Time Out: Portugal and Cascais in the spotlight at the European World Travel Awards gala

Two Cascais hotels were distinguished among the best in the world at a ceremony where Portugal once again affirmed itself as a destination of excellence. At the regional World Travel Awards 2026 gala, held on 17 October in Kotor, Montenegro, our country received a total of 32 distinctions.

In the municipality of Cascais, Hotel Estoril Vintage won the award for Europe's Leading Hotel, while Sheraton Residences Cascais Resort claimed the award for Portugal's Leading Hotel Residences.

Portugal reconfirmed its title as Europe's Leading Destination, at a ceremony where Turismo de Portugal was likewise recognized as the continent's Leading Tourist Board.

At national and regional level, the distinctions extended to various parts of the country. Lisbon claimed the trophies for Europe's Leading City Destination and Europe's Leading Cruise Destination, while Porto won in the category of Europe's Leading City Cultural Destination. The Algarve was named Europe's Leading Beach Destination for the 11th time, Madeira reconfirmed its award for Leading Island Destination, and the Azores were distinguished as Europe's Leading Regional Adventure Tourism Destination.

In the transport and attractions sector, TAP Air Portugal stood out by winning in the categories for Europe's leading airline to Africa and to South America, while projects like Dark Sky Alqueva, Passadiços do Paiva and Aquashow renewed their European accolades.

Following this list of winners, the World Travel Awards grand world final is scheduled for 12 December in Tanzania.