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We know what you’re probably thinking: Isn’t it a little too late at this point to be thinking about beach getaways across the pond? To answer your question in a simple way: yes, it is a bit…
If you think of the South of France, the Amalfi Coast in Italy or the old coastal towns of Croatia, but there is always an exception to the rule:
Enjoying mild winter weather and with golden sandy beaches stretching for miles, Portugal’s Algarve is the best choice for a European beach trip this season – it may not be 86 degrees, but it’s still a pleasant 68°F, and rain is minimal.
But wait, we saved the best for last: according Pricelineit’s the best budget friendly beach destination on the old continent:
The sunniest coast in Europe
If you’re new to the Algarve, that’s the name of Portugal’s southernmost region, which stretches for 150 kilometers along the Atlantic coastline, largely surrounded by sandy beaches – – none of those pesky Mediterranean pebbles! – – and old towns overlooking picturesque bays.
Did we mention that it is always warmer in the Algarve compared to the rest of Europe?
It is in December sees daily high temperatures of 64.4°Fand tolerable lows of 53.6°F at night – hardly summery, but the good news is that there is very little precipitation!
On average it rains only 5-6 days during the winter period, and although it is not warm enough to swim in the sea, especially since it is the North Atlantic Ocean and not the Mediterranean Sea, you can be outside comfortably in your polo and shorts, even in January.
We’d still pack a turtleneck for the fairly chilly evenings – trust us, there’ll be a lot of al fresco dining on this trip – but in terms of luggage, we’re definitely talking about EEuropean fall or spring clothingnot, you know, winter cold.
What can we say?
The Algarve does one of the sunniest and warmest coastal areas on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, largely helped by geography: it is the southwesternmost end of the Iberian Peninsula, the hottest peninsula in Europe, and it is very close to the African continent.
The Algarve is the cheapest winter sun holiday in Europe
Not only does the Algarve offer warmer temperatures all year round, the Algarve is also the cheapest beach destination in Europe: this season you can stay in a four-star hotel on the beach, such as Jupiter marina shall will cost you $54 per personincluding breakfast!
Elsewhere at the Hotel Faro & Beach Cluba luxury property with its own rooftop restaurant overlooking a medieval city, an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness centre, you can expect to pay a reasonable $99 per night.
Looking for more affordable places to stay in the heart of the Algarve? Attempt Muthu Clube Praia da Oura ($45 per night), Agua Hotels Vila Branca ($54 per night), or if you don’t mind splitting the dough for a little more privacy, the adults-only Hotel Sol e Mar ($109).
That’s just the price of accommodation: in case you’re wondering how much you spend on food per day, Budget your trip has an accurate estimate of $39and as for transportation, for less than $10 a day you can get around on local buses and trains.
Like Priceline reportstravelers are “looking for stunning sights while keeping an eye on the budget,” and if the numbers add up, they’ll see the Algarve as a no-brainer when it comes to both cultural experience and beach time.
Hotel searches are up 291% year over year, and we can’t say we’re surprised:
Why is the Algarve becoming increasingly popular?
The charming capital of the Algarve, Faro is the gateway to the sun-drenched coast, with a medieval center full of history still surrounded by walls and dominated by a towering Baroque cathedral. Nearby is the beach of Faro Este. sunbathing area all year round.
One of the trendiest seaside resorts in the region, Albufeira is where most international guests come, mainly because of the wide choice of bars, the picture-perfect whitewashed cityscape, reminiscent of Santorini, and affordable Portuguese restaurants.
Bee Cais Ao Maryou can select your own lobster from the aquarium, and there is plenty of fresh fish on the ice, caught that same day, to choose from, while in Jardim Rusticothe traditional cod cakes and the shrimp salads are the stars of the show – in terms of price, expect to pay between $17 and $33.
A drive along the coast takes you to Benagilone of the country’s most easily recognizable natural wonders:
Beautiful beaches and lively seaside resorts
A sea cave known for its domed ceiling with a hole in the center, through which sunlight enters a must-see for all first-time visitors to the Algarve, even some distance from the boat – unless the authorities have changed their mind, tourists will no longer be allowed in the cave itself.
You can only get there by boat, so we recommend booking early in the morning Adventurous speedboat ridevisiting not only Benagil Cave, but also passing a picturesque Ferragudo Castle, resting on a beach, and the small oceanfront settlement of Carvoeiro.
Most day trips through this part of the Algarve coast depart from Portimão, or as we like to call it, Portuguese Miami:
Located on the widest beaches you will ever see, this country is the closest thing to a full-fledged seaside resort, with a rapidly developing hotel zone, high-rise condominiums with ocean views, and Bohemian streets full of bars and nightclubs.
Some of the best venues in the entire Algarve are located in Portimão, including Marginália, which attracts alt-rock and reggae enthusiasts, NoSoloAqua, a beach club that serves delicious cocktails and is equipped with infinity pools, and a beachfront Oceans Club, your go- to spot for techno bangers.
Oh, and by the way, Portimão has almost 8 km of beacheswhere the sun shines continuously 300 days a year, from the centrally located Três Castelos and its beautiful rock formations to the quieter surfing hotspot Praia do Alemão.
Ancient castles and fairytale towns
If you’re like us and love a little hidden gem that most tourists have yet to discover, in which case we highly recommend veering off the coastal path and heading inland towards Silves, a Moorish built, fortified city home to an imposing fortress and a 14th-century bridge.
Not exactly a hidden gem, but don’t forget Lagos: called by many the cultural capital of the Algarve, it has cobbled streets with centuries-old houses clad in Portuguese tiles (azulejos), bougainvillea-lined alleys and a historic landmark. castle.
From central Lagos, the 2.4 kilometer long Ponta da Piedade (lake) visits beautiful beaches – our favorite is Praia do Estudante, sandwiched between two rock formations spanned by a bridge believed to be of Roman origin––and lush marine reserves.
Read more about the Algarve here and start planning your sunny holiday to Europe out of season.
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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.
