WHILE the UK threatens to be a washout, we’ve found the place in the Mediterranean least likely to have rain in October.
The place in question is the Algarve in Portugal, and the best news is that Brits can be there in less than three hours and flights cost as little as £15 for a one-way ticket, even during half-term.
The Algarve in Portugal is the driest place in the country thanks to its Mediterranean climate that’s influenced by dry winds from the northeast and hot air from the Sahara.
During October temperatures in the Algarve range from 15C all the way to 23C.
The southern spot has between seven and eight hours of sunshine a day on average, throughout the month.
Next week, during October half-term, Brits can fly to Faro, also known as the ‘gateway of the Algarve’ from Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Newcastle, London Stansted and Glasgow from £15 with Ryanair.
So here’s where Sun Travel suggests you explore next…
Albufeira
One of the most well-known spots in the region is the coastal city of Albufeira with sandy beaches and a lively nightlife strip.
Believe it or not, Albufeira was a former fishing village, and despite all the built up areas, there’s still an old town to explore.
Some of the best beaches are Praia dos Pescadores’, also known as Fisherman’s Beach, and Praia da Falésia.
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There’s also a busy marina, and visitors can take boat trips out for dolphin-watching and exploring the Benagil Caves.
Albufeira is popular with tourists, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as you’ll find plenty of hotels, waterparks, restaurants and bars.
However, if you’re looking to escape the tourist traps one local suggested heading just outside of Albufeira to the fishing village of Olhos de Água.
Angela Antor, who is a watermelon farmer told Sun Travel: “There you can enjoy a nice evening drink and watch the sun go down whilst the fisherman take to the sea.
“And in the traditional village of Ferragudo you can enjoy the catch of the day in riverside restaurants straight from the fishing boats.”
Faro
Faro is the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve and is considered the ‘gateway’ region.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited Faro, and discovered very few tourists. She added: “Most people skip Faro to head further into the Algarve.
“But there are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros.
“Some call it the Caribbean of Portugal – something I agree with thanks to its golden sandy beaches. There is nothing on the island apart from the fabulous restaurant Estamine – a must visit serving up locally caught food”.
Other highlights in Faro include the 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city.
Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons.
As for the best beach, Kara said: “Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it.
“The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other.”
Lagos
Lagos has become one of the most visited cities in the Algarve, mostly thanks to the number of tourist-friendly beaches.
Some of the most popular are Praia de Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade and Praia do Camilo.
Sun Travel chatted to some locals about the Algarve and Ana Veiga, travel and food writer and the co-founder of We Travel Portugal, said: “Lagos is a brilliant town that has long attracted surfers to the west Algarve, but recently has become a prime destination for visitors of all types.
“It has incredible hiking trails, water and beach sports, and a historic old town to explore, plus its proximity to the west Algarve is great for explorers that want to see the wild coastline with cliffs and big waves.”
Salem Haire, who lives in Lagos, said: “Pomò La Pasta Italiana has the best Italian food – people will wait more than two hours to eat there (speciality mains from €19), and there’s a local Portuguese kitchen called Tasca de Lota that’s my personal favourite (mains from €11 and bottles of wine from €13).
“Also in Lagos, Go Bao has delicious bao buns for those who are tired of Portuguese food (buns from €5), and Gelicia has amazing Italian gelato, with vegan and gluten free options too.”
Portimao
Portimão is the second-largest city in the Algarve so there’s plenty to explore, like beaches such as Praia da Rocha – a lively resort town.
It’s known for having a vast sandy beach with water sports, as well as lots of restaurants and bars.
Inês Tito, a Portugal and Algarve trip planner, said: “Portimão, near the Praia De Rocha, is the perfect place for beach holidays. There are plenty of accommodation options, some only a few steps from the beach, so you won’t have any issue in finding a place to stay.
As for places to stay, Inês said: “Or the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux in Portimão is a beautiful boutique hotel set in a 19th palace overlooking Praia da Rocha.”
Silves
Silves doesn’t have beaches as it’s inland, but there’s still plenty to do, and last year it was named one of the cheapest places to visit.
The city used to be the capital of the Algarve, and it’s around an hour away from Faro.
It’s a great place for an affordable break, with the average price of a hotel being around £73, while a beer can cost as little as £2.50.
In Silves, you’ll find cobbled streets with independent shops selling gifts, and ceramics, and plenty of cafes.
Compared to the other destinations in the Algarve, Silves is likely to be quieter than the others.
Hear more on the Algarve from one woman who ditched life in Derby for sunny Portugal.
Plus, here are the best-rated hotels with waterparks in the Algarve on TripAdvisor.