The Algarve has received a prestigious accolade recognising the region’s beach product as the best in Europe at the World Travel Awards ceremony in Antalya, Turkey.

This year the Algarve was awarded the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ for the second year running, while Portugal took the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Destination’, with voters citing the wonderful golf infrastructure in the Algarve as a contributing factor.

The WTA awards programme, hailed as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’, highlights and rewards the travel brands that have made the greatest contribution to the industry over the past year.

The Algarve is home to over 200 kilometres of golden-sand beaches with 74 of these having been awarded with Blue Flag status for high standards in areas such as of water quality, safety and services.

As well as award-winning beaches and fantastic surrounding scenery, the Algarve has some of the world’s best golf courses with many designed by some of golf’s most famous names.

Desidério Silva, president, Algarve Tourism Board, said: “It is very significant to receive these two awards of such prestige for the region.

“This is indeed a unique achievement as it highlights the importance of the Algarve’s image as the leading beach and golf destination in Europe, which reflects the overall contribution from everybody who made this happen.

“The Algarve has one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, certified for its environmental quality.

“Most Algarve beaches hold the blue flag and gold awards for cleanliness, safety, water quality and facilities. In fact, the Algarve beaches are tremendously well maintained and a fabulous place to relax and unwind.

“As for the region’s golf courses, golfers have a wide range of courses to choose from which offer value for money and challenging holes.

“This coupled with a year-round pleasant climate provides the perfect recipe for golfing enthusiasts and this award is exactly proof of that.”