The region of the Algarve leaves behind important spots famous for its amazing beaches, such as Cancun, in Mexico, or Miami Beach, in Florida (USA). This win proves the return on investment in tourism that the Portuguese Government is making every year in the Algarve Region.
For the second year in a row, the Region of the Algarve, in the South of Portugal, is elected the World's Leading Beach Destination, according to the World Travel Awards™ in 2021, the most important tourism award on the planet. Considered the "oscar" of the Tourism Awards, this year the WTA organization registered a record of 2.3 million votes cast, the most significant since the creation of the ceremony, 29 years ago, in 1993.
With this victory, Algarve proves itself while leaving behind important competitors such as Cancun, in Mexico, the Galapagos Islands, Jamaica, Maldives, Maui in Hawaii and Miami Beach in Florida (both in the USA), the Peloponnese Region, in Greece, and even the Philippines and Thailand, along others.
In 2020 the Algarve won the world award for the first time, after having won for 8 years as Europe's Leading Beach Destination. These last decade's awards symbolise the solidity of the Algarve Region as the main tourist destination not only in Portugal but in the World. Together with tourism, the region became a perfect destination for real estate investors that are seeking good business opportunities.
Along its 300-kilometre coastline, Algarve presents itself with 133 beaches along the coast, the perfect place for exploration and discovery. That is what makes Algarve so distinctive, the variation between well-connected landscapes, and the outstanding infrastructure implemented in all 11 cities that compose the Region.
While one beach is overgrown with wide sprawling white sand, hit by big waves, the other finds itself in hidden coves with crystalline-blue water. It is a unique combination of natural paradisiac beauty. Another equally-attractive attribute is the Algarve's mild climate all year round. The Mediterranean microclimate keeps the average temperature variation from 15ºC in winter through to 30ºC in summer.
Almost always calm and warm, Algarve often invites visitors for a long swim at the sea, or just a pleasant and relaxing time in the sun. That is why the current year's award Europe's Leading Beach Destination 2022, also organized by the World Travel Awards™, already counts with the Algarve alongside the nominees, with a great chance of another phenomenal victory.
Is Algarve a good place to live?
Algarve may be the World's Leading Beach Destination in 2021, making it an amazing spot for tourism, but Algarve is also an amazing place if you want to settle and live, especially if you are looking to relocate permanently to Portugal.
Read our exclusive Algarve Guides:
The Living in the Algarve Guide
Best Places to Stay & Visit in the Algarve
Best Beaches in the Algarve Coast
The fact is that Portugal is developing into a cosmopolitan and inviting location for all nationalities, mostly due to its safety, cost of living, good weather, and cultural heritage. The very attractive Portuguese Golden Visa Programme is bringing the attention of investors all over the world, that more often are looking for a place to live in peace and stability with their families.
Another plus for the Algarve Region is the easy accessibility, as it offers various types of transportation and connections with Lisbon and Porto, the two main cities in Portugal. Algarve also counts with the Faro International Airport with many national and international flight connections.
