UNSURPRISINGLY, Portugal holidays have been booking up fast since it was announced on May 7 that the country was on the UK's travel green list.
The tourist hotspot has emerged as the firm favourite for Brits, with travel firms seeing huge spikes in demand.
This article contains affiliate links and if you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue
Despite fears that Brits could be stopped at the border due to EU restrictions, Portugal has confirmed that they will welcome Brits back from May 17 with a negative Covid test.
Brits who travel to "green" list countries will be able to return to England without quarantine restrictions but will require a pre-flight Covid test as well as a PCR test on day two of returning to the UK.
Opodo is one travel company that has seen a marked increase in Portugal bookings. Pablo Caspers, Chief Travel Officer at the company said: “The majority of travellers are searching for a trip away to Portugal, which has accounted for the vast majority of all bookings to green list countries since the announcement."
"British holidaymakers are pinpointing either the Algarve, accounting for 44 per cent of bookings to the country since the announcement, or Lisbon, which accounts for 39 per cent of bookings."
Travel firm VRBO also reported a huge 535 per cent increase in interest for the Faro District between May 7 and 8, with Lisbon, Madeira and Porto also showing an uptick in searches.
Those keen to escape the British weather for a sun-soaked holiday should check out our selection of great properties in some of Portugal's most popular spots, with stays starting from just £20 per person a night.
Apartment Leni, Faro District
Apartment Leni is a property found just above the beach of Vale Centianes in the Faro District of Portugal.
Inside, it's modern and cosy, with a large terrace to make the most of some fantastic sea views – and a great spot to have breakfast on in the morning.
There are two bedrooms, each with a bathroom, and so there's room for four guests, and a living area with a flat-screen TV.
The beach can be reached in less than three minutes on foot and restaurants, a bar and a small supermarket are five minutes away.
- Stay from £24pppn
Villa Prazeres, Madeira
For a wow-worthy break in Madeira try this six-bedroom villa.
It has a large living room and dining room, offers free WiFi and has a private swimming pool complete with a solar shower and large garden.
There's also a barbecue area if you fancy cooking and space for four cars to park, though restaurants, bars and asupermarket can all be found within walking distance.
- Stay from £26pppn
This week’s best deals on holidays abroad
- Portugal makes green list – find cheap holidays from £131pp
- Gibraltar holidays from £105pp as country makes UK green list
- Cheap Portugal villa holidays and all inclusive hotels
- Flights for Portugal in June from £10
- TUI launches summer sale with £50 off Portugal hols or £100 off Greece & Malta
Flat in Lisbon
You can also stay in a swanky part of Lisbon not far from the city centre.
Guests of the flat are between Lisbon's main square – Praça do Comércio – and São Jorge Castle and it has great views of the city.
Inside there's room for nine people, with interiors created by a Finnish designer.
There's a big living and dining space for entertaining, a balcony overlooking the Tagus River, as well as three bedrooms.
- Stay from £24pppn
Casa Oliva, Algarve
Book yourself into this modern apartment in Olhão, a family-friendly neighbourhood in Portugal's Algarve.
It has room for six guests, with three bedrooms and trendy interiors.
Guests have a supermarket close by, and are also not far from the Quinta do Lago golf course and the Aquashow water park.
- Stay from £20pppn
Baluarte da Vila Apartments, Lagos
Those wanting to explore the historical centre of Lagos should book a stay at Baluarte da Vila Apartments.
Two people can stay at one of the apartments, which have sea views and are just a short walk from a sandy beach.
Guests also get access to a pool with views of Lagos Bay, where they can lounge poolside, and then visit the many local restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other local cuisine – just a five minute walk away.
- Stay from £41pppn
Villa Cicade, Leiria District
Families or a group of friends will love this peaceful two-bedroom villa, which has room for four people.
It has its own private swimming pool and a roof terrace with space to sit with a drink and a barbecue for evening meals.
Guests are about a ten minute drive from sandy beaches and Lisbon is about an hour's drive away, so you can take a day trip to the Portuguese capital too.
- Stay from £48pppn
Funcho Cottage, Funchal
Get the best of both worlds at Funcho Cottage, a villa that's in a quiet part of the region but also close to Funchal city centre.
The property is based within a banana plantation, and has a peaceful atmosphere.
Two guests can stay, making this a great option for a romantic getaway, and they get access to a pretty garden, swimming pool and outdoor seating area.
- Stay from £55.50pppn
This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.
Source: Read Full Article