Europe's best value holiday destination is 29C with beautiful beaches and 30 flights
Brits looking for their next holiday destination might be hoping to bag a cheap holiday in Spain or Greece – but the best value European country for 2024 is actually Portugal.
The Post Office has just released its annual money report which found that the hot nation has beaten former winners like Turkey and Bulgaria to the post. Brits who love sun, sand and sea will be thrilled as Portugal boasts all three in abundance.
According to the report, Portugal was not only the cheapest destination in Europe, but the fifth cheapest in the world of the popular hotspots the Post Office surveyed. It was beaten on price only by long haul countries like Vietnam and South Africa.
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The report judges that the Algarve, in Portugal, was the place to be for bargain hinting Brits as a survey of the price of eight popular tourist items racked up to a cost of just £59.69. This was compared to £66.07 for Marmaris in Turkey and £63.49 for Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.
According to the data, you can get a glass of wine in Portugal for just £1.67 while a cup of coffee was a tiny 88p. If you’re more about a cool pint while on holiday that will set you back an average of £2.20 in the Algarve while water is 57p, suncream is £7.03 and a can of coke costs about £1.58.
Brits looking to dine out on an evening can enjoy a three course meal for two, with bottle of wine, for just £39.52. That’s hard to beat! There's more to the Algarve than just cheap booze and food though. The region, which is off the southeastern coast of Portugal, is famous for its beaches and gold resorts. The popular cities in the area include Faro, Lagos, Albuferia and Sagres all of which offer great value hotels and fancy beach clubs.
In Lagos, you can relax at the best beaches like Praia do Camilo or Praia de Dona Ana, or you can go sea kayaking to explore the fascinating geological features of the area. Of course there's always the option to simply lay out in the sun and enjoy the balmy temperatures which reach an average high of 29C in July – and it's even as hot as 20C in April.
In Lagos there’s also quad biking and you can hire a hot air balloon or climb through the tree canopies on the high ropes. When the sun starts to go out you can get stuck into Lagos’ vibrant nightlife or outstanding restaurants. Some reviews call the nightlife "unmatched".
Over in Faro, you can explore the picturesque old town with its winding streets and tavernas, visit an archaological museum and plenty of gorgeous churches and cathedrals. Plus, explore the palace with its pretty purple walls before heading to the Faro forum to shop until you drop. You should try the local cuisine while here – from fresh oysters to piri-piri chicken (yes, like Nandos).
Praia da Falésia sits at the edge of Olhos de Agua, just down the coast from Albufiera in the Algarve region of the country not far from Faro. It’s a Blue Flag beach so holidaymakers can be assured that the water is safe and clean and the long beach is great for families – and its been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Meanwhile, Albuferia offers sandy beaches perfect for snorkelling and a popular strip that's great for a pumping night out. The marina is perfect for those who love the sea and want to spot yachts, go dolphin-watching and enjoy boat rides. Sagres is best known for its beaches – the Cape Saint Vincent offers powerful sunsets while Praia do Beliche has soft, golden sand and loads of space for swimming.
The Algarve is also scattered with charming fishing villages on the cliffs that overlook the crystal clear blue ocean and there are many coves and small towns with bars and restaurants to enjoy. You can find some great accommodation deals over on booking.com, you can get a double room in Albufiera from £21 a night for two while a room in Lagos can cost from £30 a night.
TUI also offers package deals to the Algarve from just £129 including flights which is extremely cheap. Alternatively you can get return flights from the UK to Faro for £30 with Wizz Air.
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