A high number of British people are choosing to travel to Portugal for a multitude of reasons, according to the Portuguese Real Estate Association.

The body said that the country welcomes two million UK tourists each year, while there are about 18,000 Brits purchasing property there on an annual basis, reports Homes Worldwide. Such figures are backed up by comments made by Holidaylettings.co.uk, which said that investors are now choosing to let out homes to people on holiday.

Managing director of the company Ross Elder said that the country remains a popular destination.

"The number of Portuguese properties being let out to holidaymakers is continually growing and not just along the Mediterranean coast," he told the publication.

Areas that have seen large numbers of tourists and investments include the Algarve, the Silver Coast and the Costa Verde.

Recent comments by the Algarve's Hotel and Resort Association suggested that Portugal is gaining in popularity with British people.