The Algarve has once again been recognised as the World’s Best Beach Destination at the World Travel Awards, achieving this distinction for the third time. The award was presented on the evening of Sunday, 24th November, at a ceremony held in Madeira.
The World Travel Awards had already distinguished the Algarve as “Best Beach Destination in the World” in 2020 and 2021, along with the title of “Best Beach Destination in Europe” on several occasions. The Algarve was chosen as the favourite region from a list of 23 nominees that included several world-iconic beach destinations such as the Maldives, Cancún (Mexico), Seychelles, the Philippines and Zanzibar, among others.
Considered the “Oscars of Tourism,” this initiative elects the best examples in the tourism and travel industry in different categories every year through voting by the sector’s main leaders from all over the world.
“The awarding of this prize recognises the beauty and uniqueness of the Algarve coast, with 200 kilometres of beaches that have increasingly enchanted visitors from all over the world, combining such diverse settings as extensive golden sands, hidden coves and impressive cliffs”, says the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA).
This year, the value of the region’s beaches was further enhanced by several quality milestones, such as the 86 beaches awarded the Blue Flag (by the European Blue Flag Association), the 69 beaches awarded Gold Quality (by Quercus – National Association for Nature Conservation), and the 13 classified as Zero Pollution beaches (by ZERO – Sustainable Earth System Association). Among these, there are also 47 accessible beaches, which ensure that the region is inclusive for all visitors.
“Receiving this award once again is a source of immense pride for our region and proof that the Algarve continues to consolidate its positioning on a global level as an unavoidable reference in beach tourism”, says André Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau. It has been a good year for the region, with Albufeira’s stunning Praia da Falésia hailed the best beach in the world in the 2024 edition of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Speaking about winning the World Travel Award, Gomes said: “This really is an incredible honour. We have won Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 10 times but to win the World’s Leading Beach is another level altogether when you consider the number of countries that have great beaches….It is also an added responsibility, which reinforces our determination to continue offering unique experiences that are aligned with the highest international standards and capable of captivating visitors and exceeding their expectations. Congratulations to all those who work continuously to innovate and ensure a top-quality tourist offer in our destination; this award is the reflection of a collective effort by the entire region,” he added.
The World Travel Awards had already distinguished the Algarve as “Best Beach Destination in the World” in 2020 and 2021 and as “Best Beach Destination in Europe” on several occasions.
The VisitAlgarve website also makes the point that as well as the beaches, there are great dive spots along the Algarve. “We are also highlighting the region for diving with three great spots for this, including Pedra do Valado Marine Natural Park, one of the first protected marine parks in Portugal and the largest coastal reef in the region; the EDP Art Reef by Vhils, an underwater exhibition with 13 sculptures made from old pieces of power plants, installed more than 10 meters deep off Albufeira, plus the Ocean Revival Underwater Park, off Portimão. This park includes four sunken decommissioned navy ships, creating the world’s largest artificial reef.”
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