In an interview with Tour Hebdo, André Gomes, president of Visit Algarve, presents the region's strategy for the French market: more stays outside the high season and more experiences in the interior, with artisans, producers and gastronomy. According to Visit Algarve data, the region received 244,673 French visitors in 2025, or 6.3% of international visitors, which makes France the 5th market, behind the United Kingdom (30.8%), Germany, Ireland and Spain.
In 2025, the Algarve counted around 5.4 million tourists in official statistics. Visit Algarve estimates that the region received more than 6 million, counting accommodation with less than ten beds, and around 30 million overnight stays, against more than 21 million in official data. Overnight stays between July and September represent 40% of the total, compared to 45% ten years ago, and the growth is mainly made in March, April, October and November.
Faro is connected by direct flights, namely with Ryanair, to Paris (Orly, Charles-de-Gaulle and Beauvais), Nantes, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille and Brest, and with flights from Air France, easyJet, Smartwings, Transavia and Volotea depending on the seasons. Strengthening connectivity with France is a priority. The region has the 11th title of "Best Beach Destination in Europe" at the World Travel Awards 2026, and Falésia (4th) and Benagil (16th) are among the 20 most beautiful beaches in Europe for Condé Nast Traveller readers.
With this bet, the Algarve seeks to diversify its markets and reduce dependence on the United Kingdom. According to André Gomes, the French are looking for experiences beyond the beach and golf, which allows them to promote the region outside the summer with nature, handicrafts and gastronomy.
