Portugal has once again shone at the European World Travel Awards – dubbed by the sector as ‘tourism Oscars’ – picking up no less than 32 trophies.
In addition to the title of Europe’s Best Destination, Lisbon, Porto, Madeira and the Algarve are among the winners; TAP too.
The European World Travel Awards gala took place in Montenegro, in the Balkans, last night, with Portugal winning 32 of the 157 categories under consideration. The gala precedes the ‘grand world final’, scheduled for December 12, in Tanzania.
Among the main awards won are the Algarve’s “Best Beach Destination”, and Madeira’s repeat recognition as “Best Island Destination”.
Lisbon took home two awards: “Best City Destination” and “Best Cruise Destination”, while Porto received the distinction of “Best Cultural City Destination”.
The Azores won in the “Best Regional Adventure Tourism Destination” category (even though the situation in the archipelago is far from comfortable due to problems with low-cost flight connectivity).
In a statement, Turismo de Portugal said that the “Europe’s Best Destination 2026” award consolidates the country’s position as “a destination of excellence”, stressing the distinction is the result of a “strategy focused on the quality, diversity and innovation of the national tourism offering”.
Turismo de Portugal was also honoured at the ceremony with the “Europe’s Best Official Tourism Organisation 2026” award.
Among the multiple awards presented, TAP won in the categories of best airline to Africa and to South America. The Dark Sky Alqueva initiative, in the Alentejo, also received two distinctions, while the Paiva Walkways and the Aquashow water park renewed the trophies they won in 2025 in their respective categories.
Several hotels and tourism companies were also honoured. The complete list of winners of the European edition of the World Travel Awards 2026, including the awards presented to Portugal, is available at: Europe Winners 2026 – World Travel Awards (click here).
Source: Expresso
Natasha Donn
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.