The World’s Leading Beach Destination has been crowned for 2025, and it’s not a far-flung destination. In fact, it’s just a three-hour flight from the UK, and you can even find flights on budget airlines.

The Algarve in Portugal beat competition from nominees such as Cancun in Mexico and the Turks & Caicos Islands to grab the title for the second year in a row at the World Travel Awards. But it wasn’t the only win for the region, Vila Joya in Albufeira won World’s Leading Boutique Resort, and Domes Lake Algarve picked up the title of World’s Leading Family Resort.

Famous for its long sandy beaches, the Algarve also previously won the title in 2020, 2021, and 2024. Portugal’s southernmost region is the most popular travel destination for Brits, particularly the area between Faro and Lagos which has hundreds of resorts dotted along its beautiful coastline.

A number of budget airlines fly to the Algarve’s Faro Airport including easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair. You can pick up flights for as little as £15 with Ryanair, and with flight times from the UK as little as three hours, it’s easy to see why the region became so popular.

The Algarve also offers mild, winter weather, so it’s a good escape from the gloomy British days. While it’s not as hot as some winter sun resorts, this week sees highs of 18C, and there are about five to six hours of sun a day. 

If you’re looking for a livelier city break, while still having access to a beautiful beach, then Lagos is a great pick. At its heart is a walled old town, with whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets adding to the Mediterranean vibes. In addition to its historic sites, such as the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira – a 17th-century fortress, the area is also full of bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s a great place to stay if you prefer to be in a walkable spot.

One of the city’s most popular beaches is Meia Praia, which starts in Lagos and runs nearly two miles eastward. This long stretch of golden sand is often busy during the summer months and attracts families, surfers, and other water sports enthusiasts. 

Albufeira is another destination that has grown in popularity with Brits. Formerly a fishing village, it’s now a lively coastal city, and visitors love the long, wide Praia dos Pescadores, which offers plenty of space to stretch out on the sand. The marina is a popular spot to visit in the evening, with a range of Portuguese and international restaurants, shops, and bars that open until the small hours.

In the summer months, take a boat tour of the Algarve from Albufeira and you’ll often spot dolphins swimming alongside you. Many boat tours also explore the coast’s incredible caves, many of which can only be explored by water, giving you a close-up view of these natural wonders.

If you prefer a quieter break, try one of the smaller cities such as Tavira, which is away from the main tourist resorts. The city is full of character and historic charm, and the main beach is on its own little island, reached by a 20-minute ferry that costs just a couple of Euros. It’s also close to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, made up of wild coastland, islands, and sandbars that can be explored by boat.

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