Portugal’s gem: Algarve breaks tourism records in 2024

The famous Algarve in the south of Portugal has once again smashed records, as it recorded its highest ever number of visitors to tourist-centric establishments, with the 5.2 million number of last year trumping 2023’s figure. 

Is the Algarve popular?

RTA, the Algarve tourism region, conducted a report and found that in addition to record tourism last year, the airport of the region, Gago Coutinho International airport, located in Faro, smashed the “highest record in history”, surpassing 9.8 million passengers.

The tourism boom in Portugal, and notably toward the south, as temperatures become much more attractive and those from the UK and Ireland seek to make Albufeira, Faro, and Lagos, their sunny recluse, has been well publicised. 

2023 saw records smashed as tourism counts reached 5.1 million here, but 2024 shows a positive trajectory, and it appears things do not seem to be slowing down.

Why visit the Algarve?

With the chaos and drama going on in the UK and much of Europe at the moment, escaping to a warm climate with luscious beaches, albeit for a week or so, seems to be a perfect antidote. 

And stats show that Britons were indeed the Algarve’s main customers last year, with a whopping 4.4 million passengers passing through the airport in Faro. 1.13 million Germans also came through here last year, marking a nearly 10% increase in the previous year, with Irish folk travelling here, nearly one million in number. 

The 2.6% growth on airport passenger numbers reflects the growing allure of the region of the Algarve, with tourists from all over flocking to this sanctuary for some much needed tranquility. 

Numbers state also that there was a 2% increase in overnight stays in 2024, up to 20.7 million in total.

Does the Algarve attract a lot of tourists?

RTA stated in the report: “Algarve tourism is once again breaking records, consolidating its position as the main destination in Portugal. In 2024, the number of guests in tourist accommodation establishments reached 5.2 million, surpassing for the first time the 5.1 million mark.”

Algarve saw another curious record smashed as more rounds of golf than ever were played on its pristine courses, providing awe-inspiring views to allow players to get away from the mundanity of their working lives – albeit for a few days.

Andre Gomes, president of tourism in the Algarve, said that the Algarve sits as one of the most complete tourist destinations in Europe, and these records reflect the confidence of tourists in the destination, and the positive impact the activity has on the regional and national economy.

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