Holiday destinations sought in Portugal by travelers
In July 2024, Portugal is set to welcome a surge of tourists, with many looking forward to exploring its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and beautiful beaches. According to data, some of the most popular destinations for accommodation searches during this period include several cities and regions across the country.
## Popular Beach Destinations
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant towns. Praia da Falésia, known for its dramatic orange cliffs and white sand, is a favourite among tourists. Praia da Rocha, a long beach where visitors can walk for miles beyond Praia da Vau at low tide, is another popular spot. Praia dos Olhos de Água, located in Albufeira, is famous for its scenic views and lively atmosphere. Praia da Luz, offering a range of amenities with beautiful beaches and friendly locals, and Praia da Galé, another popular spot in Albufeira, known for its stunning beaches and nearby attractions, are also high on the list.
Northern Portugal, with its rugged coastline and powerful Atlantic waves, is ideal for surfers. Praia de Moledo, situated near the Spanish border, offers a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.
Porto Santo Island, known for its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere, is a favourite among those seeking relaxation. Praia do Porto Santo, often considered the most beautiful beach on the island, is perfect for walking and enjoying the scenery.
## Trends and Information
Many of these destinations are recognised for their quality and cleanliness, earning them Blue Flag status. Beyond beaches, Portugal offers a rich cultural heritage with historic sites, scenic trails like the Rota Vicentina, and vibrant urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. July is one of the peak months for tourism in Portugal due to the warm weather and school holidays, making it a lively time to visit popular destinations.
Ignazio Ciarmoli, Marketing Director at Jetcost, stated that the Portuguese continue to prefer beach destinations, with 74% of tourists looking for such destinations. The Algarve, Centre, North, Lisbon, Alentejo, Madeira, and the Azores were all highly sought-after regions for accommodation during the specified period. Among national searches for accommodation in July 2024, a city in the Algarve ranks second.
The Centre and North regions were also popular destinations for accommodation searches in July 2024. Funchal (Madeira Island, Madeira), Sines (Alentejo), Idanha-a-Nova (Centre), Braga (North), Sintra (Lisbon Metropolitan Area), Setúbal (Lisbon Metropolitan Area), Oeiras (Lisbon Metropolitan Area), Troia (Troia Peninsula, Setúbal), and Cascais (Lisbon Metropolitan Area) are among the most popular cities in Portugal for July 2024.
Porto (North) and Lisbon (Metropolitan Area) are also on the list, as well as Fátima (Centre), Nazaré (Centre), Figueira da Foz (Centre), Caldas da Rainha (Centre), Póvoa de Varzim (North), Coimbra (Centre), Sesimbra (Lisbon Metropolitan Area), Vila Nova de Gaia (North), Vila Real de SantoAntónio (Algarve), Portimão (Algarve), Vila Nova de Gaia (North), Vila Real de SantoAntónio (Algarve), Porto Moniz (Madeira Island, Madeira), Peniche (Centre), Porto Santo (Porto Santo Island, Madeira), and Vila Nova de Gaia (North).
Demand for accommodation during July 2025 in Portugal increased by 8% compared to the same month in the previous year. The Algarve has seven cities on the list of the 35 most searched cities for July 2024. Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island, Azores) and Angra do Heroísmo (Terceira Island, Azores) are also popular destinations in the Azores.
Overall, Portugal's diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming atmosphere make it an attractive destination for travelers in July, with the Algarve and Porto Santo being particularly popular for beachgoers.
In the Algarve region of southern Portugal, popular beach destinations include Praia da Falésia, Praia da Rocha, Praia dos Olhos de Água, Praia da Luz, and Praia da Galé, renowned for their stunning beaches and vibrant towns.
Portugal's Centre and North regions are noteworthy for their rugged coastlines and powerful waves, attracting surfers to Praia de Moledo near the Spanish border.
Porto Santo Island stands out as a preferred choice for travelers seeking relaxation with its pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere, including Praia do Porto Santo.
These destinations, along with cities like Funchal, Sines, Idanha-a-Nova, Braga, Sintra, Setúbal, Oeiras, Troia, Cascais, Porto, Lisbon, Fátima, Nazaré, Figueira da Foz, Caldas da Rainha, Póvoa de Varzim, Coimbra, Sesimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, Vila Real de SantoAntónio, Portimão, Porto Moniz, Peniche, Porto Santo, and Vila Nova de Gaia, are in high demand for travel during July 2024 due to the country's attractive tourist offerings.
