When we think of stunning beach destinations our minds immediately flit to the likes of the Maldives and Bora Bora.

However, it turns out the world’s leading beach destination is much closer to home, in Portugal.

In the World Travel Awards – considered to be the ‘Oscars of Tourism’ – the Algarve won out for a record-breaking fourth time, beating idyllic destinations like the Maldives, Jamaica, the Galapagos Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

This Portuguese tourism hotspot claimed the title in 2024, 2021, and 2020, with the Philippines briefly dethroning it in 2022 and 2023.

Other nominees in the category this year included the Seychelles, Maui, Indonesia, Costa Navarino (Greece), Porto Santo Island (Madeira) and Zanzibar – so there was certainly some stiff competition.

But having been crowned Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 10 times over the past decade, it’s clearly a firm favourite.

With 200 kilometres of beaches between the southwest coast near Aljezur and the eastern end close to Vila Real de Santo António, the Algarve proved a hit with this year’s competition judges, who ranged from tourism professionals to press and travellers.

Coupled with white sand, clear sea, and a tepid climate with 300 days of sunshine a year, it remains a sure-fire choice for those who like to sunbathe.

Of the more than 100 beaches in the region, the most pristine offerings can be found on the Costa Vicentina, while more cosmopolitan coastlines surrounded by resorts are dotted between Lagos and Faro.

There are also 88 Blue Flag beaches in the Algarve – one of the largest concentrations of BF titles in Europe. To qualify as a Blue Flag, the water quality, environmental management and cleanliness must be of an excellent standard.

Why do Brits love The Algarve?

Last year, 4.4 million Brits flocked to Portugal, many of them heading to the popular resorts of the Algarve.

According to Beverley Boden, head of aviation, tourism, and finance at Teesside University, affordability is a major factor in its popularity.

‘Living costs are much lower than the UK, making it attractive for both short breaks and long-term stays,’ Beverly tells Metro. ‘With the usual appeal of a short flight, more departure points and extremely cheap fares, all contributing to the appeal.’

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Discover the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal🍊🌊🌞💌🪴👙🐟🍓🇵🇹 The Algarve has the most beautiful blue waters and the cutest coastal towns! I cannot recommend this destination enough!💛 Make sure to walk to Ponta da Piedade and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail🥾🌊 I stayed in Lagos during my trip but recommend towns such as Carvoeiro or Portimaõ as well! You simply can’t go wrong!💌 #algarve #algarveportugal #lagos #portugaltravel #portugal #interrail #solotravel #backpacking #visitportugal #creatorsearchinsights #portugalsummer

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The expert claims that the reason Algarve’s beaches often outrank those in East Asia and the Caribbean is in part because they’re ‘stunning’, but also because of their proximity.

‘In essence, it is a taste of paradise on your doorstep with guaranteed sunshine for cash strapped Brits,’ she adds.

‘The destination has natural charm, and the government has taken swift action to preserve its culture and crack down on unsavoury behaviour, adding to its appeal.’

Nikolaus Thomale, co-founder at holiday home co-ownership platform MYNE agrees, telling Metro: ‘The beaches are spectacular and the quality of villas and holiday homes is exceptionally high.

‘It’s also incredibly easy – there’s great infrastructure, English is widely spoken, fantastic food, and a sense of safety that families really value.

‘Simply the best choice for anyone looking for sunshine without the stress.’

How to dodge crowds in The Algarve

Metro‘s travel editor Kristina Beanland has been to the Algarve 21 times and is well-versed on how to avoid the tourist traps and stuffy crowds.

A staple part of our family holiday to the Algarve always included a boat trip on the River Arade, inland towards the historic town of Silves,’ she says.

‘Cruising the calm waters, with lunch and a (usually too warm) vino verde is a novel way to travel. Tours on a traditional fishing boat depart from Portimão, with prices from €35.

‘Silves feels like a time warp. Stroll along cobbled streets before heading up to the imposing ochre-coloured castle, which costs just €2.80 to enter.’

Ferragudo is another must-visit for Kristina – a quaint fishing village, not far from popular Albuferia.

‘Growing up, this place felt untouched by tourists, and while it’s now getting more attention from those in the know, you can still feel like you’re experiencing authentic Algarve here,’ she says.

‘Stroll along the cobbled streets and stop for a coffee and a tosta mista (a glorified toasted ham and cheese sarnie — but they somehow do them differently in the Algarve).

‘Wander along the harbour, where you’ll see fishermen bringing in their catch, or chefs in restaurants, barbecuing the fish. There are beautiful beaches to spend your days at here.’

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Less than a three-hour flight from London, the stunning beaches of the Algarve in Portugal attract millions of tourists each year.

Named the best-value destination in Europe for 2024 by Post Office Travel Money, you’ll get more bang for your buck in the summer hotspot than anywhere else on the continent.

But this could be about to change, because the Algarve is introducing a tourist tax which could ‘raise millions’ for the area, at the expense of holidaymakers’ budget trips.

If you’re visiting the southern Portuguese region, you’ll have to cough up £1.70 per person, per night, for up to a week between the months of March and September.

While it may sound like a small amount, this could add up to nearly £50 tacked on to the cost of a group of four’s one-week beach holiday.

The silver lining is that children under 13 years old are exempt from the charge. Plus, if you’re visiting during off-season, the fee drops to 85p per person between October and February.

The tourist tax applies specifically to the city of Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve coast.

It’s the largest city in the western Algarve and is popular with tourists due to its extensive shopping offerings. Traditionally it was a centre for ship-building and fishing, but its docks have been transformed into stunning promenades.

It’s also home to a number of stunning restaurants and cafes, offering delicious fresh seafood, and there’s a go-kart track at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve to keep the kids entertained.

According to Portimão’s Mayor Isilda Gomes, the tourist tax could raise ‘a few million euros’ for the city.

She said: ‘The rates are extremely fair. The funds will boost the city’s tourism development.’

So, is paying the tourist tax worth it? We’d say, absolutely – especially if you make time in your break to explore the wider Algarve too.

The region was named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA).

The Algarve was also named ‘Europe’s best beach destination’ in 2023 for the tenth time in a row, thanks to its 200km of stunning coastline.

Its 88 Blue Flag beaches, ranging from stretches of golden sand to secluded rocky bays, are a major draw for tourists, but there’s plenty more to do if you want a packed itinerary.

Popular spots here, apart from Portimão, include Albufeira, Lagos and Faro, with dolphin-spotting tours and sunset cruises departing from each throughout the busy season.

Faro’s Old Town is a must-see for history buffs, while families can enjoy theme parks like Zoomarine and Slide & Splash. There are also a number of nearby vineyards, where you can sample the local wines and find out how it’s produced.

According the Met Office, you can expect average maximum temperatures of 29.1°C in July, with hardly any rain and up 12 hours of sunshine each day during the summer. January is the coldest month, seeing peaks of 16.2°C and 60mm rainfall.

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