Portugal continues to establish itself as a top-tier destination in Europe. In 2024, the country welcomed approximately 31.6 million guests and achieved 80.3 million overnight stays, setting new records.
Revenue from tourism grew strongly, reinforcing Portugal’s global appeal across culture, coast, culinary, and city-break segments.
Key stats: Portugal Tourism
- ≈ 31.6 million tourists stayed in Portugal in 2024 — a new high, showing continued growth.
- About 80.4 million overnight stays in 2024, of which a majority were by international visitors (~56.4 million).
- Tourism revenue hit approximately €27 billion in 2024, underscoring the sector’s economic importance.
- The year kicked off strong: €1.54 billion in visitor spending in January 2025 (+8.7% y/y).
- The tourism sector in Portugal supports ≈ 1.2 million jobs (≈ 23% of employment) and contributed ~€60.6 billion to the economy (21.3% of GDP).
- Top source markets in 2024 included the UK, Spain, and the USA — showing a healthy mix of visitors.
- The average spend per foreign visitor rose to ~€276.60 in 2024 — reflecting stronger spending behaviour.
- Seasonality is easing — with a seasonality ratio around 36.6%, tourism is more evenly spread through the year.
How Many Tourists Visit Portugal Each Year?
In 2024, Portugal logged ~31.6 million guests and ~80.3 million overnight stays.
- Foreign visitors (non-residents) represented a large share of stays.
- The increase in 2024: guests +5.2%, overnight stays +4.0% over previous year.
How Many Tourists Visit Portugal Each Day?
With ~31.6 million guests over the year, Portugal averages ~86,600 guests per day.
Peak seasons, especially summer in coastal regions like the Algarve, exceed that considerably.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Portugal?
Revenue from tourism in 2024 grew by ~9.2% to €6,669.2 million in accommodation alone; total tourism receipts exceeded €27-€30 billion.
- The travel & tourism sector’s contribution to GDP in 2023 was estimated at ~€52 billion (19.6% of the economy).
- Hotel-sector revenue in early 2024 rose by ~20.1% over 2022.
Which Countries Visit Portugal the Most?
Key source markets for Portugal in recent data: United Kingdom, Spain, USA, Germany, France.
| Country | Guests Approx. | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~2.5 million guests (2024) | +4.3% year-on-year |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | ~2.4 million | +0.6% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~2.3 million | +11.9% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~1.7 million | +6.7% |
| 🇫🇷 France | ~1.6 million | -3.0% |
What Are the Most Visited Regions & Attractions in Portugal?
Portugal’s tourism draw spans coastal beaches, historic cities, wine regions, and island destinations.
| Region / Attraction | Approx. Visits or Significance |
|---|---|
| Lisbon metropolitan area | One of the most-visited European city destinations |
| The Algarve | 2024 record: ~5.2 million visitors in hotels & accommodation units. |
| Madeira Island | Important niche destination in 2024 for natural beauty & outdoor tourism |
| Porto & Douro Valley | Cultural & wine tourism growth region |
| Azores | Increasing nature/adventure tourism market |
| Historic towns (Óbidos, Évora) | Growing through cultural heritage tourism |
| Beaches of Costa Vicentina & Alentejo | Rising as alternatives to classical hotspots |
| Wine tourism & gastronomy circuits | Increasing spend per visitor and length of stay |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Portugal?
Portugal offers tourism appeal year-round, but the best weather + busiest season is late spring to early autumn.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | High | Mild weather, fewer crowds, good value |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak | Coastal resorts busy, hot inland |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | High | Harvest season, off-peak travel advantages |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Moderate | Mild climate in south, urban/city breaks prevalent |
How Much Does Portugal’s Tourism Industry Contribute to the Economy?
Tourism is a major pillar of Portugal’s economy: in 2023 the sector generated ~€52 billion and contributed ~19.6% of GDP.
- The growth in 2024 signals consolidation of tourism’s structural relevance.
- With ~80-million overnight stays and ~30-million guests in 2024, tourism continues to scale.
Which Areas of Portugal Are Most Popular with Tourists?
Tourists tend to concentrate in urban centres, coastal resorts and islands, but emerging inland destinations are gaining traction.
- Lisbon & Cascais – Historic architecture, riverfront, city break demand
- Algarve – Sun & sea resort hotspot
- Porto & Douro – Wine tourism, heritage, city charm
- Madeira & Azores – Nature, island escapes, adventure
- Central Portugal & Alentejo – Slower pace, heritage, emerging niche
- Silver Coast & Lisbon hinterland – Long-stay, lifestyle, surf segments
FAQ – Portugal Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Portugal each year?
In 2024, ~31.6 million guests were recorded and overnight stays reached ~80.3 million.
Which countries send the most tourists to Portugal?
The top source markets include the United Kingdom, Spain, United States, Germany and France.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Late spring through early autumn (April to October) is ideal for weather and tourism activity.
How much does Portugal generate from tourism?
Tourism revenues: ~€6.67 billion from accommodation in 2024, with total receipts likely near €27-30 billion.
Is Portugal only a summer destination?
No — while coastal regions peak in summer, urban, cultural and wine tourism segments have strong demand year-round.
Sources
- Turismo de Portugal – TravelBI — Tourism Outlook 2024 – Portugal (overnight stays, guest numbers, revenue)
- Road Genius — Portugal Tourism Statistics 2024 – Nights, guests, international share
- WTTC — Portuguese Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Reach Record-Breaking High (GDP contribution 2022/23)
- Portugal Resident — Algarve Sets New Tourism Records in 2024 (regional snapshot)
- Statistics Portugal (INE) — Tourism Statistics – Web Portal (national dataset)
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