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Add fly-drive holiday options

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New fly-drive section with 3 destinations:
- Portugal Algarve: £1,600-2,150 (10-12 nights)
- Mallorca Spain: £1,710-2,350 (7-10 nights)
- Croatia Split: £1,800-2,000 (10 nights)

All include:
- Flights from Manchester
- Car hire
- Pool access
- Self-catering
- Child-friendly activities
- Sample itineraries
- Budget breakdowns
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Sean C
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# 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)
| Airline | Typical Price (return, family of 3) | Notes |
|---------|-------------------------------------|-------|
| **Ryanair** | £150-250 | Cheapest, basic |
| **easyJet** | £180-300 | Good balance |
| **Jet2** | £250-400 | Includes 22kg bag |
| **TAP Portugal** | £300-450 | Full service |
**Estimated Cost:** £200-350 for family of 3
**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)
### Prices (10-12 days, July)
| Car Type | Daily Rate | 12 Days | With Insurance |
|----------|-----------|---------|----------------|
| Economy (Fiat 500) | £5-8 | £60-96 | £120-150 |
| Compact (VW Polo) | £8-12 | £96-144 | £160-200 |
| Family (Golf/ Focus) | £12-18 | £144-216 | £220-280 |
**Estimated Cost:** £100-200 with full insurance
**Book at:**
- https://www.kayak.com/car-rentals
- https://www.rentalcars.com
- https://www.economybookings.com
**Tip:** Book in advance for better rates. Full insurance recommended.
---
## Accommodation: Apartments/Villas with Pools
### Option A: Airbnb Apartment (10 nights)
| Type | Price Range (10 nights) | Pool | Location |
|------|------------------------|------|----------|
| 1-bed apartment | £500-700 | Shared | Albufeira |
| 2-bed apartment | £600-900 | Shared | Carvoeiro |
| 2-bed apartment | £800-1,100 | Private | Lagos area |
**Estimated:** £700-900 for 10 nights with shared pool
### Option B: Villa with Private Pool (10 nights)
| Type | Price Range | Pool | Notes |
|------|------------|------|-------|
| 2-bed villa | £900-1,300 | Private | Near beach |
| 3-bed villa | £1,100-1,600 | Private | More space |
**Estimated:** £1,000-1,400 for 10 nights with private pool
### Option C: Mix (5 nights hotel with pool + 5 nights apartment)
- **Hotel (half board):** £400-600 for 5 nights (child-friendly resort)
- **Apartment:** £300-450 for 5 nights
- **Total:** £700-1,050
---
## Budget Breakdown (10 nights)
### Budget Option (Shared Pool Apartment)
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Flights (Ryanair) | £250 |
| Car hire (economy, fully insured) | £150 |
| Accommodation (shared pool apartment) | £750 |
| Food (self-catering) | £300 |
| Activities | £150 |
| **TOTAL** | **£1,600** |
### Mid-Range Option (Private Pool Villa)
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Flights (easyJet) | £300 |
| Car hire (compact, fully insured) | £200 |
| Accommodation (villa, private pool) | £1,100 |
| Food (self-catering + some meals out) | £350 |
| Activities | £200 |
| **TOTAL** | **£2,150** |
### Budget Option (12 nights, staying under £2,000)
| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Flights (Ryanair, booked early) | £200 |
| Car hire (economy) | £150 |
| Accommodation (shared pool, 12 nights) | £850 |
| Food (self-catering) | £350 |
| Activities | £150 |
| **TOTAL** | **£1,700** ✅ |
---
## 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 your BEST OPTION for staying under £2,000 with a pool.**
With careful booking (Ryanair flights, economy car, shared pool apartment), you can do 12 nights for ~£1,700, leaving £300 for activities and treats.
The beaches are world-class, it's very child-friendly, and the flight is short enough not to be exhausting.
---
*Created: 15 March 2026*
*All prices estimates - verify before booking*