05 October 2023 , 15:39
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A sunny region a three hour journey away from the UK has been named the best beach destination on the Continent for a 10th year.
The Algarve has been voted as ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards. Home to more than 100 beaches, the region in Portugal has some of Europe's most beautiful coastline in the world and stretches for more than 200km. There are 88 blue flag beaches in the Algarve - an award giving to the cleanest beaches with the best facilities and purist water - making it one of the largest concentration of Blue Flags in Europe.
If you are planning a trip to the Algarve then there are plenty of beaches that are worth a visit. The Praia da Falésia is a long straight strip of sand 10km east of Albufeira which offers one of the region's most impressive first views. It is a great spot to visit with family as there is plenty of room for everyone to run around, dig a big hole or simply relax in the sun.
The Algarve has dozens of beautiful beaches (Getty Images)The beach on the ilha de Cabanas near to Tavira requires a little bit of work to get to, located as it is across the river from Cabanas village on a spit of land squished next to the sea. The beach has a unique blend of fresh and salt water flora, fauna and wildlife, making it an ideal location for nature lovers.
The Ria Formosa national park is an area of outstanding natural beauty that has a series of small islands within it, with the Armona Island - home to home to a stunning beach - probably the most notable. You can only access this island by water taxi or ferry, with regular boat trips taking place throughout the day.
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If you are a fan of throwing caution and your trousers to the wind, then the naturist beach on Tavira island is worth a visit. It is one of five official naturist beaches in Portugal. To get to the island you need to catch a ferry from the little port just outside Tavira and then walk for 15 minutes.
Getting there doesn't need to be expensive either. On Skyscanner you can find flights from just £27 each way although it's worth noting the cheapest tickets tend to be outside of the peak summer season.
Speaking about winning the award, President of the Algarve Tourism Bureau André Gomes said: “We are honoured and delighted to have won this award for the tenth time. It’s a real privilege for the region to have been recognised as Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, and to be making history this way.
“The Algarve has beaches to suit all tastes. From long, sandy beaches protected by golden cliffs to small bays nestled between rocks, and the calm waters of the east coast beaches like Manta Rota and Altura, which are perfect for families. Meanwhile, the west coast beaches of Amado, Bordeira and Monte Clerigo have some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the country and are a go-to destination for surfers. There also famous beach resort towns such as Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura, all with fine beaches.
“And complementing the beaches, we have a rich culture and tradition, with a long history of fishing, agriculture, crafts and gastronomy that has been shaped and influenced by its long Atlantic coastline, Moorish ancestry and sunny climate.”