Speaking to BBC Breakfast, travel expert Simon Calder shared his top holiday recommendations for the remainder of 2023 – including some of the cheapest in Europe.
Alongside recommending up-and-coming destinations Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Albania, Simon also suggested a trip to tried and tested favourite, Portugal.
“In Western Europe, it has to be Portugal and in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria – obviously a very popular package holiday destination,” the travel guru said.
According to research from Club Med, the small Portuguese coastal city of Faro is the sunniest location in Europe for a spot of winter sun.
The capital city of the Algarve is a hit with tourists and enjoys six hours of daylight per day, with an average sea temperature of 17 degrees.
READ MORE: Ideal winter destination is one of Europe’s most walkable cities
Featuring a delightful old town, pristine beaches, and an array of delicious traditional food and drink to sample, there is something in Faro for everyone.
Writing on Tripadvisor, user NHjo commented: “What a beautiful place — cobbled streets, great architecture, ancient walls, cosy cafes, a cathedral, lots of history of course.
“I could easily spend a few days here.” Whilst another user, LeeArgent2, described their visit to Faro as a “wonderful holiday”.
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A return trip from London to Faro in November could cost you as little as £30 according to flight-finding website Skyscanner, and a four-star hotel for two adults can be found on price comparison sites for around £80 a night – with cheaper alternatives also available.
Additionally, Simon also suggested some alternative, under the radar, and “very affordable” European destinations for would-be travellers including North Macedonia and the Polish Riviera.
Holiday provider TUI has been operating flights from Manchester and Gatwick to the “absolutely gorgeous” and “extraordinarily good value” Lake Ohrid since May for people wanting to experience North Macedonia.
Simon described a lesser known Polish destination on the Polish Riviera, Sopot, as an “absolutely beautiful resort and it’s also incredibly good value”.
The travel expert is also a “huge fan of package holidays”, advocating them for “fantastic consumer protection”.
He explained: “The holiday company has to deliver the trip that you’ve booked and if anything goes wrong, it’s responsible for sorting that out.”
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