Tourism authorities in the Algarve have highlighted the region’s COVID-19 response and diverse nature-based leisure attractions as they look forward to welcoming international tourists this summer season.
“After the storm, the calm,” said Algarve Tourism president João Fernandes. “The Algarve has been the least affected region of mainland Portugal since the beginning of the pandemic, and the capacity that the country has shown in overcoming this last wave allows us to look forward confidently to a brighter future.”
Fernandes said it was anticipated that the first visitors to return would be Portugal’s own domestic tourists and Spanish visitors, followed progressively by demand from other European markets, including the UK, over the summer months.
He said the Algarve continued to offer a varied and extensive array of attractions as one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations, including sun and sea (named “Best Beach Destination in the World” in 2020 at the WTA), golf (Portugal and the Algarve voted “Best Golf Destination in the World” on several occasions), nature and nautical tourism, and options for longer stays and “workcations”.
“We expect there will be significantly more tourists in the second half of the year compared to 2020, helped by the fact that we have European flights contracted with the main airlines, two of which – Ryanair and EasyJet (opening in June) – will actually be based in Faro. We can’t wait to welcome back and share our beautiful region with international visitors once more.”
Ecological Tourism on the Sea
In the lead up to the summer holiday season, Algarve Tourism are focusing the spotlight on “interesting new experiences” in the region, starting with Algarve Sun Boat Trips’ “Sun, Sea & Sustainability… a more ecological form of tourism, reducing pollution in water beds and producing zero carbon emissions”.
Holidaymakers can discover the Algarve’s picturesque coast aboard the company’s eco-friendly, solar-powered catamaran while savouring a drink aboard and sunbathing or swimming and snorkelling in the sea.
Specific tours, ranging from one and a half to four and a half hours, include:
Benagil (Manhã ou Tarde) – a visit to the Benagil Caves enjoying nature in a quiet and relaxing environment.
Magical Sunset Tour – admiring the sunset along the Praia da Rocha coastline and Alvor.
Passeio a Silves – exploring the Arade River on a historic journey between Portimão and Silves.
Sol e Rio (Portimão Sightseeing Tour) – a pleasant trip along the Arade river mouth, viewing Portimão from a new perspective.