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Portugal top in online search poll

(27 Jun 2006)

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The Mediterranean paradise of Portugal is the most searched for holiday destination on the internet, according to new research.

The online travel agency Holidays-Direct analysed visits to its website in May and found that Portugal even managed to knock Spain into second place, in spite of the fact Spain always has the most visitors from the UK flocking to its beach resorts.

The specific resort in most demand was Albufeira, an Algarve location that has grown from a small fishing village to become one of Europe's best-loved beach locations. The Praia de Oura beach and Salgados golf course are two of the highlights.

Third place went to the Balearic Islands, although over half of the searches were specifically for the island of Ibiza - understandable as the summer clubbing season gets into full swing.

Other searches to make the top ten included the Canary Islands and Cyprus, but some less familiar if emerging destinations also fared well.

Bulgaria is becoming increasingly popular for its skiing opportunities in winter, but the Black Sea coastal resorts also make an interesting change from the usual Mediterranean beaches.

And although Malta may have long been a favourite for its clear waters and friendly characters, top rankings for Tunisia and Turkey show that tastes are also becoming more adventurous, travellers heading from Europe into Africa and Asia.

But many holiday searches are also for general terms such as "family holiday".

In fact, Holidays-Direct's Paul Reeve said: "You could generalise that the country they holiday in is of little importance, compared to value for money, or family-friendly resorts."

© Adfero Ltd