“World Travel Awards 2017: This is officially the BEST destination in Europe”

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Forget Costa Del Sol, Portugal is the new must-visit destination according to the World Travel Awards 2017.

The country was named Europe's leading travel destination at an industry event held over the weekend.

The Algarve, in Portugal, was also named as Europe's best beach destination*, while Madeira scooped the prize for the leading island destination.

The winners are based on votes of travel professionals, industry leaders and consumer travellers.

And it’s easy to see why Portugal scooped so many prizes. Just a two hour flight from London, it’s the perfect destination for Brits looking for some sun, sea and sand.

The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is known for its Mediterranean beaches and golf resorts. While vibrant cities like Lisbon and Faro are packed with buzzing bars, eateries and museums. (…)

It seems Brits were ahead of the trend as Global travel search engine Skyscanner.net recently revealed a staggering 508% increase in searches to Portugal for May next year. Meanwhile average flight prices to Portugal have gone down by 11.9% too, so you can bag yourself a bargain.

* The Algarve since 2012 has won five times the award for best beach destination in Europe. Concurring in 2017 against: Cannes, France; Corfee, Greece; Marjorca, Spain; Marbella, Spain; Oludeniz, Turkey; and Sardinia, Italy.