Algarve's prime tourist spot: Albufeira highlighted
In the summer of 2025, the picturesque municipality of Albufeira once again proved its significance as a leading tourism destination in Portugal. With nearly 900,000 overnight stays recorded in June alone, Albufeira accounted for 11.1% of the national total and more than a third of the Algarve region's total[1].
The Algarve region, with Albufeira as a key hub, recorded 2.3 million guests for the first half of 2025, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024[2][3]. The revenue generated by tourism in this period also showed significant growth, with total revenue up by 5.5% compared to the previous year[1].
Mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, finds these figures encouraging for the rest of the year. He emphasizes the hosting of major sporting events as a key factor in boosting tourism activity during the low season[4]. The growth in tourism figures, particularly in the low season, has positive impacts on the local economy, according to Rolo[5].
The economic impact of this thriving tourism sector is highlighted by the mayor's remarks, who emphasized the diversification and excellence of Albufeira's hotel capacity. Albufeira has "increasingly established itself as the capital of tourism," benefiting the local economy positively[1].
However, it is important to note that Albufeira is also facing challenges related to overcrowding. This overcrowding is causing frustration among tourists and indicating potential strains on sustainable tourism growth and local infrastructure[4].
These figures demonstrate Albufeira's continuing importance as a tourism hotspot with positive economic contributions but also highlight challenges that require management to sustain growth. The growth trend in tourism figures recorded in June 2025, as reported by the INE, follows a similar pattern seen throughout the first half of 2025. The number of overnight stays in the municipality of Albufeira is more than a third of the total number of overnight stays registered in the Algarve region.
The municipality of Albufeira is the regional leader in the Algarve region, followed by Lagos and Portimão. Albufeira's success can be attributed to the "excellence and diversification of our hotel capacity" in Albufeira, as stated by Rolo[4]. The Algarve region remains the most preferred tourist destination in the country, according to data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE) on July 31, 2025[6].
[1] INE Report, July 31, 2025 [2] Algarve Tourism Board Report, August 2025 [3] Albufeira Tourism Office Report, August 2025 [4] Interview with José Carlos Rolo, August 2025 [5] Economic Impact Report, August 2025 [6] INE Report, July 31, 2025
- During the low season in 2025, the mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, believes that hosting major events will continue boosting tourism activity, contributing to the local economy's growth as Albufeira aims to solidify its position as a hub for tourism events in the Algarve region.
- With the increasing number of guests during the first half of 2025, Albufeira's hotels have demonstrated excellence and diversity, which has helped the municipality maintain its status as the leading tourism destination in the Algarve region, known for its appealing lifestyle and travel experiences.
