Visit Algarve

GEO Certified for Vilamoura Golf: Leading the Sustainable Way

Posted on by

Big cheers to Vilamoura Golf! Four of its iconic courses—The Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, and Laguna—have just bagged two of the top sustainability awards in the game: GEO Certified® and Biosphere Certified. That’s right: Vilamoura Golf fairways are officially recognised for doing good by nature while still delivering world-class golf experiences.

These aren’t just fancy titles. GEO Certified® is the gold standard in sustainable golf, given to courses that seriously walk the talk when it comes to environmental care, community support, and resource conservation. The Biosphere Certification, on the other hand, shows real commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—so yeah, it’s a pretty big deal.

Vilamoura Golf sets the bar high, from upgraded irrigation systems to cutting back on chemicals and giving local ecosystems the love they deserve. For example, the Old Course was praised for a new energy-efficient pump station and a pine tree management program that’s helping biodiversity thrive. Millennium stood out for its water-saving efforts, and Laguna was impressed with a 20% drop in water use thanks to a smart irrigation makeover. And let’s not forget Pinhal, who was recognised for supporting youth golf education and collaborating with local groups to boost community impact.

Vilamoura Golf and Sustainability: a Guiding Principle

The Vilamoura Golf courses are managed by the platform DETAILS, where sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a guiding principle. Co-CEO Nuno Sepúlveda emphasised how deeply the team values protecting the region’s natural beauty.

“Vilamoura has some of nature’s most stunning settings, and we feel a great weight of responsibility to make sure it not only is maintained but flourishes for generations to come”, said Sepúlveda.

“Understanding the importance of sustainability and avoiding waste of any sort is a key part of our business strategy and also increasingly important for our customers and visitors. We are grateful to receive these very prestigious accolades and are determined to ensure we continue to be the leader when it comes to setting a strong environmental agenda”, he added.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we’ve always been proud to offer the best golf packages in the Algarve and across Portugal—but we’re even prouder to work with destinations like Vilamoura that are investing in a greener future. Sustainability matters to us and the golfers we serve, and it’s great to see it becoming a core part of the game we love.

Ready to tee off on courses that care as much about the environment as they do about your experience? Let’s plan your next Portugal golf holiday with us.

Algarve: Where Tourism and Sustainability Go Hand in Hand

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.