Rules for beaches in the Algarve
Using sound equipment and causing noise pollution is not allowed and high fines can be imposed for this. But, these are not the only rules that apply or are prohibited for the use of beaches in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal.
Rules for beaches in the Algarve
- Camping;
- Fishing in swimming zones between sunrise and sunset;
- (Kite and wind) surfing and other activities that may endanger swimmers;
- Activities of collecting plants and shellfish outside the established places and seasons for economic reasons;
- Performing acts or activities that endanger the public use of the beaches, except for activities necessary for environmental or safety reasons;
- Conducting activities that may endanger the safety or health of bathers;
- Ball games and the like outside designated areas;
- Collecting geological material, vegetation, and archaeological remains, unless permitted scientific activities;
- Parking of vessels and nautical devices for recreation and sports outside defined spaces and demarcated areas;
- Depositing or leaving rubbish and glass objects outside the designated containers;
- Lighting fires/fires;
- Traffic from boats, watercraft, and jet skis in areas intended for other purposes;
- Overflight by aircraft lower than 1,000 feet, except aircraft intended for surveillance and rescue operations;
- Conducting street vending activities without a license;
- Advertising activities without a permit;
- Failure to comply with information on signs, flags, buoys, and instructions from lifeguards regarding situations that may endanger the safety of others;
- Traffic and parking in prohibited areas;
- Traffic and parking of motor vehicles outside established access roads and outside established boundaries of parks and parking areas;
- Traffic and animals outside the permitted areas, except trained assistance dogs or in the training phase, duly certified, to guide, lead, and assist people;
Best beaches recongition.
The Algarve was once again recognized as the Best Beach Destination in the World at the World Travel Awards, achieving this distinction for the third time.
This region was chosen as favorite in a list of 23 nominees that included several iconic beach destinations worldwide such as the Maldives, Cancún (Mexico), Seychelles, Philippines or Zanzibar, among others.
The award was presented on November 24th, during the World Travel Awards 2024 ceremony, which took place this year in Madeira. Considered the “Oscar of Tourism”, this initiative elects, every year, the best examples in the tourism and travel industry, in different categories, through voting by the main leaders in the sector from around the world.
Award winning beaches in Portugal
The awarding of this award recognizes the beauty and uniqueness of the Algarve coast, with 200 km of beaches that have increasingly enchanted visitors from all over the world, combining scenarios as diverse as extensive golden sands, hidden coves and impressive cliffs.
>In addition to the natural landscape, the Algarve also stands out for its ability to provide experiences for all tastes: from sunbathing and peaceful walks to surfing, diving and sailing.
This year, the value of the region’s beaches was further reinforced by several quality milestones, such as the 86 beaches awarded Blue Flag (by the European Blue Flag Association), the 69 beaches awarded Gold Quality (by Quercus – National Association of Nature Conservation), and the 13 classified as Zero Pollution beaches (by ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável). Among them, there are also 47 accessible beaches, which ensure that the region is inclusive for all visitors.
Blue flag winning beaches.
Remembering that the World Travel Awards had already distinguished the Algarve as “Best Beach Destination in the World” in 2020 and 2021, alongside the title of “Best Beach Destination in Europe” on several occasions.
Algarve Named World’s Best Beach Destination 2025
The Algarve has been crowned World’s Best Beach Destination 2025 at the World Travel Awards for the fourth time, setting an unprecedented record. This makes the Algarve the only beach destination globally to have won this prestigious title four times (2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025), surpassing iconic locations like the Maldives and the Turks and Caicos Islands, which have each won three times.
This honor was announced on Saturday, December 6, during the Final Gala of the World Travel Awards 2025, often referred to as the “Oscars of Tourism,” which took place this year in Bahrain. After a voting process involving tourism professionals, specialized press, and travelers worldwide, the Algarve emerged as the winner from 19 nominated destinations. Among the competitors were other world-renowned beach spots such as Porto Santo, Thailand, Cancun (Mexico), the Seychelles, the Philippines, and Zanzibar.
According to André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism, this victory is not just a win; it is a clear affirmation that the Algarve is at the forefront of beach destinations globally. He emphasizes that this award brings with it “the responsibility to continue raising the bar, preserving our natural resources, and exceeding the expectations of those who visit us year after year.”
It’s also worth noting that the Algarve has won 10 European Best Beach Destination awards over the past decade (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023). This ongoing international recognition highlights the Algarve’s outstanding attributes, which make its 200 km coastline one of the most sought-after destinations in the world: the perfect combination of breathtaking natural landscapes, a wide range of experiences for all types of visitors, and the region’s strong commitment to sustainability, environmental quality, and beach accessibility.
Algarve holidays by the beaches
With these prestigious titles, the Algarve continues to be a top choice for holiday rentals, offering a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a luxury villa, a cozy beachside apartment, or a charming countryside retreat, the Algarve provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway.
For those searching for the best Algarve holiday rentals, the region offers a variety of options, from ocean-view villas to charming apartments in picturesque coastal towns. Thanks to continuous investment and development, the Algarve remains a top choice for travelers seeking pristine nature, exceptional service, and a rich cultural experience. Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous holiday, the Algarve’s stunning beaches, world-class amenities, and commitment to sustainability make it an ideal destination for any traveler
Algarve als Weltbeste Stranddestination 2025 Ausgezeichnet
Die Algarve wurde zum Weltbesten Strandziel 2025 bei den World Travel Awards gekürt – und das bereits zum vierten Mal in Folge, was einen noch nie dagewesenen Rekord aufstellt. Damit ist die Algarve die einzige Stranddestination weltweit, die diese prestigeträchtige Auszeichnung vier Mal gewonnen hat (2020, 2021, 2024 und 2025), und übertrifft dabei ikonische Ziele wie die Malediven und die Turks- und Caicos-Inseln, die jeweils dreimal ausgezeichnet wurden.
Diese Ehrung wurde am Samstag, den 6. Dezember, während des Final Gala der World Travel Awards 2025 bekannt gegeben, die als die “Oscars des Tourismus” gelten und in diesem Jahr in Bahrain stattfand. Nach einer Abstimmung, an der Tourismusexperten, Fachpresse und Reisende aus aller Welt beteiligt waren, setzte sich die Algarve gegen 19 nominierte Ziele durch. Zu den Konkurrenten gehörten andere weltberühmte Strandziele wie Porto Santo, Thailand, Cancun (Mexiko), die Seychellen, die Philippinen und Sansibar.
Laut André Gomes, Präsident von Algarve Tourism, ist dieser Sieg nicht nur eine Auszeichnung, sondern eine klare Bestätigung, dass die Algarve weltweit an der Spitze steht, wenn es um Stranddestinationen geht. Er betont, dass dieser Preis “die Verantwortung mit sich bringt, die Messlatte weiterhin höher zu legen, unsere natürlichen Ressourcen zu bewahren und die Erwartungen der Besucher jedes Jahr aufs Neue zu übertreffen.”
Es ist auch erwähnenswert, dass die Algarve in den letzten zehn Jahren 10 Auszeichnungen als Bestes Strandziel in Europa erhalten hat (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 und 2023). Diese kontinuierliche internationale Anerkennung hebt die einzigartigen Merkmale der Algarve hervor, die die 200 km lange Küstenlinie der Region zu einem der begehrtesten Reiseziele weltweit machen: die perfekte Kombination aus atemberaubender Natur, einem breiten Spektrum an Erlebnissen für alle Arten von Besuchern und einem starken Engagement für Nachhaltigkeit, Umweltqualität und Barrierefreiheit der Strände.
Mit diesen prestigeträchtigen Auszeichnungen bleibt die Algarve eine Top-Destination für Ferienwohnungen, mit einer Vielzahl an Unterkunftsmöglichkeiten, die den Bedürfnissen jedes Reisenden gerecht werden. Ob Sie eine luxuriöse Villa, eine gemütliche Strandwohnung oder ein charmantes Apartment auf dem Land suchen, die Algarve bietet die ideale Kulisse für einen unvergesslichen Urlaub.
Wer nach den besten Algarve Ferienwohnungen sucht, findet hier eine breite Auswahl, von Villen mit Meerblick bis hin zu charmanten Apartments in malerischen Küstenorten. Dank kontinuierlicher Investitionen und Entwicklungen bleibt die Algarve eine erstklassige Wahl für Reisende, die unberührte Natur, hervorragenden Service und ein reiches kulturelles Erbe erleben möchten. Ob Sie einen entspannten Strandurlaub oder einen abenteuerlichen Aufenthalt planen, die Algarve bietet mit ihren atemberaubenden Stränden, erstklassigen Einrichtungen und ihrem Engagement für Nachhaltigkeit das perfekte Urlaubsziel.