The Algarve in Portugal is a stunning destination with idyllic beaches backed by craggy cliffs and has been awarded as Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2023. In fact, this southern region has won the prestigious award not only five times in a row but also for a total of 10 years.

Algarve, Portugal awarded Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2023

The World Travel Awards are recognized as the most prestigious in the tourism and travel industry and the latest were announced on Friday, September 29. Moreover, this is the 30th time the awards ceremony has been held.

Speaking of the award, André Gomes, the President of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) said:

It is an honor to receive this distinction for the tenth time. We remain committed to making travelers aware of the natural beauty of the Algarve.

Gomes added that the award recognizes the work of all professionals in the tourism sector in the region. He said that through their dedication and professionalism, they “contribute daily to making this the best beach destination in Europe.”

Beating heavy competition

Meanwhile, the Algarve region had stiff competition among popular beach destinations. It beat the Balearic Island of Mallorca, Cannes in the South of France, Marbella on the Costa del Sol in Spain and Sardinia, Italy also featured on the list of finalists.

The fact that the Portuguese region has won the prestigious award ten times is truly impressive. Previous winning years are 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and now 2023.

The international recognition once again consolidates its status as a beach paradise. All of the Algarve’s beaches are renowned for their beauty, with more than 200 km (125 mi) to choose from. Backed by the sheer craggy cliffs and with hidden coves the sandy beaches are lapped by the Atlantic Sea and cool sea breezes.

Due to its climate, southern Portugal is a year-round destination for travelers, offering traditional villages, the best cuisine and all the best amenities. Here, sailing, surfing, windsurfing, diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed.

Where were the World Travel Awards held?

This year, the World Travel Awards were held in Georgia on the Black Sea in the port city of Batumi. Meanwhile, the awards were founded in 1993 and are presented annually by an international group of hospitality peers and experts, mostly from the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Meanwhile, the beautiful city of Porto in Portugal also won an award. It was crowned Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2023.

Moreover, that same award was won by Lisbon in 2022. This year, Lisbon snagged the award as Europe’s Leading City Destination 2023. This year, Lisbon also won Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2023.

However, that’s not all as Portugal as a country was also recognized as Europe’s Leading Destination 2023. Now’s the time to plan a fall vacation in the Algarve region of Portugal.