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July is just around the corner, and if you’re a culture vulture like us who also happens to be looking for a little sun in your life, then Europe and its ancient cities that literally go back millennia, a mild climate and delectable cuisine sounds probably like a no-brainer at this point.
We’re not sure about you, but as much as we love summers across the pond, we’re not exactly about to burn through the savings on another overpriced vacation, especially when Mallorca, Santorini, Venice and the like expect the biggest crowds. – and price increase – not yet.
Fortunately, we know now which European destination offers the best value for money 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 latter Holiday pay report published by the British Post Office, one of the most reliable sources for assessing holiday costs, the Portuguese Algarve is the cheapest and only European destination to make it into the top five for ‘Holiday Money Value’ this year.
It beats Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, Paphos in Cyprus, the Costa del Sol in Spain (where Malaga is located) and even former winner Marmaris in Turkey, with travelers expected to about $75 per dayexcluding accommodation.
The Algarve is at odds with all of Europe’s popular summer hotspots: overnight stays in beach hotels start from as cheap as $79and local consumer prices are among the lowest among European competitors: you spend an average of $16 in a standard mid-range Portuguese restaurant.
Moreover, 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 Old Continent’s most beautiful coastline.
Contrary to popular belief, Portugal is not a Mediterranean country that faces the Atlantic Ocean instead, although it is just as warm if not warmer than neighboring Spain, and in particular in the Algarve the south coast runs along 150 kilometers of majestic cliffs and paradise beaches.
The most beautiful coastline in Europe
Unlike Mediterranean countries such as Croatia or Italy, pebbles are not at all common in the Algarve or Portugal as a whole: the 100 beaches are all sandybordered by the shiniest waters, and from resort-lined ocean fronts to secret coves, you will find it all here.
The most popular destination is Lagos, in the western part of the Algarve, famous for its imposing castle, honey-coloured sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere: it is not. not busy, but life unfolds here 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 by cobbled streets, with informal 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 this is it a fairly extensive coastlineand if you want to avoid the crowds, there’s no shortage of quaint seaside villages with their own selection of boutique hotels to choose from.
There is Carvoeiro, a Santorini dupe with whitewashed houses overlooking the azure sea, Olhão, a historic municipality with a maze-like historic center, famous for its heritage fishing, and picturesque Ferragudo, with bougainvillea-decorated streets and colorful verandas.
However, the Algarve’s greatest asset is its hair breathtaking nature:
Can we talk about the nature of the Algarve?
Imagine wooden stairs leading down to secret beaches flanked by towering cliffs, tourist-friendly hiking trails leading into crystal clear lagoons, green hills as far as the eye can see, dotted with vineyards, protected nature reserves and sea caves.
The most famous of them, Benagil, has one iconic hole made by nature at the top to let the light in: an icon of the Algarve, it can only be visited on boat trips departing from the modern seaside resort of Portimão, or Lagos further up the coast.
Outside the main cities, the Algarve never really feels busyand it probably helps that this is a year-round destination with warmer temperatures regardless of the season, so the millions of visitors who flock there don’t do so exclusively between July and August.
From the US you can fly non-stop to the Algarve
Americans can fly nonstop to the Algarve this summer with United, departing from New York’s secondary Newark Airport and landing at Faro Airport, the only commercial aviation hub in southern Portugal.
Travel off the path readers are also encouraged to view 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.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely 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 post.
