As summer comes to an end, internal Airbnb data on searches for autumn 2026 reveal a growing desire among Portuguese to explore the country beyond the coast and beyond the most traditional destinations. The interior, from Guarda to Castelo Branco, passing through the Alentejo, emerges among the regions with the highest growth in demand, alongside established destinations such as the Algarve.
“Travel trends for this autumn show the potential of inland Portugal: Guarda and Castelo Branco lead the growth in searches, with Odemira featuring among the destinations that grow the most for both Gen Z and Millennials. Opening these regions to tourism is an opportunity for growth and decentralization that benefits local economies while easing the pressure on the most sought-after destinations,” says Jaime Rodríguez de Santiago, General Manager for Spain and Portugal of Airbnb Marketing Services SL, cited in a press release.
Rural tourism records the largest growth of the season
Rural tourism shows the most expressive growth in demand for autumn. Guarda and Castelo Branco stand out at the head of the list, followed by Portalegre, Viseu, Évora and Beja, interior destinations that continue to attract Portuguese travelers seeking nature, tranquility, and experiences away from urban centers.
Portuguese rural destinations with the highest growth in demand:
- Guarda
- Castelo Branco
- Portalegre
- Viseu
- Évora
Gen Z turns to the interior and the Alentejo
Among the younger Portuguese travelers, the Algarve remains the destination with the highest demand, with Albufeira and Loulé at the forefront. But beyond the Algarve coastline, the most interesting trends emerge: Odemira, in the Alentejo, and the localities of Terras de Bouro and Vieira do Minho, in Braga, stand out among Gen Z, confirming the growing interest of younger people in nature-oriented and less urban destinations.
Portuguese destinations with the highest growth among Gen Z:
- Loulé (Algarve)
- Odemira (Alentejo)
- Porto
- Terras de Bouro (Braga)
- Vieira do Minho (Braga)
Millennials continue to explore the country, from the Algarve to new destinations
Portuguese Millennials keep the Algarve as the main autumn destination, with Vila Real de Santo António and Portimão among the destinations with the highest growth in demand. But the Setúbal region and the Alentejo, via Odemira, show that this age group is also broadening the range of destinations chosen.
Portuguese destinations with the highest growth among Millennials:
- Vila Real de Santo António (Algarve)
- Portimão (Algarve)
- Odemira (Alentejo)
- Alcobaça (Leiria)
Families bet on the Algarve for autumn
Among Portuguese families traveling with children, the Algarve remains the unequivocal choice for autumn. The Faro district leads with a very sharp growth in demand, confirming the region as the preferred destination for family holidays outside the peak summer season.
O Alentejo emerges as a cross-generational destination
One of the clearest signs of this season is the rise of Odemira, in the Beja district, which appears simultaneously among the destinations with the highest growth for Gen Z and for Millennials. Together with Beja and Évora, included in the list of rural destinations with the most growth, the region confirms itself as one of the great revelations of the Portuguese autumn, attracting travelers of different ages in search of space, nature, and authenticity.
