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Algarve cheapest European holiday destination..

Printed From: Albufeira.com
Category: Tourism / Turismo
Forum Name: Algarve
Forum Description: Questions related to the Region... / Questões sobre o Algarve
URL: https://albufeira.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9319
Printed Date: 30/November/2024 at 12:19
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.15 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Algarve cheapest European holiday destination..
Posted By: Andrew
Subject: Algarve cheapest European holiday destination..
Date Posted: 06/March/2016 at 09:52
... according to the latest annual Post Office survey. See here:-

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jan/15/cheapest-holiday-spending-algarve-bulgaria-cape-town


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Andrew



Replies:
Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 06/March/2016 at 10:12
yes .... it just takes the UK media around 30 years to catch up ...


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Pyrman


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 06/March/2016 at 19:37
According to the Post Office, a fall in prices over the past year and a strengthening of the pound against the euro has left Portugal’s Algarve the cheapest destination for UK tourists to spend money.

Personally, I haven't noticed any drop in prices over the past year and I've spent 5 months there during that time so I'm not sure about that claim.

Even though this article is dated 15th January one wonders when the PO survey was done because the exchange rate is currently 4 cents below what is was last year at this time (10 cents below what it was last summer) so that sort of blows that part of the arguement out the water.

If they published the actual shopping basket figures there would be diddly squat difference between the lowest 5 or 6 destinations.
Then on top of that, those prices would only apply if you bought exactly the same items that are in their shopping basket - and nobody ever does.

As usual, these reports, which are only designed to promote the Post Office currency exchange facility, are meaningless and not worth the paper they're written on.

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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 10:56
Thanks for that positive and encouraging spin on some good news for Albufeira Dicey.

With "friends" like you...

In all seriousness, I tend to agree when it comes to bar prices for example, in fact, mindful of the predicted bumper year ahead I note that the "Happy Hour" prices offered by all the bars in and around the square is now €2.50 for a large beer, a mighty increase from last year. I dread to think what they will be charging come midnight... Though having said that, as you and other regulars will know, that's probably the first increase in about ten years, a time during which wholesale prices have gone up considerably, as have overheads in all departments, and VAT by 10%. So it is probably actually bringing it back in line with what it should be. Local bars, such as my regular, continue to charge about €2.50 no matter what time it is, no creeping prices there.   


Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 11:02
I am doing around 60 days in Albufeira from just before easter ... same again from mid-September ... and it is coming out around £100 cheaper each trip this year. Each time I do maybe three or four hotels, self-catering .. with one or two I haven`t been to before, so it should be a good measure.

It would be easy to put up prices when you see the crowds coming .. but as you know, there is so much competition, it presents a big risk to your business and reputation. Seems most hotels, etc, are keeping prices as tight as possible ... in the meantime.


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Pyrman


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 11:08
Originally posted by Algarveaddick Algarveaddick wrote:

Thanks for that positive and encouraging spin on some good news for Albufeira Dicey.

The really good news is that there are 1,000's of people who are gullible enough to believe it.

Standard price for a large beer in Acoteias is €1.80 (or at least it was when we left on the 25th Feb) but that is a 30c rise on the €1.50 Euro they were charging last year.


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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: bob d
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 15:29
1.80 for a large beer???   Can't complain about that.

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we're not brazil we're norn iron


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 15:46
Is Acoteias out of Albufeira ? Where is the cheapest in albufeira for a beer anyone


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 16:25
Originally posted by Patti Patti wrote:

Is Acoteias out of Albufeira ? Where is the cheapest in albufeira for a beer anyone

Yes & no.
For address purposes it is classed as being part of Albufeira as it lies within the built up area of Albufeira.
However, it's not actually part of the what is classed as the Town of Albufeira.
As the crow flies it's less than 4 miles from the centre (Modelo)
It's famous for Falesia Beach, several 5* hotels (that all claim to be in Albufeira) and cheap beer Wink



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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 17:06
I`ve seen 1.75 for a large beer ... little bar on 1 dezembro ... and the new one opposite Bullring .. at the bus stop.


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Pyrman


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 17:25
The Bullring & the immediate surrounding area is a dump/tip/eyesore.
Probably need to have cheap beer to get anybody to go there.


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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: Jayjan
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 21:51
Nothing wrong with the bar on the bullring & the new one Pyrman mentions, they   are  ok, clean & friendly. Shame other units on the bullring itself   are empty which makes the area look bad.

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Polli the dancing cat strikes again.


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 07/March/2016 at 22:32
Thanks everyone, we re up in the Rocamar this time so we ll just have to try lots bars nearby 😉 To seek out cheap beer 😊


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 06:13
Originally posted by Jayjan Jayjan wrote:

Nothing wrong with the bar on the bullring & the new one Pyrman mentions, they   are  ok, clean & friendly. Shame other units on the bullring itself   are empty which makes the area look bad.

In that area they are at last finishing off this hotel/apartment block on Estrada de Santa Eulalia which has been "unfinished" for as long as we can remember - when we went past on the bus in February it was all systems go, workmen crawling all over it and they were painting it black. Perhaps the new owners are Stones fans Wink




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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: pyrman
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 10:02
Must have sold it to a bigger group ... just down the road Palmeiras de Santa Eulalia .. 100 rooms ... is still closed ... hopefully someone will pick it up when they see the market rise. But it will be nice to see that bus stop corner cleaned up ..




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Pyrman


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 11:47
Originally posted by Patti Patti wrote:

Is Acoteias out of Albufeira ? Where is the cheapest in albufeira for a beer anyone


Anywhere in the back streets that doesn't cater for tourists really. You will find little choice of other drinks, a loud TV showing The Price is Right, plastic chairs, formica tables and no loo seats, but it'll be cheap...



Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 13:34
Sounds lovely! 😬
I'm a g&t girl but family members like a nice cold beer , just have to price around, many thanks


Posted By: john2604smith
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 15:04
Rocomar is a lovely hotel a couple of minutes from the centre, if you havn't already, check out steps bar at the side of the tunnel, happy hour until 9pm and they usually have the singer Martin Jonathan on (very good) until late. If you fancy an upmarket drink try the bar opposite tunes bar, it's called Rosa something or other, lovely terrace over looking the ocean on the back Thumbs Up

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ownersdirect P3708


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 15:36
Haven't been to those bars - there are so many but will try, they both sound good, looking forward to it, many thanks


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 17:46
They don't fit the "cheap" criteria though Patti...


Posted By: john2604smith
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 18:11
"Cheap"isn't always best, people are on holiday, personally I would prefer to spend an extra 25 pence on a drink and be in lovely surroundings with a fantastic view than sat on plastic seats and plastic table cloths next to a motorway just because it's cheap.  

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ownersdirect P3708


Posted By: DICEYUK
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 19:03
At the end of the day a large beer for €2.50 is only £1.90 in real money, and that is cheap compared to the £4 a pint we pay round here in N Norfolk.


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I hate how peopleï compare Frank Zappa to God. I mean, he's cool and great and nice and everything, but he's no Zappa.


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 19:42
I agree with all of the above, I work all year and love my holidays and enjoy nice surroundings - was just wondering if any were cheaper , looking forward to trying these two bars 😊
thanks everyone for the recommendations


Posted By: A9NDY
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 19:52
Cheapest and nicest pint has to be at o jorges for me,€1.75 when we was last there.
Another cheap watering hole we often use is cafe leo €2.00 a pint 50cl super bock.


Posted By: Big Col
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 20:05
Last June I was told that the cheapest beer in the Old Town (1 Euro) was at a little bar up Ecovia do Literal (which isn't far from the Rocamar) BUT

it's a busy road
it has plastic chairs
can't comment on the telly or toilets because I haven't been in. As a tourist it just didn't look right.

I have paid 3 Euros regularly in and around the square at the likes of Harry's Bar so Iit will be interesting to see 2016 prices. Most bars have prices displayed outside anyway.

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Colin


Posted By: john2604smith
Date Posted: 08/March/2016 at 20:42
It's all relative, if you want lovely surroundings or to be entertained be prepared to pay for it, if you want cheap and cheerful you can have it. That's the beauty of Albufeira it caters for all, I pay 4 euro in the Rock Cafe but I know I can listen to fantastic Band I would have to pay £20 on the door to see back in the UK.  4 euro is just over 3 quid ! I pay that to stand in a normal pub in the UK, so to me all of Albufeira has "cheap" beer  Beer

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ownersdirect P3708


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 09/March/2016 at 08:51
I sort of agree John. But Patti specifically asked about cheap bars. I wouldn't pay £20 to watch a covers band anywhere though...   


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 09/March/2016 at 09:34
Thanks guys, as you say depends what you want ,I like a nice bar and all are cheaper than home, cheers!


Posted By: JimTina
Date Posted: 10/March/2016 at 00:38
Compared to other resorts that we have been to in recent years, i.e. Tenerife, Benidorm, Costa del Sol, Alcudia etc. I have always found Albufeira slightly more expensive for beer. The other resorts always seem to have lots of bars selling large beers for only 1 euro.

However dining out seems to be a fair bit cheaper in Portugal so it still probably works out cheaper overall. I love Portugal anyway so for a couple of holidays a year it doesn't make that much difference to us either way.

BTW, la Bodeguita at the bullring is a lovely little bar, reasonably priced, and Carlos always makes a real fuss of us when we go there.

Another nice little bar near by is on the side road going from the bullring to the Vila Petra hotel. I can't remember the name of it but it is a Portuguese bar used mostly by locals half way up on the left hand side. The family are from Porto i think and the francesinhas and bitoque are really nice in there. Worth a look if you are passing.


Posted By: Algarveaddick
Date Posted: 10/March/2016 at 07:56
We hear of the cheap beer in Spain, and then when we go to Torremolinos and Benalmadena it's always dearer than here - must just be in that area that they take the P with their prices?


Posted By: carolenclive
Date Posted: 10/March/2016 at 09:48
Bodeguita is a lovely bar and as you say Carlos is a gentleman and the outdoor area is a sun trap.It is one we often stop at as is the other one you mention but its name escapes me,they always have a selection of peticos at the bar.There are a lot of small gems like these around.

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caz


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 10/March/2016 at 10:50
Both sound lovely, thank you
By way looks like a beautiful morning on the webcam, my brother arrived in this morning, looks like theyre gonna be lucky with their week !


Posted By: Patti
Date Posted: 10/March/2016 at 14:24
He got an amazing deal for Topazio hotel, don't think you would get that in any other resort so I think Albufeira is cheapest European destination for some hotel deals



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