Portuguese holiday choices shift from Algarve to Alentejo and North coast

A new IPAM study of 450 Portuguese adults shows a clear change in domestic vacation preferences. In the 2026 survey, 60% of respondents who plan to holiday in Portugal chose the Alentejo Litoral, making it the top destination, while the Norte Litoral attracted about a third of voters. The Algarve, which led in 2019, fell to fourth place with only 30% of selections.

Overall, the share of Portuguese who intend to spend their holidays within the country dropped from 61% in 2019 to 50% this year, while travel to Europe rose to 40%, led by Spain. About 79% of respondents still plan a summer break, down from 85% in 2019. The average budget for a summer trip is €750 per person, a 5% increase, but 43% say they will spend less than last year and another 43% will keep spending the same; only 14% expect to spend more. Seventy‑seven percent rely on the vacation subsidy, with 30% depending on it entirely and 47% using it partially.

Digital tools are now central to travel planning: 86% research holidays online, 21% use artificial‑intelligence assistants, and 64% book through online platforms. Local accommodation options such as Airbnb and short‑term rentals account for half of the lodging choices.