A new report has confirmed that prices for tourist-targeted activities have fallen in many popular EU holiday hotspots, and one Spanish destination has been named the most budget friendly
Travellers hoping to enjoy Portugal on a budget should consider heading to this one specific destination within the Algarve region. The Algarve, known for its golden beaches and dramatic coastlines is a beloved holiday hotspot for Brits and was recently named one of the cheapest areas to visit.
As reported by Euronews, the UK Post Office’s annual money report for 2024 found that prices for dining and other tourist-centric activities have fallen in over 60 percent of the resorts and cities it surveyed. Portugal’s Algarve region ranked as the cheapest among the 15 European destinations surveyed, overtaking Turkey and Bulgaria.
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The report found that out of all the destinations surveyed, Algarve had the cheapest coffee at £0.88 (€1.05) and wine at £1.76 (€2.10). But there is one coastal city in particular that travellers should make a beeline for to enjoy the best the region has to offer.
Faro is the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, though it is often relegated to the status of ‘gateway’ to more popular destinations along the coast. But in addition to offering lower prices compared to other tourist hotspots, Faro’s breadth of beaches and historical architecture make it more than just a stopover city.
Faro boasts over 3,000 hours of sunlight per year and is considered one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. Late spring promises warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C, while summer months see temperatures averaging from 24 to 30°C.
Basically, Faro is a great year-round destination for British tourists in desperate pursuit of T-shirt weather. Travellers are all but guaranteed perfect sunbathing conditions on any one of Faro’s over 100 beaches.
Praia de Faro is the city’s most popular beach, featuring 5 straight kilometres of fine golden sand. The beach is equipped with all the modern amenities including sunbed and parasol rental and a sandbar. Keep in mind though, Praia de Faro can get very busy during the summer.
If you’re looking for a beach that offers a bit more seclusion, consider Praia do Ancao. This slice of serenity is the best place to escape the crowds and still enjoy soft sands and pristine water.
There are no restaurants or cafes on Praia do Ancao, so it is crucial to plan ahead with snacks and sunscreen. But the beach’s proximity to the Ria Formosa Natural Park means those willing to make the trek can also discover the area’s distinct vegetation and wildlife.
For travellers that really want to immerse themselves in Faro wildlife, the birdwatching boat tours in Ria Formosa are a must. Ria Formosa is a well-known coastal lagoon in the Algarve region and solar-powered boats depart regularly from Faro to give both trained biologists and budding birdwatches the chance to see white storks and spoonbills up close.
Once you’ve had your fill of sand, surf and adventure, head into Faro’s Old Town to marvel at the city’s medieval architecture. Faro’s Old Town has been pedestrianised for the most part, in order to preserve its cobbled streets and 18th century architecture.
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While the 1755 earthquake wreaked havoc on other parts of Faro, the Old Town remained relatively intact. Travellers can still see the famous white-washed Bishop’s Palace, originally from the 16th century which only opened to visitors in 2019. The Palace is situated in Faro’s main square of Largo da Sé, where travellers can also visit the Renaissance-style Faro Cathedral and Town Hall.
Faro’s peak months are between June and August, but because the city can get incredibly hot, it may be wise to consider travelling in Spring. In addition to being extra budget-friendly, visiting Faro outside of peak season allows travellers to better enjoy the city’s natural and manmade beauty.