Is the Algarve safe?

Tourism and crime unfortunately go hand in hand, and wherever there are high levels of tourists it is usually accompanied with a certain amount of crime, with tourists being seen as easy targets.

Is the Algarve safe? In an attempt to combat the amount of crime in the Algarve – a particularly touristy region of Portugal – and in response to the security demands facing the region, the government is reinforcing the police presence in this popular holiday destination.

On July 212, 2011, Miguel Macedo, the Minister of Internal Affairs in Portugal, announced at a meeting dedicated to improving security in the Algarve, that an extra 180 police officers are to be instated in the area as a sign of governmental recognition of the “importance of reinforcing security in the region.”

“We have deployed more than 180 GNR officers for the Algarve in addition to those that are already part of the ‘Safe Summer’ programme and 30 of these officers will be based at Albufeira,” said Macedo.

Speaking after the meeting with the GNR, Macedo informed reporters that although there had been a slight decrease in the number of crimes occurring in the Albufeira area, the move is part of a measure to “guarantee a climate of security within the population.”

The Mayor of Albufeira, Desiderio Silva, spoke of his contentment with the outcome of the meeting, reaffirming that there will be a continued thrust towards strengthening the security of the Albufeira region throughout the whole of the year and not just in the summer months.

“There is now better organisation, more security forces and further resources involved and this was the answer to the first part of our requests for action,” said Mayor Desiderio Silva.

The British Consul of the Algarve, Clive Jewell, attended the meeting and reiterated that the Algarve is a safe place to visit.

“The British Consulate has never stated that the Algarve is not a safe place to visit,” said Mr Jewell, before adding:

“Of course, I would be more than happy to join some of the tens of thousands of people of all ages and nationalities on a summer night out in Albufeira.”

Is the Algarve safe? We firmly believe so, and with a family friendly villa in Algarve like Monte Gale (pictured) complete with retractable pool cover and only 500m from a perfect beach, The Algarve should still remain a popular holiday destination.