The Algarve in Portugal has been named Europe's most affordable winter sun destination for 2026, according to a Post Office report, with temperatures reaching up to 25C in October and flights from Liverpool starting at £15.
The region, Portugal's southernmost, was the highest-ranked European destination in the report, which also placed Cape Town in South Africa at the top of the overall list. The Post Office highlighted the Algarve as a strong choice for travellers seeking winter sun closer to home, citing its sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, traditional towns and popularity for golf breaks.
What makes the Algarve a top choice
While the Algarve may have cooler temperatures than long-haul destinations, it still enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually and mild winters. The Post Office noted that the region offers some of the best value for money in Europe, even with lower winter temperatures compared to places like South Africa.
Flights to Faro, the Algarve's capital, departing from Liverpool John Lennon Airport start from just £15 in October, according to Skyscanner, with the journey taking just under three hours. The city itself features an historic Old Town, crystal-clear waters, golden beaches, islands and a large marina, alongside lively bars where a pint costs around £1.70 (€2) on average.
Exploring Faro's landmarks and beaches
Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses in Faro are available from around £60 per night in October. The Old Town is rich in history, with medieval walls, cobbled lanes, orange trees and 18th-century architecture, including the Bishop's Palace and the Arco da Vila, the principal entrance to the district.
Other notable sites include the Chapel of Bones, a Baroque structure adorned with bones in intricate patterns, the Belmarço Palace and Faro Cathedral. The city's lively harbour, fringed with palm trees and surrounded by bars, is also worth exploring.
Natural wonders and nearby islands
Faro is celebrated for its unspoilt beaches and peninsulas, including the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which extends nearly 40 miles from Faro to Tavira. The park forms a labyrinth of islands, lagoons and marshlands, with six barrier islands and a peninsula shaped by currents.
Praia de Faro, one of the city's principal beaches, is a short journey from the centre and boasts golden sand along a 5km peninsula, reachable only via a single bridge. Nearby, the tropical island of Barreta extends roughly 7km in length and between 50 and 600m in width, known as Deserta or Deserted Island due to its remote position and limited boat access.
The full top 10 list of cheapest winter sun destinations includes Cape Town, Mombasa, Tokyo, Colombo, Phuket, Algarve, Costa del Sol, Tenerife, Punta Cana and Penang.
