Port of Lisbon hits record cruise numbers in August 2026

The Port of Lisbon recorded its best August ever for cruise activity in 2026, setting new historical records for total passengers, port calls, and turnaround operations. During the month, 86,322 cruise passengers passed through the port, a 23% increase compared to August 2025. The number of port calls reached a record 33, up 32% from the previous year. Turnaround operations saw significant growth, with 24,633 movements, representing a 117% increase over August 2025.

In the broader Portuguese economy, summer consumption during July and August saw a 6% increase in the number of operations and a 3% increase in value compared to 2025. Data from SIBS Analytics indicates that the leisure sector experienced a 20% rise in transactions, while the restaurant sector saw a 10% increase in operations. Foreign tourists, particularly from France, the United Kingdom, and Spain, contributed significantly to this growth. Additionally, Spain emerged as the top holiday destination for Portuguese citizens, accounting for 13% of their total transactions.