In 2025, fewer Portuguese are opting for summer vacations. This is the conclusion of a study by Observador Cetelem, released this Wednesday, which also reveals that the average amount they plan to spend on holidays has reduced by 40 euros to 966 euros.
“With the arrival of the hotter months, the intentions of the Portuguese regarding summer vacations reveal that, in 2025, 7 out of every 10 Portuguese plan to take vacations during the summer (66%), a percentage that, although lower than the 77% recorded in 2024, remains higher than the values observed between 2020 and 2022 (48%), periods marked by the effects of the pandemic,” reads a statement accessed by Notícias ao Minuto.
The study further reveals that “the percentage of Portuguese who state they do not intend to take summer vacations has doubled this year, reaching 15%“, with the “main reason cited by respondents being lack of financial means (43%).”
“There is also a decrease in the proportion of Portuguese who intend to spend holidays away from home: 66%, compared to 73% recorded the previous year. This decline can be explained by attempts to reduce costs and keep expenses under greater control,” the statement notes.
Where are they going?
Regarding the chosen destinations, Portugal remains the favorite among national tourists, with the district of Faro standing out as the main destination within borders, as usual.
“Nevertheless, there is a significant portion of the population (35%) that intends to travel abroad, with Spain (35%), France (17%), and Italy (12%) maintaining leadership among the most mentioned destinations,” it is further noted.
The study reveals that the “choice of holiday destination is strongly influenced by the economic factor“, as “financial cost emerges as the most determining element in the decision process (40%), closely followed by the desire to be with family or friends (24%).”
How much will they spend?
Regarding the budget planned for the holidays, the average amount the Portuguese plan to spend on summer vacations in 2025 is about 966 euros, indicating a 4% decrease (approximately 40 euros) compared to 1,005 euros the previous year.
“Analysis of the main expenditure items shows that accommodation continues to carry the most weight in the budget, with an average exceeding 475 euros, followed by travel expenses (around 350 euros) and meals (250 euros),” it states.
It is also worth noting that “leisure ranks last on this list, with an average of 160 euros, which may indicate an intention to prioritize essential aspects of the holidays over complementary activities.”
Cited in the same release, Hugo Lousada, marketing director B2B & B2C of Cetelem – BNP Paribas Personal Finance Portugal, explains that “the desire of the Portuguese to enjoy leisure and rest moments during this time of year continues to be a significant trend; however, the percentage intending to vacation in the summer of 2025 is slightly lower than the previous year.”
“Financial conditions and rising prices during the summer months are among the main factors cited, with a significant number of Portuguese already indicating a preference to go on holiday at another time of the year,” he concludes.
