In European summer tourist maps, there are destinations that gain notoriety not only for the climate and landscape, but also for the final invoice. And while the Algarve region in southern Portugal continues to attract thousands of visitors, the numbers reveal that the cost of a vacation there may surprise those seeking balance between sun, sea and budget.
According to data released by Jornal de Notícias, the Algarve is one of Europe’s most expensive areas in terms of tourist accommodation. The analysis is based on the prices available on major reserve platforms, such as Airbnb, Booking and Trivago, for the period from August 1.
Above average rates
According to Jornal de Notícias, the daily average accommodation in this region exceeds 300 euros, a value that excludes spending, such as meals, car rental or entrances to tourist attractions. Comparison with other mediterranean zones highlights imbalance. In Spain, for example, it is possible to find much lower rates.
On Tenerife Island, belonging to the cannaries, the average around 90 euros per night. In the archipelago of the whaares, the value rises to 150 euros, which corresponds to half of the prices you can find in the Algarve. Costa do Sol has an average cost of 240 euros and 280 euros coast, both still below the Portuguese south, as referred to in the same source.
Emerging and competitive
In addition to Spanish territory, there are other European destinations with more competitive offers. Montenegro, especially Sveti Stefan, features average prices of 175 euros per night.
In Albania, the rates revolve around 150 euros, according to Jornal de Notícias. On the Bulgarian coast, bathed by the Black Sea, it is possible to find sleeping for only 90 euros.
Globally, the Eurostat indicated that by 2023 the average price per sleep in Portugal was 160.46 euros. This value has placed the country in the eighth place among the most expensive in Europe. Cyprus led the list, with an average of 288.62 euros, followed by Greece (230.11 euros) and Italy (222.44 euros), writes the newspaper.
Disadvantage Internal Tourism
Price accessibility remains a barrier to many Portuguese. “There is a kind of vacation that was never easy for national citizens, namely in the Algarve. However, the options available in other countries, which were constituted as alternatives,” explained Pedro Fontainhas, executive director of the Portuguese Association of Residential Tourism and Resorts, quoted by Jornal de Notícias.
Still, Fontainhas stresses that Portugal, and particularly the Algarve, remains competitive, even in an international context. According to the same source, April registered a 13.9% increase in tourist accommodation revenues, totaling 436 million euros.
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Spain as an alternative
With the Algarve revealing less accessible, some Spanish cities emerge as viable solutions. Valencia is one of the most prominent suggestions. According to the Vaga Mundos website, it is the third largest Spanish city and is located on the east coast, next to the Mediterranean.
Its cathedral, known as La Seu, keeps what is believed to be the Holy Grail. The Campanário, Miguelete, with its 207 steps, offers panoramic views on the city. Every Thursday, at the door of the Apostles, the Water Court, classified as an immaterial cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, as explained by the same site.
Alicante: Sea, History and Sweet
Further south, plotting appears as another viable alternative. Capital da Costa Branca, this city combines history, gastronomy and festivities. According to Tap Air Portugal, the Ayuntamo de Alicante, 18th century building, welcomes a sculpture by Salvador Dalí and the zero quota point, which marks the altitude on sea level.
Nearby, the locality of Jijona is known for the production of Torrão, and can be visited to prove the traditional candy in different forms. In the center of Alicante stand out the Basilica of Santa Maria and the San Nicolas de Bari Cathedral, both integrated in an easily exploited historical path.
Between castles and bonfires
Santa Barbara Castle is one of the most emblematic points of the city. Free visit, dates back to the ninth century and offers wide views of the coast. As reported by the same source, Alicante is also the scene of festivities, such as San Juan’s Hogueras in June, which fill the music streets and visitors until dawn.
Seasonal pressure and growing
The latest data from the National Statistics Institute points to a total of 77.1 million overnight in the country for 2024, of which 53.8 million were foreigners. The total number of guests ascended to 30 million, divided between 18.2 million international tourists and 11.8 million national origin, underlines the.
With the pressure of demand and the shortage of accessible accommodation, the comparison between destinations begins to weigh more on travelers’ decisions. And for those who want to enjoy summer without exceeding the budget, other Iberian or Balkan stops can prove more balanced choices.
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