I think they mean it is cheap when you get here. Holiday companies are competing hard for the available rooms and don't forget VAT in the UK and Portugal has gone up which affects the price you pay.

it's that time of year. Editors need to fill space with prepared pieces because of the Christmas/ New Year break so out come comparison articles where they quote prices from randomly selected and nameless places in different regions. Prices can vary within a resort - I've paid UK type prices for Sagres Preta in the old market in Tavira and found it at less than half that 10 minutes walk away in a local bar near the library. I was once told the only reliable way to compare value in different countries is to use a McDonalds price list!

I have also heard of that price comparison methodology! I am not overly familiar with McDonalds prices here or in UK for that matter.

However, if you smoke, drink lots of wine and spirits and eat fish, Portugal will seem cheap.

If you take only soft drinks in bars, wish to eat 'English' breakfast and eat Mars bars, Portugal will seem expensive.

Beer is not that cheap here either, not in the tourist areas anyway. A 'caneca' or large beer (40cl or about 2/3rds a pint) is around €2,20 - €2,50 which is in the region of €2,80 a pint in English equivalent. Many people from certain areas of England complain about that price; where I used to live and still visit regularly you don't get anything under £3 a pint except in Weatherspoon's.