The Algarve has yet again confirmed its status as the country’s premier holiday destination, both for Portuguese travellers and international visitors, according to the latest data released by Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) on August 29.
Figures show the sunny southern region recorded growth across several key indicators in July, including the number of guests, overnight stays, average length of stay, and overall revenues. The results were welcomed by regional tourism board Turismo do Algarve, which highlighted the region’s continued success in consolidating its leading role in Portugal’s tourism industry.
According to Algarve tourism boss André Gomes, July’s results confirm that the Algarve “remains Portugal’s top tourist destination, highly valued by both domestic and international visitors”.
The region registered a 2.3% increase in guests and a 1.9% rise in overnight stays in July compared with the same month in 2024. In total, the region accounted for 30.8% of all overnight stays in Portugal, representing 2.8 million.
Overnight stays by Portuguese residents rose 2.3%, while those by international visitors increased 1.7%. The average stay reached 4.25 nights – the second highest in the country. Among domestic travellers, the Algarve also led with the longest average stay at 3.99 nights.
Revenues in the Algarve reached €305 million in July, representing 34.2% of all tourism revenues and 34.3% of accommodation-related earnings nationwide.
The US market continues to drive growth, with overnight stays and guest numbers by US visitors surging by 26.4% and 26%. Canada also posted double-digit gains, with guest numbers up 17.2% and overnight stays rising 17.3%.
“These results confirm the importance of diversifying markets, supported by a strategy focused on attracting higher-value, long-haul tourists,” Turismo do Algarve said in a statement.
According to Gomes, the region’s strong performance underlines its vital contribution to the national economy.
“These indicators reinforce the Algarve’s importance for Portugal and demonstrate the confidence the region continues to inspire in those who visit us,” he noted.
