Algarve selects seven heritage sites for Portugal's New 7 Wonders semi‑final

The Algarve region announced the seven cultural, historic and tourist sites that will represent it in the national semi‑final of the Nova 7 Maravilhas de Portugal competition. The selections – Castelo de Aljezur, Marina de Portimão, Ribat da Arrifana, Igreja da Misericórdia de Tavira, Mercados de Olhão, Portimão Arena and Palácio de Estoi – were chosen by public vote during the regional final held on 25 July at the Palácio de Estoi in Faro and broadcast live on TVI.

President of the competition Luís Segadães said the event highlighted the Algarve’s diversity and encouraged visitors to explore beyond its beaches, while Faro mayor António Miguel Pina praised the finale for promoting regional heritage and positioning Faro as a host for national‑level events. The seven sites now advance to the national semi‑final, where they will compete with representatives from other Portuguese regions; the voting process is audited by PwC and the 2026 edition is supported by Visit Portugal.