There’s nothing worse than accidentally choosing a busy tourist trap for a calming getaway break when you thought you’d booked a hidden gem.
For many, crowded bars and beaches are not an ideal way to spend a two-week holiday, so one man has shared alternative locations you could try if you’d prefer something a little more off the beaten track.
TikToker @calebthill took to TikTok to warn people to avoid the Algarve in Portugal, despite the fact “parts of this region are absolutely beautiful.”
He explained that despite its idyllic views, “parts of the town and beaches get super, super crowded”. It’s also three hours from Lisbon, which he said is the best part of Portugal.
In the comments, however, someone suggested visiting out of peak season, adding October was the ideal time to go. Caleb agreed that would be a good way to enjoy the area’s beauty, without the stresses of the many people there.
If you’re looking for a summer break, however, he recommended Comporta, saying he had an “absolutely incredible time here”.
He said the beaches are “so stunning” and the nature here is protected from overdevelopment, so much of it is untouched.
Carvalhal Beach is somewhere Caleb said he enjoyed and he described it as “bohemian chic” and “discreetly luxurious”.
“There’s also incredible restaurants, cafes, and boutiques all around the villages”, he continued.
Caleb shared that he was excited to “go back” and experience it all again. “It’s the perfect luxury location without spending Italy or south of France prices”.
“Your money definitely stretches further here and it’s 100% worth it”, he said.
In the comments, many defended the Algarve, writing: “Algarve is huuuge compared to Comporta, they are not comparable.
“Comporta is great, but Algarve has plenty of amazing quieter spots even in summer.”
Another wrote: “You guys, not instead.. just do both. Portugal is beautiful! Going to explore Madeira in May, can’t wait!”
Someone joked that he’d “given away” the secret so next summer Comporta would be super busy.