Summer is upon us. It's the time when couples, families and solo travellers start making their way to sunnier European climes in their droves, and Portugal is one of their favourite destinations.

This year, searches for accommodation in July increased by 10% compared to July 2023. Besides international visitors, Portuguese residents are also looking for sun and beach in their own country, with 76% of their searches focused on coastal areas.

It's little surprise, then, that among the 35 most searched cities for July 2024, the Algarve appears seven times, according to the latest study by travel company Jetcost. And the number 1 most sought-after destination? Albufeira.

“The municipality is prepared to receive the thousands of national and foreign tourists who choose Albufeira every year to spend their holidays,” said the president of Albufeira City Council, José Carlos Rolo, to the Região Sul newspaper.

Other Algarve destinations to appear in the top 35 for July 2024 were Portimão (9th), Quarteira (12th), Faro (13th), Vilamoura (16th), Vila Real de Santo António (19th) and Tavira (29th).

According to the latest Jetcost study, this increase in searches for accommodation shows that Portuguese residents are still choosing staycations for the summer months.

“It is clear that the Portuguese really want to visit other cities,” said Ignazio Ciarmoli, Marketing Director at Jetcost. “It seems that they continue to want destinations with sand, sun and sea, with 76% of travellers looking for beach destinations rather than inland regions.”

While the Algarve is very much in demand during the summer, there are still areas that provide some respite from the crowds, particularly those more inland, as well as hidden beaches along the coast.

Why not buy to rent? Let your investment work for you. Or perhaps you are looking to make the Algarve your home, to work or to retire? 

Contact us at Algarve Home Sales for information on either option.