The Algarve has once again been distinguished as the “Leading Beach Destination in Europe”, in the 2021 World Travel Awards. This is the eighth (and third consecutive) time that the destination has won the nomination from leaders of the tourism and travel industry from around the world, who annually participate in this initiative and vote to reward the best tourism offer at a global level.
After a difficult 18 months for the region, the award is being celebrated. “We are delighted once again to be recognised by travellers across the world for the quality of our beaches. We have such variety – from the wilder, sweeping beaches in the west, to the small picturesque bays surrounded by high cliffs and rock formations in central Algarve, to the wide sandy beaches in the east.” says João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism.
“The safety of our visitors has been a priority this year. As we have so many beaches to choose from, they are generally uncrowded, leaving space for everyone to enjoy watersports, beach games and swimming. The weather has also been very good this year, and even now into the Autumn months, we are enjoying warm sunny days” explains João Fernandes.
The beauty and diversity of the beaches in the Algarve, the year-round sunshine and the perfect conditions for watersports are the characteristics most valued by visitors. The Algarve has 87 blue flag beaches; 48 beaches with the necessary accessibility for people with disabilities; and has implemented good environmental practices with regard to the cleaning and preservation of the beaches.
“Often visitors come for the beach and are surprised to discover that that we have such rich and diverse attractions, from golf, nautical tourism and nature tourism, to culture and gastronomy in the region” reveals João Fernandes.
Known for its promise of more than 300 days of sun per year, the region is home to authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers, nature lovers alike. The Algarve’s 16 municipalities offer traditional and distinct experiences that allow for visitors to discover its rich heritage as a region.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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It is not just the cleanliness of the water and purity of the sand that brings such an award. Over recent decades the Algarve has improved hugely in terms of infrastructure and provision of hotel services.
There’s also been a real step up in the quality of food too. Algarve is becoming a bit of a foodie destination.
When you’ve got over 300 days of sunshine you may be lucky and get some pleasingly warm days in winter too. Once we spent Christmas on the Algarve had a very nice walk along the beach on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Not a big fan of summer golf on the Algarve but for the rest of the year it offers just about the perfect climate. Winter golf on the Algarve is actually golf, nothing like playing on some of the quagmires that masquerade as golf courses in December, January and February in England.
After a difficult 18 months for the region, the award is being celebrated. “We are delighted once again to be recognised by travellers across the world for the quality of our beaches. We have such variety – from the wilder, sweeping beaches in the west, to the small picturesque bays surrounded by high cliffs and rock formations in central Algarve, to the wide sandy beaches in the east.” says João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism.
“The safety of our visitors has been a priority this year. As we have so many beaches to choose from, they are generally uncrowded, leaving space for everyone to enjoy watersports, beach games and swimming. The weather has also been very good this year, and even now into the Autumn months, we are enjoying warm sunny days” explains João Fernandes.
After a difficult 18 months for the region, the award is being celebrated. “We are delighted once again to be recognised by travellers across the world for the quality of our beaches. We have such variety – from the wilder, sweeping beaches in the west, to the small picturesque bays surrounded by high cliffs and rock formations in central Algarve, to the wide sandy beaches in the east.” says João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism.
“The safety of our visitors has been a priority this year. As we have so many beaches to choose from, they are generally uncrowded, leaving space for everyone to enjoy watersports, beach games and swimming. The weather has also been very good this year, and even now into the Autumn months, we are enjoying warm sunny days” explains João Fernandes.
The beauty and diversity of the beaches in the Algarve, the year-round sunshine and the perfect conditions for watersports are the characteristics most valued by visitors. The Algarve has 87 blue flag beaches; 48 beaches with the necessary accessibility for people with disabilities; and has implemented good environmental practices with regard to the cleaning and preservation of the beaches.
“Often visitors come for the beach and are surprised to discover that that we have such rich and diverse attractions, from golf, nautical tourism and nature tourism, to culture and gastronomy in the region” reveals João Fernandes.
Known for its promise of more than 300 days of sun per year, the region is home to authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers, nature lovers alike. The Algarve’s 16 municipalities offer traditional and distinct experiences that allow for visitors to discover its rich heritage as a region. 
It is not just the cleanliness of the water and purity of the sand that brings such an award. Over recent decades the Algarve has improved hugely in terms of infrastructure and provision of hotel services.
There’s also been a real step up in the quality of food too. Algarve is becoming a bit of a foodie destination.
When you’ve got over 300 days of sunshine you may be lucky and get some pleasingly warm days in winter too. Once we spent Christmas on the Algarve had a very nice walk along the beach on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Not a big fan of summer golf on the Algarve but for the rest of the year it offers just about the perfect climate. Winter golf on the Algarve is actually golf, nothing like playing on some of the quagmires that masquerade as golf courses in December, January and February in England.
Some of those Algarve coastal pictures have become so iconic, we just associate those beaches with good holidays.
I’m shocked at 300 days of sun per year!! That landscape is truly astonishing. Can’t wait to get there and take my own pictures someday.