It’s officially a European summer.
Everyone knows someone who is preparing for a trip to Europe, with destinations like Italy, France, and Spain being the most popular European hot spots for American travelers.
But if you’re looking for an alternative that’s outside of the norm then why not consider the Algarve instead?
This stunning coastline is the jewel in Portugal’s crown.
And as an added bonus for travelers on a budget, it’s an affordable destination too.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why The Algarve?
Often called the “California of Europe”, the Algarve has been attracting growing numbers of American travelers this year.
In fact, The Portugal News reports that there has been a 70% increase in American visitors to the Algarve since when compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Don’t worry you probably won’t bump into your neighbors!
The number of Americans visiting Portugal is still much smaller than those visiting the UK, France, or Spain, for example.
But frankly, anyone who hasn’t visited this breathtakingly beautiful region is missing out.
The Algarve is home to an incredible stretch of 155 km of unspoiled beaches.
There are a whopping 150 named beaches here as well as smaller coves and bays, so you’re never far away from soft fine sand and turquoise water.
If you can tear yourself away from the beach, the Algarve also boasts delicious cuisine, a fascinating cultural heritage, and, unlike other European destinations right now, a warm welcome.
As an added bonus, Portugal is a country with a high level of English proficiency, so you won’t have to worry about learning a new language or things being lost in translation on your trip.
Why The Algarve Is A Great Budget Option For American Travelers
Historically, traveling in Portugal has been much cheaper than traveling to other European destinations such as Italy, France, and even its neighbor Spain.
Whilst that gap has closed slightly in the post-COVID world, Portugal still remains the cheapest country to visit in Western Europe.
To test this theory, and give you an idea of how much your trip might cost, I’ve done some research and some sums!
Airfare To The Algarve
The most expensive part of any European vacation will be the airfare, and there’s no getting around the fact that a nonstop flight from the U.S. to Portugal won’t come cheap.
Faro is the Algarve’s regional airport and right now there isn’t a direct route to Faro from the U.S.
United Airlines had planned to launch a route between New York/Newark and Faro in May 2024, and this will still go ahead, but it has been delayed until summer 2025.
Because of this, most American travelers to the Algarve fly into Lisbon and then take the scenic train to the coast, so these prices are based on flights to Lisbon.
For flights from Boston to Lisbon travelling from September 9 to September 16 you will pay $797, at time of research. This flight is with Air Portugal.
For flights from Miami to Lisbon travelling from September 9 to September 16 flights are a little cheaper at $701. This is also an Air Portugal flight.
Eating And Drinking In The Algarve
The cost of eating out in the Algarve is incredibly affordable, especially compared to other European countries and definitely compared to dining out in the U.S.
Of course, there are pricier fine-dining restaurants, and the Algarve also boasts Michelin-starred restaurants with price tags that match their reputations.
But if you want to go to a traditional Portuguese restaurant, then you should expect to pay between €8-13 ($8.60-14) for a main meal.
If you head off the beaten track and avoid the restaurants aimed at tourists, then you’ll find plenty of great restaurants offering a menu completo (a complete 3-course menu) for €10 ($11) ahead.
As a self-respecting Brit, I couldn’t write about eating and drinking on vacation without mentioning the price of a pint! You’ll pay between €1.50-2.50 ($1.60-$2.70 ) for a local beer and around the same price for a glass of wine.
Portuguese wine is excellent, so there’s no need to pay more for imported brands.
Is this cheap? Well, for context, you’d pay €4-5 ($4.30-5.40 ) for a beer in Barcelona, and the average cost of a pint in London is £6.75 ($8.70).
So absolutely!
Where To Stay In The Algarve
There’s no shortage of high-quality beaches and high-quality tourist accommodation options in the Algarve. It has long been a popular vacation destination for both British and German tourists.
So where should you stay in the Algarve? Well for a first visit you should base yourself centrally and in one of the region’s larger towns.
Choose Albufeira if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and easy access to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches.
Alternatively, Faro is a great pick for a more laid-back and culturally rich vacation experience.
I looked at some accommodation options to go with those September flights I found above.
And a 7 night stay in the 3 star Hotel Ibis Faro Algarve will cost just $795 or $113 per night. If you prefer a 4 star hotel then the Hotel Monaco is coming in at $1,048 or $149 per night. These prices are based on 2 people sharing.
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, then there are holiday apartments available in both Faro and Albufeira starting from just $40 per night.
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