The Algarve: One of Europe’s Cheapest Self-Catering Destinations

A poll taken by Post Office Travel Money over the summer indicated that the Algarve was one of the most budget-friendly places in Europe to take a self-catering holiday. The study found that a basket of twenty typical supermarket items, which would cater for a small family, came to just £57.78 in the Algarve, whereas in other holiday hotspots such as Corfu, the prices for a weekly shop soared well over £100. The western Mediterranean resorts fared much better than those located in Greece and Italy, and the south of Portugal is now being celebrated as one of the best locations in Europe for a family holiday.

Many families who wish to go self-catering opt to spend their holiday in one of the Algarve’s stunning self-catering holiday villas. With over one hundred miles of stunning coastlines, interspersed with quaint villages and bustling resorts, staying in an Algarve villa offers families the chance to enjoy the region in the way that they see fit, whilst conforming to a comparatively low self-catering budget.

Each region of the Algarve offers something different which all families can enjoy without overspending. Those with a steeped interest in history might find themselves drawn to the areas of Vilamoura and Praia da Luz, where many Roman ruins still remain. These attractions are free to view and offer a fascinating insight into the history of the region, which used to be one of the busiest port towns in the Mediterranean. Many of the Algarve holiday villas in the region overlook these ruins and can be surveyed from the outside pool or eating areas which many of the properties boast. So far as I am aware none of our villas overlook Roman ruins.

Guia is a more quintessentially Portuguese town, with traditional restaurants and cafes lining many of the streets. The town is 6km inland from the coast, but many Algarve self-catering villas are located nearby so there is easy access to a number of typical Algarvian restaurants, serving local cuisine at lower prices than many of the larger resort towns. Villas in this region can sleep from five to nine people across two to four bedrooms, meaning that families looking for a holiday can pair up if they wish to facilitate extra savings on their basic shopping expenses.

Carvoeiro is one of the main family-friendly resorts in the Algarve, and the continuous tourism in the area means that many restaurants, cafes, bars and supermarkets provide budget options. The dramatic cliffs in this region are offset by stunning white beaches and azure ocean, making it a picturesque spot for a family holiday, and there are many cheap and cheerful ways to keep the family entertained, including water parks, crazy golf courses, tennis courts, animal shows and a so-called ‘smuggler’s beach’ called Alfanzina. The villas in this region can sleep up to thirteen people, so the spending costs can be split across a much larger number of people for a memorable and fun budget holiday.

William and Kate may spend their honeymoon in an Algarve villa

With the Royal wedding looming, everyone is riddled with anticipation and speculation as to what Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton’s big day will involve. And it’s not just the big day itself which has got everyone worked up in excitement; the location they choose for their honeymoon has also had everyone guessing which destination they will pick.

The Royal couple have recently been formally invited to Portugal’s most popular tourist destination; The Algarve. The invite was issued by Turismo do Algarve, the tourist board for this region. It was sent to the British Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Ellis who will then personally see that the couple receives the invite.

The president of the Turismo do Algarve, Nuno Aires has expressed that he “honours the close relationship between the UK and Portugal, as well as the established British tradition of holidaying or living in our region.”

In the paper which was delivered to Ellis, Nuno Aires offered his congratulations to the British Royal family on their recent wedding announcement.  He also told Prince William and Kate Middleton of his ‘joy and happiness’ that they are to marry on 29th April 2011 in Westminster Abbey, London.

In years gone by, British tourists have always flocked to the Algarve staying in the resorts luxurious hotels and Algarve villas. Amongst all of the Algarve’s international arrivals, British people account for half of all people at the Faro airport- the regions only airport.

With such a promising track record of welcoming Brits to the Algarve’s idyllic shores, and with many returning back year on year it indicates the happiness and satisfaction that the Algarve brings to the British public.

If you want to spend some time on the Algarve’s coastal resort there are a variety of locations you can choose from, depending on your preferences. For those looking for a relaxing, sport filled break the Algarve holiday villas located in the Vale do Lobois is ideal. The region boasts world class sporting and leisure facilities, as well as upper class dining and entertainment facilities, all of which are within just a stones throw to the resorts long, golden sandy beach.

The Vale do Lobo villas offer a superb standard of accommodation while holidaying in The Algarve. Some might say they are even fit for a king………

If you want to browse for villas in The Algarve visit http://www.premier-holidays.com

Relax this winter at one of Premier Holidays Algarve villas

If you’ve got the winter blues this year, and want to escape the icy weather, what better place to jet off to than Portugal’s Algarve? The flight is just two and a half hours from the UK, making it the ideal location for a short break or long weekend away.

When you set foot on the Algarve’s soil you will be greeted with cloudless blue skies, and endless sandy beaches. In addition to the stunning scenery, The Algarve is steeped in local history, and is brimming with new and exciting events and activities.

For those of you planning a last minute get away before Christmas, if you choose The Algarve as your holiday destination you will be able to catch the International Table Tennis Championship- which is being held between the 17th and the 19th of December 2010. It will be hosted at the beautiful, elegant fishing town of Tavira amidst the town’s breathtaking cathedrals and picturesque cafe’s.

After spending a day watching this fast paced, highly skilled sport and taking in the town’s historic, tranquil sights what better place to head back to than to one of the luxury villas in the Algarve.

You can choose from Vale do Lobo villas, a resort which boasts a host of luxurious sporting and leisure activities. Alternatively, for people looking for a quaint holiday destination, the Quinta dos Alamos villas are ideal. These villas are set amidst the town’s cobbled streets, charming parks and immaculate white houses with a coastline that is scattered with a smattering of colourful shops.

The Algarve villas come equipped with a heated outdoor pool, air conditioning and striking views, along with contemporary furnishings and modern appliances. Or if you or your party prefer a livelier, more cosmopolitan location, premier holidays also offer smart townhouses and apartments amongst the hustle and bustle of the beautiful Algarve.

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