Algarve Wins Unprecedented Title of World’s Leading Beach Destination for the Fourth Time

The region becomes the only beach destination worldwide to receive the
World Travel Awards distinction four times.

The Algarve has been voted World’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, securing the title for the fourth time and setting an unprecedented record. With this victory, the region becomes the only beach destination in the world to be distinguished in four editions (2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025), surpassing iconic destinations such as the Maldives and the Turks and Caicos Islands, both with three titles.

The distinction was announced at the World Travel Awards 2025 ceremony considered the “Oscars of Tourism” held on the 6^th December 2025 in Bahrain.

After a voting period involving tourism professionals, specialised press and travellers from around the world, the Algarve stood out among 19 nominated destinations, including Porto Santo and other globally recognised beach destinations such as Thailand, Cancún (Mexico), Seychelles, the Philippines and Zanzibar.

André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism Bureau, emphasised the significance of the achievement: “Becoming the only beach destination in the world to receive this distinction four times is a special moment for the entire region. It reflects consistent, dedicated collective work over the past few years. More than a victory, it is a clear confirmation that the Algarve is at the global forefront when it comes to beach destinations. We receive this award with great pride and, together with it, the responsibility to continue raising the bar, preserving our natural resources, and exceeding the expectations of those who visit us year after year.”

It should be noted that, in addition to this fourth World’s Leading Beach Destination title, the Algarve also adds ten awards as Europe’s Leading Beach Destination granted over the past decade (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023).

This ongoing international recognition further reinforces a set of attributes that make the 200 km of Algarve’s coastline among the favourites of travellers from around the world: the unique and diverse combination of stunning natural landscapes; a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors; and the region’s strong commitment to sustainability, environmental quality, and accessibility of its beaches.

For more information about the Algarve, visit: www.visitalgarve.pt