NOT only is the Algarve one of Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations, but also still gets some great October warmth.
But if you want to avoid the crowds, there are some barely-known-to-Brits islands that are just of the coast where you can enjoy gloriously quiet beaches.
To get to the Algarve, most Brits will fly into Faro before heading over to their resort along the coast.
But I highly recommend staying in the city as it is home to Ria Formosa, a group of islands.
I was told about the islands by a local, as I had never heard about them or even seen them promoted as a holiday destination.
But just a few euros by boat (taking around 20 minutes) you’ll find empty beaches that rival Caribbean.
My favourite is Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta.
But don’t expect to see any huge holiday resorts or even houses, as no-one lives on the island.
Instead, the boardwalk stretches around the coastline, making it a gloriously peaceful walk.
There is one building on the island, however, which is a restaurant called Estamine.
It first opened in the 1960s, but sadly burnt down in 2021.
Thankfully it has since been rebuilt and it’s worth the boat ride – after all, where else can you go to a desert-like island just to see a restarant?
The huge glass windows mean you still get fantastic views, albeit the Portuguese wine and freshly caught fish help too.
Otherwise if you want something a bit more built up, try Isla Armona instead.
There are a few houses and cafes, with a pathway winding through the boat pier to the beach.
Yet that peace and quiet remains, with the stone cottages covered with flowers and tiled patterns.
Get to the soft sand and you can grab an ice cream and a drink before sitting on the beautifully quiet beach.
It still remains quiet however – the boat gets onto the island at one end, with along single path winding through the tiny cottages to the beach on the other side.
However, this beach is just as quiet, with just a small bar serving drinks and snacks.
Now is a great time to go – it’s 27C next week and you can still get flights to Faro for under £20.
If you need somewhere to stay, I highly recommend splashing out on 3HB, which was Faro’s first 5* hotel.
Rooftop restaurant, chic bedrooms and friendly staff all make it worth the stay.