Golf news for portugal and spain
golf courses, golf resorts and golf holidays

Porto Golf Destination, the association dedicated to promoting the North of Portugal as a golf destination, is reinforcing its international strategy in 2026 through participation in two major European golf fairs: GolfTage München 2026, held from 6 to 8 February in Munich, Germany, and the Holland Golf Show, taking place on 20 and 21 March in Houten, the Netherlands.

These events are part of the association’s annual international promotion plan, aimed at increasing awareness of Porto and the North of Portugal among tour operators and golf enthusiasts. Porto Golf Destination brings together five leading golf courses and four partner hotels, creating a strong and integrated offer for travellers seeking quality golf experiences in the region.

The choice of Germany and the Netherlands is a strategic one. Both countries are among the strongest golf markets in Europe. Germany has around 695,000 registered golfers, while the Netherlands has more than 446,000, making them two important source markets with strong potential for golf tourism.

According to Manuel Francisco de Miguel, President of Porto Golf Destination, these two countries play a key role in the future growth of the region. Their large golfing communities and growing interest in authentic, less crowded destinations make them especially attractive for promotion.

The association includes five notable golf courses in the North of Portugal: Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima, Estela Golf Club, Golfe de Amarante, Oporto Golf Club, and Vidago Palace Golf Course. This golf offer is complemented by four partner hotels: Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort Hotel, Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center, Tivoli Estela Golf & Lodges Porto, and Vidago Palace Hotel.

Together, they create a complete travel experience that goes beyond the fairways. Visitors can combine golf with regional gastronomy, wine, culture and heritage, adding depth and character to their stay.

By taking part in GolfTage München and the Holland Golf Show, Porto Golf Destination aims to strengthen the visibility of Northern Portugal in two valuable European markets. With its year-round appeal and diverse tourism offer, the region continues to build its reputation as an emerging and distinctive golf destination in Europe.

A new travel experience is bringing a new concept to Portugal golf holidays, offering golf enthusiasts the chance to explore iconic courses while sailing along the Atlantic coast. The Atlantic Horizons cruise, operated by Swan Hellenic, will depart from Lisbon on 7 September 2026 aboard the elegant SH Diana.

The six night voyage will take travellers from Portugal to the Canary Islands, combining exceptional golf with a premium cruise experience. Along the journey, guests will have the opportunity to play at five championship courses across Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands.

One of the highlights for fans of golf is a stop in the Algarve to play at the renowned Palmares Golf Resort. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Alvor estuary, the course is widely admired for its dramatic coastal scenery and flowing links style layout. For many golfers, playing here is a defining moment of any holiday itinerary.

The golf programme offers both full packages and individual tee time bookings, with prices ranging between 375 and 1,500 dollars per person. This flexibility allows travellers to tailor their experience depending on how much golf in Portugal or other destinations they want to include during the cruise.

Beyond Portugal, the itinerary also features rounds at Tony Jacklin Casablanca and Golf de Mogador, followed by a final stop at Costa Teguise Golf. Each destination adds a different landscape and style of play, from Atlantic coastal views to desert influenced terrain.

This type of journey reflects a growing trend within international travel. Golfers are increasingly seeking experiences that combine their favourite sport with exploration, comfort and culture. Cruises that integrate golf into their itineraries allow travellers to discover multiple destinations while enjoying carefully curated rounds on prestigious courses.

For Portugal, being part of this route further highlights the global reputation of Portugal golf. The country continues to attract golfers from around the world thanks to its mild climate, spectacular coastal landscapes and a collection of outstanding courses.

The landscape of golf in Algarve continues to evolve, particularly in the eastern region near Castro Marim. At Verdelago Resort, development of a new Marriott hotel signals a broader shift in infrastructure supporting premium tourism and strengthening the appeal of golf in Algarve.

First announced in June 2024 with an investment of €52.5 million and completion forecast for 2027, the project has since been revised. As of February 2026, total investment has increased to €80 million, with opening now scheduled for spring 2028. The structural phase of the hotel has been completed, marking a visible milestone within the 86 hectare resort.

Operating under the Marriott International brand, the property will offer 197 rooms, including six standalone forest suites integrated into the surrounding vegetation. The resort dedicates 70 hectares to green areas, including a 24 hectare seafront nature reserve and a 42 hectare leisure park, reinforcing the environmental character that distinguishes this part of the Algarve.

Castro Marim already benefits from proximity to established courses, positioning the eastern Algarve as an increasingly attractive base for golfers seeking quieter surroundings without sacrificing quality. As golf in the Algarve remains a central driver of regional tourism, developments such as Verdelago illustrate how hospitality and golf infrastructure continue to expand in parallel, particularly in the eastern Algarve corridor. This sustained growth is also reflected in rising demand for curated travel experiences, with many visitors booking tailored packages through specialised providers of Algarve golf holidays, ensuring streamlined access to the region’s fairways.

At the same time, interest in exploring the full range of Algarve golf courses continues to increase, as players seek championship layouts framed by the region’s distinctive coastal and inland landscapes.