Portugal's Summer Spending Surges, Lisbon and Faro Remain Top Destinations
New data released by SIBS Analytics for the summer period of July and August 2025 indicates a notable increase in consumer activity across Portugal. The report shows a 9% rise in the total number of payment operations and a 4% increase in monetary value compared to the same period in 2024, signaling sustained economic momentum. The findings highlight the continued dominance of Lisbon and Faro as primary hubs for both domestic and international spending.
The analysis, which covers withdrawals and electronic purchases on the Multibanco network, was presented by SIBS, the primary payment processor in Portugal. The methodology tracks transaction volumes and values, providing a near real-time snapshot of consumer behavior. According to the report, the average value per transaction was €38, a slight decrease of €2 from the 2024 average, suggesting a higher frequency of smaller purchases during the peak holiday season.
Key sectors experiencing significant growth included Leisure, with a 15% jump in transaction volume, and Restaurants, which saw an 11% increase in operations and a 12% rise in value. Spending by foreign visitors was a major contributor to these figures, with transactions using international cards growing by 11% in volume. One in every six transactions recorded during the period was made with a foreign-issued card.
The geographic breakdown of spending confirms the strategic importance of Portugal's main urban and coastal centers. The districts of Lisbon and Faro each captured 12% of the total transaction volume from Portuguese residents traveling more than 50 kilometers from home. While Faro saw a slight relative decrease in its share by 7% compared to the previous year, Lisbon's share grew by 1%, reinforcing the capital's strong economic pull. The city of Porto also showed strong growth, with a 7% increase in domestic visitor transactions.
Data on international consumer origins places France at the top, accounting for 20% of all foreign card spending. The United Kingdom followed with 14%, Spain with 12%, and the United States and Germany with 7% each. This diverse mix of high-spending tourists underscores Portugal's broad international appeal and its impact on the local economy, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.
The SIBS report also tracked the spending habits of Portuguese residents traveling abroad, noting a 9% increase in operations and a 7% rise in value. Spain remained the primary destination, capturing 43% of all transactions made by Portuguese consumers outside the country.
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Government officials have not yet commented on the latest SIBS figures, but economic analysts view the data as a positive indicator of consumer confidence. The consistent growth in both domestic and international spending provides a stable foundation for the service and retail sectors, which are critical components of the national economy.
The increase in transactions in key real estate markets like Lisbon, Faro, and Porto reflects the vibrant economic activity that continues to attract both residents and visitors. The data suggests that despite broader European economic uncertainties, Portugal's key markets are demonstrating resilience and growth.
Industry experts note that the high volume of tourism and domestic travel directly benefits the property market, particularly in the short-term rental and commercial real estate segments. The sustained activity provides confidence for ongoing and future investments in these areas.
SIBS Analytics is expected to release its next quarterly consumption report in December, which will provide further insights into post-summer economic trends across the country.
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