Hello British holidaymakers ! Natal is calling you ! It is a fact that the Algarve is the first place that comes to mind when thinking of beach holidays in Portugal. With its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and warm weather, it’s a well-favored destination for sun-seekers. However, with rising costs and the region’s growing popularity leading to saturation of tourist development, many holidaymakers seek cheaper, less crowded alternatives. One of the places which is gaining attention very soon and getting popular as the perfect alternative includes Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil. Let’s just elaborate on how this particular destination stands against Algarve in terms of overall value and experience.

Accommodation Costs

Ibis Natal

£ 32

Ibis Faro

£ 66

Algarve: The increased demand, especially during peak season, has blown up the price in Algarve over the years. Even the most basic of hotels charge quite a bit of money, and prices on Airbnb for popular towns like Albufeira, Lagos, and Faro have shot through the roof.

It’s a simple combination: Natal beach hotels and accommodation range from lower priced resort hotels down to very basic pousadas. And with the currently very advantageous Brazilian real, one’s money can go that much farther, meaning a much more luxurious stay is quite affordable for a small fraction of Algarve prices.

Dining and Food Expenses

Sal e Brasa
Natal

BBQ Buffet

£ 5

O Pescador

Lagos – Algarve Dinner a La Carte

£ 37

It has the best seafood, but eating out can be much more expensive in Algarve, let alone its hot tourist spots. The dinner in a mid-range restaurant will cost at least more than £ 60 for two.

Natal in Brazil is equally vibrant when it comes to dining, with fresh seafood, traditional Brazilian dishes, and a variety of international cuisines. Prices are radically lower, though, so you can enjoy fine dining or a meal directly on the beach for half the price. For the budget traveler, street food and local eateries – known as “quiosques” – serve up a great deal of options.

Activities and Attractions

Algarve is famous for its beautiful coastline, golf, and water sports. However, the entrance fees for any attraction, guided tours, and even beach access in certain places can be very expensive. All popular spots, like the Benagil Cave, are always crowded, which diminishes the experience entirely.

A no less impressive natural environment is offered by Natal: immense dunes of sand, crystal-clear waters, and a lot of wildlife. For such unique experiences as dune buggy rides, snorkeling at Maracajaú, or visiting the world’s biggest cashew tree, one would have to pay less in NAT compared with the Algarve and find fewer tourists. The vast majority of beaches are still pristine, therefore much more quiet time.

Buggy Ride

Natal Brazil

Full day for a group

£40

Kayak Ride

Albufeira

2 hours

£26

Flights and Travel

Algarve: For direct flights between the UK and Algarve, there are regular services that are quite reasonably priced, especially from low-cost carriers. These prices, however, shoot up in the summer when demand is at its maximum, leading mostly to fully booked flights.

Natal: Though flights to Brazil might sound dauntingly expensive at first, often their cost is balanced out by your expenses upon arrival being far more meager. Plus, airlines often grant discounts to Brazilian destinations outside of peak travel periods. The chance to see an exotic location adds value.

Crowds and Atmosphere

• Algarve: Because of Algarve’s popularity, it has turned out to be one of the most crowded summer spots in Europe; that means crowded beaches and noisy towns. It could be a possible drawback for tourists who like quieter, intimate holidays.

• Natal: However, Natal remains comparatively unexploited by the majority of tourists from abroad. Most beaches and spots in the city are far less crowded; hence, it is more leisurely. You can really enjoy nature and culture without the hustle and bustle that characterizes areas that are commercialized.

Conclusion: The Clear Winner Is Natal

Even though Algarve has long been a preferred destination for British tourists, steep prices and overcrowding within the past decade have pushed travelers to search out more attractive ones. Natal, Brazil, is one of those wonderful alternatives to see for tourists. It boasts awesome beaches, a great cultural offering, and better value all around. If you are looking for exotic beauty on holiday without friendly wallets, Natal is there to offer a wonderful option that’s really hard to compete with.

Why Choose Natal?

•  Fewer accommodations and restaurant expenses:
•  New sports, like dune buggy rides and snorkeling
•  Less crowding, but still more genuine
•  Excellent value-for-money because of good exchange rates Plan your next holiday in Natal and find out for yourself why this is Brazilian paradise and the only real alternative to the Algarve!