Share the article
Last update
July is just around the corner, and if you're a culture enthusiast like us and also looking for a little sunshine in your life, Europe and its ancient cities dating back thousands of years, its mild climate and its delicious cuisine await you . It probably seems like a no-brainer at this point.
We're not sure about you, but as much as we love summers across the Atlantic, we don't really intend to spend our savings on another overpriced vacation, especially when Mallorca, Santorini, Venice and others await the biggest crowds– and soaring prices – for now.
Fortunately, now we know which The European destination offers the best quality price report this upcoming season, and we're here to let you in on the secret:
The Algarve is the cheapest summer destination in Europe
According to the last Holiday Money Report published by British Post, one of the most reliable sources for estimating holiday costs, the Algarve in Portugal is the cheapest and only European destination ranking in the top five for “vacation money value” this year.
It beats Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, Paphos in Cyprus, Costa del Sol in Spain (where Malaga is located) and even long-time winner Marmaris in Turkey, with travelers expected to spend time there. about $75 per dayexcluding accommodation.
The Algarve is the polar opposite of all of Europe's most popular summer destinations: overnight stays in beachfront hotels start from as cheap as $79and local consumer prices are among the lowest among its European peers: you'll spend an average of $16 at a standard mid-range Portuguese restaurant.
In addition, it is the southernmost and sunniest region of Portugal.the sun shines 300 days a year– and not only is it incredibly affordable by Southern European standards, but it has been voted time and time again as the most beautiful coastline on the Old Continent.
Contrary to popular belief, Portugal is not a Mediterranean country, facing the Atlantic, although it is just as hot, if not hotter, than neighboring Spain, and in the Algarve in particular the south-facing coast stretches along 96 miles of majestic cliffs And heavenly beaches.
The most magnificent coastline in Europe
Unlike Mediterranean countries like Croatia or Italy, pebbles are not at all common in the Algarve or Portugal as a whole: its 100 beaches are all sandybounded by the most brilliant waters, and seafronts lined with seaside resorts with secret coves, you will find everything here.
The most popular destination is Lagos, at the western end of the Algarve, famous for its imposing castle, honey-colored sand and laid-back atmosphere: it's not not There are a lot of people, but life here moves at a much slower pace and no one is in a hurry to be anywhere.
Elsewhere in Albufeira, tourists will find a charming town criss-crossed with cobbled streets, with laid-back bars and beach clubs attracting a large international crowd, while Faro is best known for its walled old town, baroque monuments and seafood .
These are just three of the Algarve's most popular towns, but again it's a fairly extensive coastlineand if you're looking to avoid the crowds, there's no shortage of picturesque seaside villages with their own selection of boutique hotels to choose from.
There is Carvoeiro, a dupe from Santorini with its whitewashed houses overlooking the azure sea, Olhão, a historic municipality with a maze-shaped historic center, famous for its heritage fisheries, and picturesque Ferragudo, with its bougainvillea-adorned streets and colorful porches.
But the Algarve's greatest asset is its breathtaking nature:
Can we talk about Algarvian nature?
Imagine wooden staircases leading to secret beaches flanked by imposing cliffs, tourist hiking trails culminating in crystal-clear lagoons, rolling green hills as far as the eye can see, dotted with vineyards, protected wildlife reserves and sea caves.
The most famous of them, Benagil, has a iconic hole created by nature at the top to let in the light: an icon of the Algarve, it can only be visited on boat trips from the modern seaside resort of Portimão, or from Lagos further down the coast.
Outside of the main towns, the Algarve never really feels busyeither, and it probably helps that it's a year-round destination enjoying warmer temperatures regardless of the season, so the millions of visitors who flock there don't do so exclusively between July and August.
You can fly non-stop to the Algarve from the United States
Americans can fly non-stop to the Algarve this summer with United, departing from the secondary airport of Newark, New York, and landing at Faro Airport, the only commercial aviation hub in southern Portugal.
Traveling off-road readers are also encouraged to check out this historic luxury villa nestled in the hills of the Algarve, from just $250 per nighta short drive from Faro, nature reserves and the picturesque medieval town of Loulé.
↓ Elevate your journey↓
Sign up now to benefit from Travel Off Path Premium! No Ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Member Forum and More!
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences, and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest travel news from Travel Off Path, straight to your inbox.
This article was originally published on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and not those 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 publication.
