Summer has arrived and thousands of Portuguese have already left or prepare to go on vacation, and the latest data confirm the preferences: the most sought after destinations are Funchal Island in Madeira, followed by Albufeira, Algarve, and Porto Santo, also in Madeira. These three places lead the national ranking of surveyed accommodation, according to Human Resources Portugal, with a clear bet on bathing and island areas. The Algarvian city of Albufeira maintains a prominent place, much for its beaches, adaptation to tourism and numerous accommodation offers.
According to the Jetcost search engine, surrounding surveys for July increased 8% compared to July last year, which had already beaten records. The trend remains firm, with an overwhelming majority of 74% of users to prefer destinations with beach, in contrast to the 26% that point to the interior of the country.
In addition to the usual highlight to the Algarve region, also the Center, the North, Lisbon, Alentejo, Madeira and Azores appear with great expression in the demands made between July 1 and 31.
Albufeira keeps his throne in the south
Secondly in national preferences is Albufeira, which confirms its prominent place in the Algarve, according to the same source. With beaches that please all visitors, an urban front adapted to tourism and numerous accommodation options, remains one of the strongest bets of sun and sea in Portugal.
Its central location in the region facilitates quick travel to other sights, such as Vilamoura, Faro or Quarteira. On the other hand, the offer of bars, restaurants and night animation reinforces the city’s attractiveness with various audiences, from families to young people on group holidays.
From the sea of wood to the top of the podium
At the top of the list appears Funchal, on Madeira Island. The city has been affirming itself as a constant choice of the Portuguese, with mild temperatures, landscapes considered stunning and a balanced combination between urban environment and contact with nature.
During July, tourist flow intensifies, with much of the hotel offer to be occupied by national visitors. The diversity of options, from tracks to regional cuisine, makes Funchal specially sought by those who want rest without monotony, according to the previously mentioned source.
Featured island destinations
Just behind Funchal and Albufeira, Porto Santo appears, also in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The island, known for its golden sand beach with therapeutic properties, is among the most coveted destinations this summer, reflecting the growing interest of the Portuguese by island destinations.
This trend also covers other regions: the Azores are present in the Ranking with Ponta Delgada and Angra do Heroism, while the Madeira Archipelago adds two more entrances with Porto Moniz and Porto Santo itself.
Interior with moderate expression
Despite the widespread preference for beach destinations, several continental interior cities appear among the most researched places. Fatima, Braga, Idanha-a-Nova or Guimarães emerge as alternatives for those looking for cultural, religious or in contact with nature away from the coast, says.
Still, the demand remains much more pronounced in the coastal regions, with special emphasis on the Center (Figueira da Foz, Nazaré, Peniche), Lisbon (Sesimbra, Cascais, Setúbal) and Norte (Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Viana do Castelo).
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