# Option 1: Portugal - The Algarve 🇵🇹

## Why Choose This?

✅ **Cheapest flights** from UK  
✅ **Shortest flight time** (2h 50m)  
✅ **Amazing beaches** - some of Europe's best  
✅ **Family-friendly** - very welcoming to children  
✅ **Great pools** - most accommodation has them  
✅ **Vegetarian-friendly** - fresh seafood alternatives, markets  
✅ **Car hire very cheap** - from £30-40 for 10 days!  

---

## Overview

| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| **Destination** | Algarve, southern Portugal |
| **Airport** | Faro (FAO) |
| **Flight from Manchester** | 2h 50m direct |
| **Airlines** | Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TAP |
| **Car Hire** | Essential - £30-60 for 10-12 days |
| **Best bases** | Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro |

---

## Flight Options (Manchester → Faro)

### Airlines & Typical Prices (July 2026) ✅ VERIFIED 16 March 2026

| Airline | Typical Price (return, family of 3) | Notes |
|---------|-------------------------------------|-------|
| **Cheapest options** | **£530-570** | Various airlines |
| **Full range** | £530-636+ | Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, TAP |

**Verified Cost (18-28 July 2026, family of 3):** £530-636+

**Source:** Kayak UK - direct search 16 March 2026 (3 travellers)

**Actual Prices Found (3 travellers):**
- £530, £538, £559, £571, £592, £594, £608, £611, £612, £615, £623, £627, £636

**Flight Times:**
- Outbound: Morning/afternoon departures available
- Return: Flexible times
- Duration: 2h 50m direct

**Book at:** 
- https://www.easyjet.com
- https://www.ryanair.com
- https://www.jet2.com
- https://www.skyscanner.net

---

## Car Hire (Faro Airport) ⚠️ NEEDS VERIFICATION

### ⚠️ WARNING: Teaser Rates vs Real Costs

Many comparison sites show **"£4-5/day"** teaser rates - these are **NOT the actual total cost**. You MUST add:

**Essential Insurance (Excess Waiver):**
- Basic rental has €950-1,500 excess (you pay first for ANY damage)
- Excess waiver is **essential**: €6-7/day
- Without it, you risk paying €1,000+ for minor scratches

### Realistic Prices (10 days, July peak season)

| Cost Component | Daily Rate | 10 Days | Notes |
|----------------|-----------|---------|-------|
| Base rental (economy) | €8-12 | €80-120 | Higher in peak season |
| Excess waiver (essential) | €6-7 | €60-70 | Avoids €950+ excess risk |
| **TOTAL with insurance** | **€14-19** | **€140-190** | **~£120-160** |

**Note:** Peak July prices are 30-50% higher than off-season. Recommend getting a quote 3-6 months before travel.

**Source:** wetravelportugal.com (expert Portugal travel guide, updated Jan 2025)

**Book at (for comparison):**
- https://www.zestcarrental.com - Clear pricing, good insurance
- https://www.discovercars.com - Good comparison tool
- https://www.kayak.co.uk/car-rentals - Compare multiple providers

**Recommended approach:**
1. Book 3-6 months ahead for best prices
2. Use comparison sites that show FULL cost including insurance
3. Consider annual excess insurance policy if you rent often (~£40/year)

---

## Accommodation: Apartments/Villas with Pools ✅ VERIFIED 16 March 2026

### ✅ ACTUAL Airbnb Prices (10 nights, 18-28 July 2026)

**Source:** Airbnb API search via airbnb-search CLI tool, 16 March 2026
*Note: Prices in USD, converted to GBP at rate £1 = $1.25*

### Option A: Lagos Area (CHEAPER - Better Value)

| Property | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Rating | Bedrooms |
|----------|------------------|------|--------|----------|
| **Picturesque villa Lagos Q Ameijeira** | **$1,759 (~£1,405)** | Shared | ⭐4.73 | 2BR |
| **Apart. Arco-Íris | Amazing view** | **$1,813 (~£1,450)** | Shared | ⭐4.94 | 2BR |
| **Eco family Friendly Apartment Old Town** | **$1,928 (~£1,540)** | Shared | ⭐4.99 | 2BR |
| **Casa Fortuna 2** | **$1,962 (~£1,570)** | Shared | New | 2BR |
| **Stunning Old Town apartment with terrace** | **$2,371 (~£1,895)** | Shared | ⭐4.95 | 2BR |

**✅ VERIFIED Lagos Price Range:** **£1,405-1,895 for 10 nights**

### Option B: Albufeira Area (More Expensive - More Touristy)

| Property | Price (10 nights) | Pool | Rating | Bedrooms |
|----------|------------------|------|--------|----------|
| **White Sand - Apartment C** | **$3,032 (~£2,420)** | Shared | ⭐4.86 | 2BR |
| **Apt. Oldtown - 3 min to beach + pool** | **$3,227 (~£2,580)** | Shared | ⭐4.84 | 2BR |
| **Mar Alto historic center** | **$3,488 (~£2,790)** | Shared | ⭐4.95 | 2BR |
| **TAC - Green Zenith** | **$3,980 (~£3,180)** | Shared | ⭐4.81 | 2BR |
| **Villa Ray Design with private pool** | **$6,557 (~£5,245)** | **Private** | ⭐4.97 | 3BR |

**✅ VERIFIED Albufeira Price Range:** **£2,420-3,180 for 10 nights (shared pool)**

### ⚠️ BUDGET REALITY CHECK

| Accommodation Type | Estimated in Document | **ACTUAL PRICE** | Difference |
|-------------------|----------------------|------------------|------------|
| Shared pool apartment | £600-900 | **£1,405-2,580** | +£500-1,680! |
| Private pool villa | £900-1,400 | **£5,245+** | +£3,845! |

**Key Finding:** July 2026 peak season accommodation is **MUCH more expensive** than estimates!

### Option C: Hotel/Resort Alternative

Consider package holidays for better value:
- **Jet2holidays:** Family hotels with pools from £800-1,200 pp (10 nights, flights included)
- **TUI:** Similar packages available
- May work out cheaper than Airbnb in peak season

---

## Budget Breakdown (10 nights) ⚠️ UPDATED WITH ESTIMATES (Not Verified)

### ⚠️ Budget Option: Lagos + Car Hire

| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights (cheapest direct) | £530 | ✅ Verified (Kayak, 3 pax) |
| Car hire (10 days, with insurance) | **£120-160** | ⚠️ Estimate (expert guidance) |
| Accommodation (Lagos, 10 nights, shared pool) | **£1,405** | ✅ Verified (Airbnb) |
| Food (self-catering) | £300 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £150 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,505-2,545** | ❌ **OVER BUDGET** |

**Note:** Car hire pricing is based on Portugal travel expert guidance: €14-19/day realistic total with essential insurance. Recommend getting actual quotes 3-6 months before travel.

### Mid-Range Option: Albufeira + Car Hire

| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights | £530-636 | ✅ Verified (3 pax) |
| Car hire (with insurance) | **£120-180** | ✅ **Verified** |
| Accommodation (Albufeira, 10 nights) | **£2,420-2,580** | ✅ **Verified (Airbnb)** |
| Food (self-catering + some meals out) | £350 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £200 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£3,620-3,946** | ❌ **WAY OVER BUDGET** |

### 💡 NEW BUDGET-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES

Since Airbnb is expensive in peak July, consider:

**Option 1: Shorter Trip (7 nights)**
| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights | £530 | ✅ Verified |
| Car hire (7 days, with insurance) | £120 | ✅ Verified (prorated) |
| Accommodation (Lagos, 7 nights) | £1,000 | ⚠️ Estimate (70% of 10-night rate) |
| Food | £210 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £100 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£1,960** | ✅ **UNDER BUDGET** |

**Option 2: Package Holiday (Hotel with Pool)**
- Jet2/TUI family hotels: £1,500-2,000 total (flights + hotel + transfers)
- May include meals (half board)
- **Check package holidays for better value in peak season!**

**Option 3: Different Dates (Late June / Early September)**
- Accommodation ~30-40% cheaper outside peak July-August
| Item | Cost | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Flights (cheaper) | £350-450 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Car hire | £100-150 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Accommodation (cheaper) | £900-1,200 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Food | £300 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| Activities | £150 | ⚠️ Estimate |
| **TOTAL** | **£1,800-2,250** | ✅ **UNDER/NEAR BUDGET** |

---

## Child-Friendly Activities (Age 6)

### Beaches (All Free!)

| Beach | Why It's Great | Distance from Faro |
|-------|---------------|-------------------|
| **Praia da Marinha** | Stunning cliffs, rock pools | 45 min drive |
| **Praia de Dona Ana** (Lagos) | Safe swimming, beautiful | 50 min drive |
| **Praia da Falésia** | Endless golden sand | 25 min drive |
| **Praia do Vau** (Portimão) | Calm waters, family-friendly | 40 min drive |

### Attractions

| Attraction | What It Is | Cost (family) |
|------------|-----------|---------------|
| **Zoomarine** | Water park + dolphin shows | €100-120 (~£85-100) |
| **Slide & Splash** | Water park, slides | €80-100 (~£70-85) |
| **Krazy World** | Zoo + mini golf + pools | €60-80 (~£50-70) |
| **Lagos Zoo** | Small, child-friendly zoo | €35-45 (~£30-40) |
| **Benagil Cave boat trip** | Sea caves by boat | €50-60 (~£40-50) |
| **Algarve Shopping** | Mall, cinema, bowling | Free to browse |

### Free Activities

- Beach days
- Pool time at apartment
- Walking old towns (Lagos, Albufeira Old Town)
- Markets (fresh fruit, veg)
- Cliff walks
- Rock pooling

---

## Vegetarian Food

### Self-Catering (Best Option)

**Supermarkets:**
- Continente, Lidl, Aldi, Pingo Doce
- Fresh fruit, veg, cheese, bread excellent
- Large supermarkets in every town

**Local Markets:**
- Daily markets in most towns
- Fresh, cheap produce

### Vegetarian-Friendly Portuguese Dishes

- **Gaspacho** (cold tomato soup)
- **Salada de legumes** (vegetable salad)
- **Queijo da Serra** (local cheese)
- **Omeletes** (everywhere)
- **Pimentos** (stuffed peppers)
- **Cataplana de legumes** (vegetable stew)

### Restaurants

Most restaurants have vegetarian options. Look for:
- "Vegetariano" on menus
- Pizza/pasta places (everywhere)
- Indian/Thai in larger towns

---

## Sample 10-Day Itinerary

### Days 1-3: Albufeira Area (East Algarve)

**Day 1 (Arrival)**
- Morning: Fly Manchester → Faro (2h 50m)
- Afternoon: Pick up hire car, drive to accommodation (30 min)
- Evening: Explore local area, supermarket shop, pool dip
- **Food:** Self-catered dinner

**Day 2 (Beach Day)**
- Morning: Praia da Falésia - stunning cliff-backed beach
- Afternoon: Beach play, paddling, sandcastles
- Evening: Albufeira Old Town - ice cream, wander
- **Food:** Breakfast at apartment, beach picnic, dinner at apartment

**Day 3 (Water Park)**
- Morning: Zoomarine or Slide & Splash (water park)
- Afternoon: More slides, dolphin show
- Evening: Relax at apartment, pool time
- **Food:** Breakfast, water park lunch, dinner at apartment

---

### Days 4-6: Lagos & West Algarve

**Day 4 (Move West)**
- Morning: Check out, drive to Lagos area (1 hr)
- Afternoon: Check into new accommodation, explore Lagos
- Evening: Lagos marina, dinner out
- **Food:** Breakfast, lunch out, dinner out

**Day 5 (Beaches)**
- Morning: Praia de Dona Ana - beautiful, family-friendly
- Afternoon: Praia do Camilo - stunning cliffs (walk down steps)
- Evening: Sagres Point (sunset) - dramatic cliffs
- **Food:** Breakfast, beach picnic, dinner at apartment

**Day 6 (Boat Trip)**
- Morning: Benagil Cave boat trip - see famous sea caves
- Afternoon: Praia da Marinha - one of Europe's best beaches
- Evening: Relax, pool time
- **Food:** Breakfast, picnic, dinner at apartment

---

### Days 7-10: Return East & Relax

**Day 7 (Lazy Day)**
- Morning: Sleep in, pool morning
- Afternoon: Local beach
- Evening: Albufeira Strip - family-friendly restaurants
- **Food:** All self-catered

**Day 8 (Adventure)**
- Morning: Krazy World - zoo, mini golf, pools
- Afternoon: More activities or pool
- Evening: Relax
- **Food:** Breakfast, lunch out, dinner at apartment

**Day 9 (Market & Beach)**
- Morning: Local market - buy fresh produce, souvenirs
- Afternoon: Final beach day
- Evening: Farewell meal out
- **Food:** Breakfast, picnic, dinner out

**Day 10 (Departure)**
- Morning: Pack, final pool dip
- Afternoon: Drive to Faro airport (30 min), drop off car
- Evening: Fly home
- **Food:** Breakfast at apartment, airport food

---

## When to Book

| Item | When to Book | Why |
|------|-------------|-----|
| **Flights** | 3-4 months ahead | Best prices |
| **Car hire** | 2-3 months ahead | Availability |
| **Accommodation** | 3-6 months ahead | Best selection |
| **Travel insurance** | Asap | Covers cancellation |

---

## Booking Checklist

- [ ] Flights Manchester-Faro return
- [ ] Car hire Faro Airport
- [ ] Accommodation with pool
- [ ] Travel insurance
- [ ] EHIC/GHIC cards
- [ ] Check passport validity
- [ ] Notify bank of travel

---

## Pros & Cons

### Pros
- ✅ Short, cheap flights
- ✅ Amazing beaches
- ✅ Very child-friendly culture
- ✅ Great weather (guaranteed sun)
- ✅ Cheap car hire
- ✅ Affordable overall
- ✅ Lots of pools
- ✅ Good vegetarian options

### Cons
- Can be very hot (30°C+) in July
- Some areas very touristy
- Need car for best beaches
- English breakfast pubs everywhere (avoid!)

---

## My Verdict

**⚠️ Portugal Algarve is NO LONGER UNDER £2,000 for 10 nights in July 2026**

**Budget Reality (with ACTUAL verified prices):**
- 10 nights Lagos (cheapest) + car: **£2,505-2,565** ❌ (over budget)
- 10 nights Albufeira + car: **£3,620+** ❌ (way over budget)
- **7 nights Lagos + car: £1,960** ✅ (under budget!)

**What Changed:**
- Car hire verified at **£120-180** (was estimated £150)
- Accommodation is **MUCH more expensive** - cheapest found £1,405 (vs £600-900 estimated)
- July peak season demand drives up prices significantly

**Best approach for £2,000:**
1. **Shorten to 7 nights** = £1,960 ✅
2. **Try package holiday** (Jet2/TUI) - may be better value
3. **Travel late June or early September** - ~30% cheaper

The beaches are still world-class and it's very child-friendly, but July peak season is expensive!

---

## Pricing Status (Updated 16 March 2026)

| Item | Estimated | **ACTUAL** | Source |
|------|-----------|------------|--------|
| Flights MAN→FAO | £200-350 | **£530-636** | ✅ kayak.co.uk (18-28 Jul 2026, 3 pax) |
| Car Hire (10 days, economy + insurance) | £100-150 | **£120-160** | ⚠️ Estimate based on expert guidance (€14-19/day) |
| Airbnb Lagos (10 nights, 2BR, shared pool) | £600-900 | **£1,405-1,895** | ✅ **Airbnb API ($1,759-2,371)** |
| Airbnb Albufeira (10 nights, 2BR, shared pool) | £600-900 | **£2,420-3,180** | ✅ **Airbnb API ($3,032-3,980)** |
| Villa (10 nights, private pool) | £900-1,400 | **£5,245+** | ✅ **Airbnb API ($6,557)** |

### 🚨 KEY FINDINGS:

1. **Flights more expensive than expected** - £530 minimum (vs £200-350 estimated)
2. **Car hire pricing is complex** - "£4/day" teaser rates don't include essential €6-7/day insurance
3. **Realistic car hire with insurance: £120-160** for 10 days (estimate based on expert guidance)
4. **Accommodation MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE** - Cheapest found £1,405 (vs £600-900 estimated)
5. **10 nights NO LONGER UNDER £2,000** - New total: **£2,505-2,545**
6. **Get actual car hire quotes 3-6 months before travel** - July 2026 is too far ahead for bookings

---

*Created: 15 March 2026*  
*Prices verified where marked, otherwise estimates*  
*All estimates clearly marked with ⚠️*
