- Silves leads as Portugal’s most affordable off-peak destination, scoring 61.34 out of 100 for budget-conscious travellers
- Évora offers the cheapest pint among the top ten destinations, with an average price of just £0.83
- Faro boasts the lowest flight costs, averaging £49.57, while Vila Real de Santo António features the most affordable hotel stays at £67.85 per night
For many, Christmas isn’t just about a few days off, for thousands it’s a chance to leave the country for a few days and escape, exploring new countries and cultures without the worry of work. With this in mind Silves has been identified as the most affordable destination in Portugal during the off-peak season in a new study conducted by travel experts at Lisbon Tickets & Tours.
The study analysed average costs for flights, hotels, food, beer, and taxis during the off-peak season, combining these into a weighted score out of 100 to rank the most affordable destinations.
Travelling during the off-peak season has its pros and cons. While smaller crowds and lower costs can be enticing, travellers must contend with cooler weather and the possibility that more attractions and facilities may be closed during this time.
Silves, a city in the Algarve region, ranks first, scoring 61.34 out of 100. The average flight cost from the UK is £49.60, the average nightly hotel cost is £73.16, and a beer costs around £2.50.
Vila Real de Santo António, a city and civil parish in the Algarve, ranks second with a score of 61.02 out of 100. On average, a flight from the UK costs £49.60, a hotel costs £67.85 per night, and a beer costs around £2.50.
Ponta Delgada, the largest municipality in the Azores region, ranks third with an overall score of 58.69 out of 100. The average cost of a flight from the UK is £82.65, a hotel costs an average of £81.28 per night, and a beer would cost just £1.33.
Lagos, one of the most visited destinations in the Algarve, ranks fourth with a score of 58.59 out of 100. The average cost for a flight from the UK is £49.60, the average cost of a hotel is £79.22 per night, and a beer would cost an average of £1.67.
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is fifth with a score of 58.20 out of 100. A flight from the UK costs an average of £62.70, a hotel costs an average of £88 per night, and a beer costs an average of £2.50.
The top ten most affordable holiday destinations in Portugal during the off-peak season
| Rank | Location | Average cost of flights from the UK (£) | Average hotel cost per night (£) | Average cost of a beer (£) | Overall Score out of 100 |
| 1 | Silves | 49.6 | 73.16 | £2.50 | 61.34 |
| 2 | Vila Real de Santo António | 49.6 | 67.85 | 2.5 | 61.02 |
| 3 | Ponta Delgada | 82.65 | 81.28 | 1.33 | 58.69 |
| 4 | Lagos | 49.6 | 79.22 | 1.67 | 58.59 |
| 5 | Porto | 62.7 | 88 | 2.5 | 58.2 |
| 6 | Braga | 62.7 | 73.07 | 1.88 | 56.99 |
| 7 | Coimbra | 64.38 | 72.58 | 1.67 | 53.74 |
| 8 | Gerês | 62.7 | 73.93 | 1.88 | 53.54 |
| 9 | Faro | 49.57 | 91.42 | 1.67 | 52.95 |
| 10 | Évora | 64.38 | 80.72 | 0.83 | 51.11 |
Braga, a city in the far north of Portugal, ranks sixth with a score of 56.99 out of 100. A flight from the UK costs an average of £62.70, the average cost of a hotel is £73.07, and a beer would cost an average of £1.88.
Ranking seventh is Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal, with a score of 53.74 out of 100. The average cost of a flight from the UK is £64.38, a hotel is an average of £72.58, and a beer costs an average of £1.67.
Gerês, a national park located in the northwest of Portugal, ranks eighth with a score of 53.54 out of 100. A flight from the UK costs an average of £62.70, a hotel costs an average of £73.93, and a beer costs around £1.88.
Faro ranks ninth with a score of 52.95 out of 100. The average cost of a flight from the UK is £49.57, a hotel is an average of £91.42 per night, and a beer costs an average of £1.67.
Finally, Évora, the capital city of the Alentejo region, ranks tenth with a score of 51.11 out of 100. A flight from the UK costs an average of £64.38, a hotel costs an average of £80.72, and a beer would cost just £0.83.
Commenting on the findings, Magdalena Petrusic, a travel expert from Lisbon Tickets & Tours, said:
“Portugal offers a range of affordable destinations to visit during the off-peak season, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers. This study highlights the cost-effective appeal of these locations while also showcasing some picturesque places to visit.
“By analysing aspects like accommodation, dining options, and overall travel expenses, the findings provide valuable insights for budget travellers and trip planners, showcasing which destinations offer the most enjoyable and memorable experiences in Portugal at a fraction of the usual price.”