Algarve tourism | Algarve welcomes 5.2 million guests in 2024

Algarve tourism | Algarve welcomes 5.2 million guests in 2024.

The Algarve has strengthened its position as Portugal’s top tourist destination, welcoming 5.2 million guests in 2024 and surpassing the 5.1 million recorded in 2023 for the first time. This 2.6% growth reflects the region’s strong appeal, driven by an increase in both resident (+1.3%) and non-resident guests (+3%).

According to preliminary data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), overnight stays in the region rose by 1.9% compared to the previous year, reaching 20.7 million. Although still slightly below the pre-pandemic record of 20.9 million, the Algarve remains the country’s leading tourist destination, recording the highest number of overnight stays in Portugal.

The occupancy rate in tourist accommodation also improved, rising 0.5 percentage points to 58.6%. The average length of stay remained high at 3.95 nights, making the Algarve the second region with the longest stays, just behind Madeira.

Faro’s Gago Coutinho International Airport also achieved a historic milestone, handling 9.8 million commercial passengers in 2024—an increase of 2% compared to 2023. The United Kingdom remained the top source market, with 4.4 million passengers (+0.3%), followed by Germany, with 1.13 million (+9.7%), and Ireland, with 967,000 passengers (+7.9%).

In the golf segment, the Algarve set another record, totaling 1.46 million rounds played throughout the year—a 5% increase over 2023. October (179,000 rounds), April (162,000), and March (153,000) were the busiest months, reinforcing the region’s status as the leading golf destination in the country. This achievement was reached despite the full closure of the Victoria Golf Course for renovation.

For visitors exploring the Algarve who need unlimited internet during their stay, SpotsWiFi offers the perfect solution. With its portable hotspot rental service, tourists can stay connected anywhere in the region without worrying about roaming fees or unreliable public networks. Whether for sharing travel moments, working remotely, or simply browsing the web at high speed, SpotsWiFi ensures seamless connectivity.