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Summary:
- A historic track record: 4th world title (after 2020, 2021, and 2024).
- The eco-friendly shift: A national record of 85 Blue Flag beaches in 2025.
- The Portimão example: The marina voted “Bluest Marina” for its green management.
It was not a foregone conclusion. Facing the Algarve were 19 heavyweights of exotic travel, including the Maldives, Jamaica, the Seychelles, and Thailand. Yet, during the World Travel Awards 2025 ceremony held in Bahrain, it was the Portuguese region that took home the prize.
This fourth world title confirms an undisputed domination of the seaside sector. It adds to a decade of European leadership, with the region having already been crowned “Europe’s Leading Beach Destination” ten times between 2012 and 2023.
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But what explains such consistency? Official figures provide a starting point: with 5.2 million visitors last year and 300 days of sunshine per year, the Algarve offers climatic reliability and a hosting capacity that few competitors can match.
Beyond the golden sands: the “Blue” shift of 2025
This is where the 2025 vintage marks a turning point. The Algarve is no longer winning solely for the beauty of its cliffs, but for the quality of its management.
The symbol of this new era is Portimão. Its marina has just been distinguished with the “Bluest Marina 2025” label, awarded by the European Blue Flag Association. Far from anecdotal, this award recognizes cutting-edge environmental management, proving that mass tourism and ecology are not necessarily incompatible.
This dynamic is reflected across the entire 200 kilometers of coastline. Of the hundred or so beaches in the region, 85 now fly the Blue Flag—an absolute national record for 2025.
For André Gomes, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau, this award is not an end in itself, but a call to action:
“We accept this award with immense pride and, with it, the responsibility to continue raising our standards [and] to preserve our natural resources”.
Insider guide: gems away from the crowds
If you wish to discover the Algarve off the beaten track, forget the main routes and aim for these three spots where authenticity still prevails.
Ferragudo, intact charm
Located just opposite Portimão, Ferragudo cultivates its difference. With its narrow flowered streets and its church perched at the summit, it retains the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional fishing village, offering a striking contrast to the neighboring city.
The soul of fishermen in Burgau and Salema
To touch upon local history, head to Burgau. Nicknamed the “Portuguese Santorini” for its blue and white houses, the village seems frozen in time. Just next door, Salema offers a dual experience: a wild beach for relaxation, and a journey through geological time thanks to fossilized dinosaur footprints visible in the cliffside.
Monchique, the green alternative
Craving coolness? Leave the coast for the Serra de Monchique. This mountain town, renowned for its lush forest and thermal waters, proves that the Algarve is not just a sun-and-salt destination.
Travel journal: signature experiences
It is impossible to leave without having checked off these classics that define the region’s identity.
Geological Panoramas
- Praia da Marinha: This is the region’s living postcard, with its golden cliffs and famous double-arch rock formation shaped like a heart.
- The Benagil Cave: A natural dome pierced with an “eye” at the summit, accessible by sea, which remains a major geological curiosity.
- Praia da Falésia: Here, the spectacle comes from the red and ochre colors of the cliffs bordering this long beach.
On the Plate (and in the Glass) Local culture is tasted as much as it is visited. Do not miss the Cataplana de Marisco, a seafood stew steam-cooked in its typical copper vessel. For something spicy, opt for the real Frango da Guia (spicy grilled chicken) in its town of origin.
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To finish on a sweet note, try the Dom Rodrigo, a pastry made of eggs and almonds wrapped in colorful foil, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Medronho, the local strawberry tree brandy.
This 4th world title is therefore no coincidence. By combining its historic landscapes with rigorous environmental management symbolized by the “blue shift,” the Algarve ensures it stays at the top for years to come.
