Golf in Portugal

Algarve: A Trusted Tourism Region Where Golf Takes Center Stage

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For yet another year, the Algarve has earned the coveted title of “Most Trusted Tourism Region”, according to the latest survey conducted by Selecções do Reader’s Digest. Garnering an impressive 39.5% of the votes from 12,000 households across Portugal, the Algarve has outshined other regions by a significant margin—rising 13.9 percentage points from 2024, according to a press release from the Algarve Tourism Bureau.

This recognition comes as the Algarve celebrates 55 years of its regional tourism board. “It is with great pride that we receive this distinction again,” said André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism. “This trust motivates us to continue delivering quality, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences.”

While the region’s pristine beaches and sunny climate are world-renowned, golf has emerged as one of its most defining attractions for international travellers and locals alike. With over 40 top-tier golf courses, breathtaking landscapes, and a mild climate year-round, the Algarve is firmly positioned as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.

A Trusted Tourism Region: The Key Role of Golf

Golf is key to this “Most Trusted Tourism Region” success story. As a leading provider of tailored packages in the Algarve and beyond, Tee Times Golf Holidays offers a seamless blend of premium service, local expertise, and personalized experiences. Whether you’re looking to tee off at iconic courses like Monte Rei, Vale do Lobo, or Quinta do Lago or seek a golf holiday that combines luxury accommodation with competitive rates, Tee Times delivers.

The Portuguese domestic market continues to be the Algarve’s most significant source of visitors, with 1.4 million guests and 4.7 million overnight stays in 2024 alone. This steady flow of travellers—many of whom are passionate golfers—reflects the region’s exceptional value and enduring appeal.

As trust in the Algarve soars, so does its reputation as a golfer’s paradise. For those planning their next golfing escape, there’s never been a better time to experience everything the region—and Tee Times Golf Holidays—has to offer.

Algarve: Where Tourism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

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Portugal’s Algarve continues to shine as a top global destination, blending sustainability with world-class tourism and holding its crown as the best golf destination on the planet.

At the “Turismo do Algarve: Overcoming Challenges, Building the Future” conference—celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Algarve Tourism Board—President André Gomes made the region’s vision crystal clear: “Sustainability is a non-negotiable priority.” A perfect example of this commitment is the Save Water efficiency seal, which has already cut water consumption in tourism businesses by 12%. And that’s just the beginning! The initiative is now expanding to local accommodations, tourism activities, car rentals, and restaurants, ensuring that the region’s natural beauty stays intact for generations to come.

Despite global economic challenges, the Algarve is thriving. In 2024, the region welcomed a record-breaking 5.2 million tourists, with Faro Airport handling 9.8 million passengers. And 2025 looks even better, especially with the launch of transatlantic routes, including the first-ever direct flight from New York (Newark) to Faro with United Airlines.

Algarve golfing experience

One of Algarve’s biggest draws? Golf. Named the best golf destination in the world, the region boasts top-tier courses, breathtaking landscapes, and outstanding facilities, attracting golf lovers year-round. Whether the rolling greens of Quinta do Lago or the stunning cliffside fairways of Vale do Lobo, the region delivers an unforgettable golfing experience for all skill levels.

Leading the way in golf tourism is Tee Times Golf Holidays, a specialised travel company that curates tailor-made golf packages, combining world-class courses with luxury stays for the ultimate golf getaway.

As the Algarve keeps breaking records and setting new standards, it proves that sustainability and premium tourism can go hand in hand. Whether you’re a leisure traveller, a golf enthusiast, or someone who values eco-conscious destinations, the Algarve remains a must-visit gem on the global travel map.

Photo: Travel News.

Masters of Design: How Iconic Golf Course Architects Elevated Portugal’s Tourism

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Portugal is widely recognised as the best golf and tourism destination in the world. Its picturesque landscapes, mild climate, and challenging courses attract enthusiasts from across the globe. Central to this growing popularity is the influence of world-renowned golf course architects, whose creativity and vision have transformed the Portuguese golfing landscape, solidifying Portugal’s reputation as a global leader in golf tourism.

Legendary architects such as Robert Trent Jones Jr., Sir Henry Cotton, and Jack Nicklaus have left indelible marks on Portugal’s golf heritage. Robert Trent Jones Jr. was celebrated for his artistic integration of natural landscapes as the acclaimed Troia Golf Course. Situated south of Lisbon, Troia offers golfers the thrilling experience of seaside play, seamlessly weaving through dunes and pine forests, showcasing Jones’ philosophy of environmental harmony and aesthetic excellence.

Sir Henry Cotton, a three-time Open Champion turned visionary architect, profoundly impacted Portugal with his iconic Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in the Algarve. Opened in 1966, Penina was Portugal’s first 18-hole course, instantly elevating the country’s global golfing prestige. Cotton’s innovative layout provided a blueprint for subsequent course designs, blending classic British golfing traditions with the vibrant Mediterranean environment.

Golf Course Architects Influence

Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the most famous golfer-turned-architect, has significantly influenced Portugal’s reputation for luxurious and strategically challenging courses. The Monte Rei Golf & Country Club in Algarve epitomises Nicklaus’ meticulous approach, combining precision golf strategies with the region’s natural beauty. His signature designs have attracted significant international tournaments and discerning golfers seeking courses that balance difficulty and elegance.

More recently, golf course architects like Rocky Roquemore and Arthur Hills have further enriched Portugal’s golfing scene. Their designs emphasise sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring courses such as Quinta da Marinha near Cascais and Oitavos Dunes provide challenging play while preserving the surrounding ecological habitats. New designers in Portugal include Sergio Garcia, who developed Torre at Terra das Comporta, and Ernie Els, the creative mind behind The Els Club Vilamoura.

Tee Times Golf Holidays have further enhanced Portugal’s golf tourism by offering comprehensive golf packages that combine play at premier courses with accommodations and personalised services. These packages allow golf players to enjoy Portugal’s best golfing experiences tailored to their preferences and needs to enjoy their holidays.

The legacy of these architects has undeniably positioned Portugal at the forefront of global golf tourism. Their collective contribution continues to shape Portugal’s golfing identity, drawing visitors eager to experience the country’s unique blend of innovation, natural splendour, and rich golfing.