Green Shoots of Recovery on Portuguese Shores

It has been recently announced that Portugal has been added to the UK Government's "green list", giving holidaymakers from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the opportunity to return to Algarve's luxury regions, ahead of what promises to be an exciting summer containing green shoots of optimism and economic recovery.

Essentially, the good news means tourists will be able to once again visit our luxury regions of Quinta Do Lago, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura without the need for quarantine on their return to the UK. However, travellers will still need to take a PCR test (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for Covid-19 before departure and on their return home.

The next important announcement that British travellers will be interested to hear will come from The Portuguese Government, who are set to issue further updates on Thursday May 13th - this should give more clarity on points such as whether a test or proof of vaccination will be required for tourists to enter the country. 

Nonetheless, with UK airline Ryanair announcing new flights to Portugal, with over 175,000 extra seats added from May 17th and the travel industry reporting a cascade of holiday bookings to the country, it appears that large parties of family and friends are fully embracing their long-overdue plans in paradise.

For many, the chance to finally get away to foreign climes has exceeded more than 12 months, and with popular European holiday-hotspots such as Spain and Greece prohibited from the Green List, Portugal is set to move ahead in its quest for normality by welcoming tourists with open arms.

João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, said: "We are obviously delighted with the news that Portugal will be on the green list, and are very ready to welcome British visitors to the Algarve. 

"Our amazing beaches, world-class golf courses, restaurants, bars and water parks are all open from mid-May and the sun is shining. 

"With 44% of our international visitors coming from the UK in a typical year, the absence of British visitors was noticed and missed last summer."

The Situation of Calamity, otherwise known as the UK equivalent of a roadmap out of the pandemic, is due to end on May 16th, a day before British tourists arrive, although visitors should still expect to be required to wear masks when in enclosed spaces. 

The impending return of tourists also means that the Algarve economy can open its doors once more and get back on its feet, just in time for the busy summer period. 

Local restaurants, bars and cafes have been allowed to open until 10.30pm, with large outdoor and indoor events such as cinemas, theatres, shopping centres and well renowned golf courses and stunning beaches also given the green light, but with a reduced capacity or the requirement of a face mask when visiting.

With some light at the end of the tunnel and things starting to open up again, it won't be long before the summer season arrives and we can enjoy the freedom of life once more. 

Regency Luxury Villas are the premier rental agency in the luxury realms of Quinta Do Lago, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura, offering a wide selection of exclusive villas to rent. 

To ensure you avoid disappointment and missing out on your dream getaway, we encourage you to browse our selection of stunning properties and book your preference via the website for the perfect accommodation during your summer stay.

Are you ready to return to paradise with the ones you love? 

We look forward to seeing you very soon!