The Algarve has been crowned World’s Best Beach Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards, securing this title for the fourth time and setting an unprecedented global record.
With this latest win, the Algarve becomes the only beach destination ever recognised in four editions of the awards (2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025), surpassing internationally acclaimed rivals such as the Maldives and the Turks & Caicos Islands, both of which hold three titles.
The award was announced on Saturday, December 6, during the World Travel Awards 2025 Grand Finale in Bahrain – widely regarded as the “Oscars of Tourism.”
After a competitive global voting process involving travel professionals, the international press and travellers from across the world, the Algarve emerged as the favourite among 19 nominated destinations, which included Porto Santo, Thailand, Cancun, Seychelles, the Philippines and Zanzibar.
Speaking after the win, André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism, said:
“More than a victory, it is a clear confirmation that the Algarve is at the forefront globally when we talk about beach destinations. This award represents the responsibility to continue raising the bar, preserving our natural resources, and exceeding the expectations of those who visit us year after year.”
This new honour joins the Algarve’s impressive list of accolades, including 10 awards for Europe’s Best Beach Destination over the past decade. With more than 200km of coastline, the region continues to win over travellers with its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, calm waters, and year-round sunshine — all complemented by a strong focus on sustainability, accessibility, and high-quality tourism experiences.
Why the Algarve Is Not Just a Dream Holiday Destination — But also an Appealing Place to Consider for Relocation While the Algarve’s natural beauty, friendly culture and enviable climate are all well known, what is becoming increasingly recognised — especially among retirees and internationally mobile professionals — is that the Algarve may offer potential financial advantages as well.
Below are some key reasons why more UK, EU and US citizens might consider when looking at Algarve not just for holidays, but as their long-term home:
1. A Potentially Favourable Cost of Living Compared with the UK and much of Western Europe
Daily life in the Algarve typically comes at a lower cost than in London, the South East of England, Paris, Dublin, or most US metropolitan areas. Groceries, dining, utilities, healthcare, local services and even property maintenance are generally more affordable.
This gives retirees and remote professionals greater spending power for the same income.
2. Attractive Tax Planning Opportunities
Even with the updated tax landscape, Portugal remains one of the strategic jurisdictions for cross-border tax planning, particularly for:
- UK expats looking to restructure pensions (including international SIPPs, QROPS alternatives and drawdown strategies)
- Individuals with global assets who want clear, stable tax rules and access to EU protections
- High-net-worth individuals seeking efficient succession planning, often using tools such as life assurance-based investment structures (“offshore bonds”)
With the right planning, residents can reduce unnecessary tax leakage and create a far more predictable long-term financial strategy.
3. A Stable Property Market and Strong Long-Term Value
The Algarve continues to attract international buyers because of its:
- resilient property values
- high rental demand, especially in coastal towns
- strong resale market
- strict planning rules that protect natural areas and limit overdevelopment
For many relocating families and retirees, Algarve real estate is viewed not only as a lifestyle purchase but also as a long-term wealth anchor.
4. Access to High-Quality Private Healthcare at Lower Cost
Portugal offers excellent private healthcare, highly trained multilingual medical professionals, and significantly lower costs than the UK or US.
This is a major consideration for retirees looking to manage ongoing healthcare needs comfortably and affordably.
5. A Secure Environment Supported by EU Legal Protections
Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.
For expats, this sense of security is reinforced by:
- robust consumer and financial protections
- the ability to hold EU-regulated investment products
- legal clarity around residency, taxation and succession
This stability gives relocating individuals peace of mind
6. A Lifestyle That Promotes Wellbeing and Longevity
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, breathtaking beaches, world-class golf, welcoming communities, and a relaxed pace of life, the Algarve is widely associated with improved wellbeing and reduced stress — particularly appealing for those seeking a healthier retirement or a better work-life balance.
A Destination That Excels in Every Sense
The Algarve’s fourth global beach title doesn’t just reflect its beauty — it highlights a region that combines lifestyle excellence with potential financial advantages. For those considering a move abroad, the Algarve uniquely blends:
- award-winning natural surroundings
- a warm, international community
- strong financial planning opportunities
- a stable, safe, high-quality environment for long-term living
It is little wonder the Algarve continues to attract retirees, families, entrepreneurs and remote professionals from all over the world.
This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.