The Algarve shines as Portugal claims Europe’s Best Destination award and 23 total honours.

Portugal has once again cemented its status as a global tourism powerhouse, claiming the title of Europe’s Best Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards, hosted in Sardinia, Italy.

This remarkable haul, which included 23 total honours for the country, reinforces the appeal of its regions, particularly the Algarve and its premium beach and long-stay tourism.

In the European categories, the region’s hospitality sector was celebrated for its excellence, with the Pine Cliffs Residences taking home Europe’s Best Serviced Residence Hotel and Dunas Douradas Beach Club winning Europe’s Best Resort Villas.

Other national awards further underscored the Algarve’s premium offerings, including Hotel Quinta do Lago (Leading Beach Resort) and Domos do Lago Algarve, Autograph Collection (Best Luxury Resort).

Even family tourism was noted, with Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort winning Best Family & Wellness Resort. The region’s tourism infrastructure was also recognised, with Aquashow Water Park in Quarteira receiving the award for Europe’s Best Water Park for the first time.

Beyond the Algarve, the awards celebrated the diversity of Portugal’s regions: Madeira was named Europe’s Best Island Destination for the 11th consecutive year, Lisbon won Europe’s Best City Break Destination, and Porto received Europe’s Best Urban Destination award.

Portugal’s repeated success at these global awards reinforces the country’s enduring quality, safety and holiday potential.

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