Algarve tourism experiences robust expansion
Tourism Boom in Algarve: A Rise of 10.1% in Guests and 11.3% in Overnight Stays
April 2025 saw a massive surge in tourism activity in the Algarve region, with a whopping 492 thousand guests checking into accommodation establishments, marking an impressive increase of 10.1% compared to the same month last year, according to Turismo do Algarve.
This spectacular rise was chiefly fueled by the Easter holidays, which were celebrated in April that year. The growth was particularly noticeable among non-resident guests, who witnessed a impressive 10.6% increase, surpassing the 8.6% growth among residents, Turismo do Algarve revealed.
The region registered a grand total of 1.86 million overnight stays in April, signifying an annual growth of 11.3%. Breaking it down, Turismo do Algarve estimated that residents grew by 11.6%, while non-resident tourists saw a 11.2% increase.
Throughout the year, the Algarve has demonstrated growth of 0.9% in this indicator, Regional Tourism reported. The results were nothing short of impressive, with total revenue reaching around 129 million euros, experiencing a significant increase of 16.1% compared to the same month in 2024.
If we take a look at the first four months of the year, revenue growth was a robust 4.7%, added Turismo do Algarve, setting the average stay in the region at 3.77 nights. This is significantly higher than the national average of 2.50 nights, making the Algarve one of the most popular destinations for tourists seeking extended stays.
Leading Municipalities
Several Algarve municipalities shone brightly in April, with Albufeira leading the pack with 678 thousand overnight stays, registering an overall growth of 4.8%, mainly driven by overnight stays from non-residents (+7.6%). Other municipalities also put in impressive performances, such as Portimão (+26.2%), Lagoa (+15.7%), Lagos (+15.5%) and Loule (+8.7%).
The number of passengers passing through Gago Coutinho International Airport in Faro also displayed very positive growth, the regional body considered, with the total of one million passengers registered in April corresponding to an increase of 13.6% compared to the same month in 2024. The accumulated growth for the first four months of the year was 8.1%, it said.
These results not only solidify the Algarve's position as a destination of choice for tourists, but also demonstrate the region's capacity for adaptation and resilience in an extremely competitive international context, according to the president of Turismo do Algarve, André Gomes.
The positive results are a testament to the effectiveness of regional strategies for promoting and diversifying the tourism offer, André Gomes added, reaffirming the objective of continuing the work to establish the Algarve as "a pillar of the national economy and an example of success in the sustainable evolution of the tourism sector".
- Tourism do Algarve announced that events in April 2025 contributed to a remarkable 10.1% increase in guests and a 10.6% growth among non-resident guests, leading to a total of 1.86 million overnight stays.
- The economic impact of this tourism boom was significant, with total revenue reaching approximately 129 million euros, marking a 16.1% increase compared to the same month in 2024.
- Albufeira was the leading municipality in April with 678 thousand overnight stays, followed by Portimão, Lagoa, Lagos, and Loule, all demonstrating impressive growth rates.
- Gago Coutinho International Airport in Faro also reported a positive trend, with a 13.6% increase in passengers, corresponding to a total of one million passengers in April.
These developments underscore the Algarve's position as a premier travel destination, showcasing its adaptability and resilience in the global tourism market, as stated by the president of Turismo do Algarve, André Gomes. The objective remains to establish the Algarve as a pillar of Portugal's economy and an example of success in the sustainable evolution of the tourism sector.
