American visitors to the Algarve compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Don't worry, you probably won't run into your neighbors!
The number of Americans visiting Portugal is still far lower than those visiting the UK, France or Spain, for example.
But frankly, anyone who hasn't visited this breathtakingly beautiful region is missing out.
The Algarve is home to an incredible 155km of unspoilt beaches.
There are no fewer than 150 named beaches here as well as smaller coves and bays, so you're never far from fine, soft sand and turquoise water.
If you can drag yourself away from the beach, the Algarve also has delicious cuisine, a fascinating cultural heritage and, unlike other European destinations at the moment, a warm welcome.
As a bonus, Portugal is a country with a high level of English proficiency, so you won't have to worry about learning a new language or losing things in translation during your trip.
Why the Algarve is a Great Budget Option for American Travelers
Historically, traveling to Portugal has been much cheaper than traveling to other European destinations like Italy, France and even its neighbor Spain.
Although this gap has narrowed slightly in the post-COVID worldPortugal remains the cheapest country to visit in Western Europe.
To test this theory and give you an idea of how much your trip might cost, I did some research and some calculations!
Flight ticket to the Algarve
The most expensive aspect of any European vacation will be the airfare, and there's no denying that a non-stop flight from the United States to Portugal won't be cheap.
Faro is the regional airport of the Algarve and there are currently no direct connections to Faro from the United States.
United Airlines had planned to launch a route between New York/Newark and Faro in May 2024, and this will take place, but it has been postponed to summer 2025.
For this reason, most American travelers to the Algarve fly to Lisbon and then take the scenic train to the coast. These prices are therefore based on flights to Lisbon.
You can fly non-stop to Lisbon from Boston, San Francisco, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC
For flights from boston to lisbon If you are traveling from September 9th to September 16th, you will pay $797 at the time of search. This flight is with Air Portugal.
For flights from Miami to Lisbon Flights from September 9 to 16 are slightly cheaper at $701. This is also an Air Portugal flight.
Eating and drinking in the Algarve
The cost of eating out in the Algarve is incredibly affordableespecially compared to other European countries and certainly compared to restaurant meals in the United States.
Of course, there are more expensive fine dining restaurants, and the Algarve also has Michelin-starred restaurants whose prices match their reputation.
But if you want to go to a traditional Portuguese restaurant, you should expect to pay between €8 and €13 ($8.60 to $14) for a main course.
If you go off the beaten path and avoid the tourist-friendly restaurants, you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants offering a menu completo (a full 3-course meal) for €10 ($11) in advance.
As a self-respecting Brit, I couldn't write about food and drink on holiday without mentioning the price of a pint! You'll pay between €1.50 and €2.50 ($1.60 to $2.70) for a local beer and about the same for a glass of wine.
Portuguese wine is excellent, so there is no need to pay more for imported brands.
Is it cheap? To give you an idea, you'll pay €4-5 ($4.30-$5.40) for a beer in Barcelona, and the average price of a pint in London is £6.75 ($8.70).
So absolutely!
Where to stay in the Algarve
The Algarve has no shortage of quality beaches and quality tourist accommodation and has long been a popular holiday destination for British and German tourists.
So where to stay in the Algarve? For a first visit, you should base yourself in the center, in one of the larger cities in the region.
Choose Albufeira if you are looking for a lively atmosphere and easy access to some of the Algarve's most beautiful beaches.
Faro is also a great choice for a more laid-back and culturally rich holiday experience.
I looked at a few accommodation options to accompany the September flights that I found above.
And a 7-night stay in a 3-star hotel Ibis Faro Algarve Hotel will cost only $795 or $113 per night. If you prefer a 4-star hotel, the Hotel Monaco costs $1,048 or $149 per night. These prices are based on 2 people sharing the room.
If you're travelling on a tighter budget, holiday apartments are available in Faro and Albufeira from just $40 per night.
↓ Improve your trip ↓
Sign up for Travel Off Path Premium now! No Ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Member Forum and more!
✈️Join our off the beaten path travel community forum:Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences, and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST PUBLICATIONS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest travel news from Travel Off Path, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the article.
