The Azores are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic and an autonomous region of Portugal which has been dubbed the “Hawaii of Europe” – and it’s a lot cheaper than Hawaii
Fancy a slice of tropical paradise without breaking the bank?
Look no further than the Azores, Portugal’s answer to Hawaii and a treasure trove of natural beauty that won’t leave your wallet empty. HolidayBest.com has tipped the Azores as the go-to spot for those seeking a dreamy yet affordable wedding locale. Their experts have been quoted saying: “While Hawaii has that long-haul tropical, ‘isle of paradise’ ambience straight out of a fairytale, closer to home is the Azores in Portugal.”
Labelled the “Hawaii of Europe”, the Azores are not just about romantic getaways. They’re also perfect for thrill-seekers or beach bums wanting to soak up the sun. Eurochange’s travel experts even included the Azores in their list of “bargain European hotspots” for summer 2024, reports the Express.
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Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital engagement at eurochange, raved about the destination: “The Azores is an adventurer’s paradise. Set in the middle of the Atlantic between the United States and Portugal, it is made up of nine volcanic islands,” adding: “Boasting a diverse landscape, here you can find everything from volcanos to deep green fields, bright blue waters, and fields filled with hydrangeas.
“The fact that each island is surrounded by coastline, means there are tonnes of gorgeous hidden beaches to explore, and you’re unlikely to bump into any other visitors.”
Not only does The Azores boast a stunning landscape, but it also serves up some cracking deals for the budget-conscious traveller. “With accommodation starting from less than £60 a night and a three-course meal costing less than £50, this is a great low-cost holiday spot,” Laura explained.
For those looking to sample local cuisine without blowing the budget, eurochange experts discovered that a three-course meal on average comes in at £35.53 per person. This might be par for the course compared to other European jaunts, but beer enthusiasts will grin at the mere £1.26 needed for a cold one.
To throw that into sharp relief, across the UK the average pint will set you back £4.21, according to numbers crunched by Finders.com. However, in the capital, expect to fork out an eye-watering £5.90 for the same pleasure.
However, it’s not just your wallet that gets a breather with The Azores’ ample dining and drinking options. Whether you’re in the mood for spoiling yourself at a posh retreat or looking for a wallet-friendly stay, there’s variety aplenty.
As per the newest stats from Booking.com, you can snag a room from a bargain £19 a night without having to cut corners on service quality. Take the trendy Out of the Blue hostel in Ponta Delgada, currently offering beds at £21 a night, yet it’s been deemed “superb” by those who’ve previously stayed.
Flights from the UK to The Azores are significantly cheaper than those to Hawaii, and much shorter too with the average flight time ranging between four and a half and five hours.