The Traveller's Magazine
The results are in and after winning the World Travel Award last year, Portugal’s Algarve region is happy to take home the prize for Europe’s leading beach destination for the second time in a row. Haven’t been to Faro’s beaches yet? Catch this late season break for £54.
The World Travel Awards reward the best of the best when it comes to tourism and travel, with prizes for everything from most sustainable holiday resort to best airline lounge (which was awarded again to Virgin Atlantic for their Heathrow lounge). The summer holidays may be over for many as the kids pack their rucksacks for back to school this week but if it’s a budget trip you’re after, late-season breaks are the way to go!
Faro not so far at £54
Take off on in October and you get the best of it all: no queues, lower hotel rates and sunny days. Fall is a great time to escape to southern Portugal and discover just why the world is in love with Algarve’s beaches. The weather is still warm enough for a dip into the ocean but not too hot for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding towns and cities.
Ryanair departes from London Stansted and arrives in Faro three hours later.
Beaches, castles and bone-clad chapels
Faro is home to some 200 kilometres worth of beach and is known for its cool and clean water. Spend your days lazing about the region’s 100+ beaches or take a car to the mountains. Monchique Mountain, Sagres Cape and the Caldeirão Mountains are a short jaunt away. The best thing about visiting in October is, there are hardly any tourists around. The region’s population is a mere 500,000 but this explodes at least ten fold in July and August.
Top three things you should see while you’re here?
- Capela dos Ossos – Head to the small and sleepy town of Evora and visit the Bone Chapel, a small church decorated with human bones and skulls. It’s creepy and totally kitsch and not something you’ll soon forget.
- Silves – This was Algarve’s first capital and the red stone Moorish castle is a tribute to that. If you love castles, this is the place for you.
- Lagos beaches – Finally, hit the beaches in Lagos, the finest in the region. Praia da Batata is one of the most popular. The area is studded with hidden coves and secret beaches so bring your hiking shoes along and explore the coastal cliffs and caves.
Planning a late-summer break away? Have you been to Portugal’s Algarve coast before?
The Algarve certainly deserves the kudos. There are so many facets to it, it would fit just about anyone’s perfect holiday list, unless of course you prefer Antarctica.
Now with WiserGo.com you can experience Portugal like a local. WiserGo.com lets you design different travel packages with the help of local agents. You can then select your favorite package, the agent books everything for you and provides customer service while your in Portugal. Try it!