Forbes: The Algarve Wins ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ At World Travel Awards 2023

By Joanne Shurvell

For the tenth time, the Algarve, in southern Portugal, has been voted as “Europe's Leading Beach Destination” at the 2023 World Travel Awards. No other destination has won this award, which honors travel and tourism, so many times. The other top shortlisted beach destinations included: Cannes, France; Corfu, Greece; Costa Navarino, Greece; Mallorca, Spain; Marbella, Spain; Porto Santo Island, Madeira and Sardinia, Italy.

This year, the World Travel Awards commemorated its 30th anniversary of rewarding travel excellence in Batumi, Georgia. World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. The year-long, worldwide voting process is online with the votes come from qualified executives working within travel and tourism and the consumer travel buyer.

Home to over 100 beaches, the renowned Algarve region in Portugal has some of Europe's most beautiful coastline, stretching over 200 kilometers. And the beaches are among the cleanest in the world too. There are 88 blue flag beaches in the Algarve, one of the largest concentration of Blue Flags in Europe. Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

Speaking about winning the award, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau André Gomes said: “The Algarve has beaches to suit all tastes. From long, sandy beaches protected by golden cliffs to small bays nestled between rocks and the calm waters of the east coast beaches like Manta Rota and Altura, which are perfect for families. Meanwhile, the west coast beaches of Amado, Bordeira and Monte Clerigo have some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the country and are a go-to destination for surfers. There also famous beach resort towns such as Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura, all with fine beaches.”

Among the many gorgeous beaches, Praia do Vale dos Homens is in the heart of the Vicentine Plain, an extensive area of farmland and pine forests. This 500 meter long peaceful beach, framed by high sea cliffs, is reached by a huge wooden staircase. Thanks to the way the rocks lie in the sea, rock pools form at low tide allowing for peaceful bathing and the opportunity to see anemones, limpets, barnacles, gobies, prawns and starfish.

There’s also lots to do alongside relaxing on and exploring beaches. The Algarve is renowned for its rich heritage, a blend of Moorish and Portuguese influences that can be seen in its architecture, cuisine and traditions. Visitors to the Algarve can explore historic towns like Lagos and Faro, where cobblestone streets wind through charming neighborhoods filled with colorful tiles and whitewashed buildings.

The culinary scene is excellent, especially for seafood lovers. Freshly caught fish and seafood are staples of the local diet with traditional dishes like grilled sardines or cataplana, a flavorful seafood stew. The famous “green wine” Vinho Verde is a great accompaniment or a local favorite, Medronho brandy.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the Algarve's rugged interior, which offers hiking and biking trails through lush countryside, rolling hills and cork oak forests. The region is also home to several natural parks, including Ria Formosa, a wetland area where you’ll see a variety of birds and the Monchique Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views.