We know what you’re probably thinking: isn’t a bit too late to think of beach getaways across the pond at this point? To answer your question in a straightforward manner, yeah, it sort of is…
If you’re thinking Southern France, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, or the ancient coastal cities of Croatia, but there’s always an exception to the rule:
Enjoying mild winter weather, and with golden sands that stretch for miles on end, the Algarve in Portugal is your best bet at a beach-hopping European trip this season––it may not be 86 degrees, but it’s still a pleasant 68°F, and rain is minimal.
But wait, we’ve saved the best for last: according to Priceline, it is the best budget-friendly beach destination in the Old Continent:
The Sunniest Coast In Europe
If you haven’t been properly introduced to the Algarve before, it how Portugal’s southernmost region is called, stretching for 96 miles along the Atlantic shoreline, mostly fringed by sandy beaches––none of those irksome Mediterranean pebbles!––and ancient towns overlooking scenic bays.
Did we mention it’s always warmer in the Algarve compared to the rest of Europe?
In December, it sees daily high temperatures of 64.4°F, and tolerable lows of 53.6°F overnight––hardly summery, but the good news is, there’s very little precipitation!
On average, it rains for only 5-6 days over the winter period, and though it is not warm enough for swimming in the sea, particularly seeing it’s the North Atlantic, not the Mediterranean, you can be outside comfortably in your polo and shorts, even in January.
We’d still pack a turtleneck sweater for the moderately chilly evenings–trust us, there’ll be a lot of alfresco dining on this trip–but luggage-wise, we’re definitely talking European fall or spring-appropriate garments, not, you know, dead-of-winter cold.
What can we say?
The Algarve is one of the sunniest, warmest coastal areas on the other side of the Atlantic, helped largely by geography: it’s the southwestern-most end of Iberia, the hottest peninsula in Europe, and it’s very close to the African continent.
The Algarve Is The Cheapest Winter Sun Getaway In Europe
Not only does it boast year-round warmer temps, the Algarve is the cheapest beach destination in Europe: this season, staying in a beachfront, 4-star hotel like Jupiter Marina will set you back by $54 per person, breakfast included!
Elsewhere at the Hotel Faro & Beach Club, a luxurious listing with its own rooftop restaurant overlooking a medieval city, an outdoor pool, and a spa and wellness center, you can expect to pay a reasonable $99 a night.
Looking for more affordable stays in the heart of the Algarve? Try Muthu Clube Praia da Oura ($45-a-night), Agua Hotels Vila Branca ($54-a-night), or if you don’t mind shelling out the dough for a little more privacy, the adults-only Hotel Sol e Mar ($109).
That’s only the price of accommodation: in case you’re wondering how much you’ll be spending on food per day, Budget Your Trip has an accurate estimate of $39, and as for transportation, you can get around on less than $10 a day using local buses and trains.
As Priceline reports, travelers are ‘seeking stunning sights while keeping an eye on budget’, and if the numbers are anything to go by, they see the Algarve as a no-brainer when it comes to both experiencing culture and beach time.
It’s seen a 291% increase in hotel searches year-on-year, and we can’t say we’re surprised:
Why Is The Algarve Rising In Popularity?
The charming capital of the Algarve, Faro is the gateway to the sun-drenched coast, with a History-charged medieval center still surrounded by walls, and dominated by a towering Baroque cathedral––nearby, Faro Este Beach is a year-round sunbathing spot.
One of the trendiest resort towns in the region, Albufeira is where most international guests flock into, mainly for its big selection of bars, picture-perfect whitewashed townscape, evocative of Santorini, and affordable Portuguese restaurants.
At Cais Ao Mar, you can select your own lobster from the tank, and there’s plenty of fresh fish on ice, caught that very day, to pick from, whereas in Jardim Rústico, the traditional codfish cakes and the prawn salads are the stars of the show––price-wise, expect to pay between $17 – $33.
A drive up the coast will take you to Benagil, one of the country’s most easily-recognized natural wonders:
Beautiful Beaches And Lively Resort Cities
A sea cave famous for its dome-shaped ceiling with a hole in the middle, letting the sunlight in, it is a must-see for all first-time visitors to the Algarve, even at a distance from the boat––unless authorities have changed their minds, tourists are no longer allowed in the cave itself.
You can only visit with a boat, so we’d recommend you book an early morning Speedboat Adventure Tour, visiting not only Benagil Cave, but also passing by a picturesque Ferragudo Castle, resting on a beach, and the small oceanfront settlement of Carvoeiro.
Most day tours of this part of the Algarve Coast depart from Portimão, or how we like to call it, the Portuguese Miami:
Straddling the widest beaches you’ll ever see, this the closest Portugal gets to a full-fledged resort city, with a fast-developing hotel zone, high-rise condominiums overlooking the ocean, and Bohemian streets packed with bars and nightclubs.
Some of the best venues in all of the Algarve are located in Portimão, including Marginália, which attracts alt-rock and reggae lovers, NoSoloAqua, a beach club serving delicious cocktails and equipped with infinity pools, and a beachside Oceans Club, your go-to spot for techno bangers.
Oh, and by the way, Portimão has close to 5 miles of beaches, where the sun shines uninterrupted for 300 days per year, from the centrally-located Três Castelos and its magnificent rock formations, to the quieter, surfing hotspot that is Praia do Alemão.
Ancient Castles And Fairytale Towns
If you’re anything like us, you love a little hidden gem most tourists are yet to discover, and in that case, we’d strongly recommend you verge off the coastal path and go inland towards Silves, a Moorish-built, fortified town home to an imposing fortress and a 14th-century bridge.
Not exactly a hidden gem, but don’t forget Lagos: dubbed my many the cultural capital of the Algarve, it has cobbled streets lined with centuries-old houses clad in Portuguese tiles (azulejos), bougainvillea-framed alleyways, and a landmark ancient castle.
Starting from downtown Lagos, the 1.5-mile out-and-back Ponta da Piedade visits (more) beautiful beaches––our favorite being Praia do Estudante, wedged between two rock formations spanned by a bridge believed to be of Roman origin––and lush marine reserves.
Learn more about the Algarve––and start planning your off-season sunny escape to Europe––here.
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