Golfe - The pearl of the Algarve

The sport of English origin is increasingly popular in Portugal, and is one of the most sought-after activities by tourists at this time of year.

The Algarve, sometimes known for the seasonality of beach tourism in the summer, with the arrival of autumn is facing a new wave of demand, golf.

The destination has already been mentioned several times as the best place in the world to practice this sport.

The existence of several quality courses, the proximity of faro airport, the abundance of tourist accommodation, and a climate that is much more favorable compared to the rest of the continent attract European tourists to the South of Portugal.

Received Awards

The World Golf Awards, an association linked to golf tourism has already honored Portugal five times (from 2014 to 2018) as the best country for golfing. This award is given by the professionals of the tourism area and the public who use the available facilities. The announcement ceremony of the winners reaches over 90 million people worldwide.

Portugal was also honored by the The Global Golf Tourism Organisation (IAGTO), which considered in 2020 the Algarve as the best golf destination in the world. Thus, this honorable distinction comes for the3rd time, after 2006 and 2014. The vote takes place in 60 countries and has more than 700 tour operators participate.

Tournaments in the Algarve

The highlight goes to the Portugal Master, a tournament that is part of the EuropeanTour. The competition is part of the list of 47 tournaments on thecircuit. 

Thus, the Portugal Master takes thousands of interested people to the Algarve lands, more precisely to Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, in Vilamoura. The golfer’s objective is to collect points throughout the various tournaments, and at the end, the 50 best classified will participate in the final tournament in Dubai wherethey will be competing for the title of best European player.

The largest amateur doubles tournament in the world, the International Pairs Golfs, is also present in the Algarve. This tournament, which has been in existence for more than 20 years, has brought together more than 1.5 million amateur players rom all around the world.

Best places for Golf practice

The Algarve region is full of splendid fields for the practice of this sport. Most of them are linked to hotels, which facilitates the stay of tourists who are passionate about this sport.

Some of the most famous courses are:

  • Quinta de Banemor,  located in Tavira, 30km from Faro. This place has been in the industry for over 20 years, its field is located near the sea and the mountains, being a delight for the eyes of all those who play there.
  • Penina Sir Henry Cotton, is located in the municipality of Portimão and its courses have a total of 18 holes. Considered as one of the most difficult courses, this is a real challenge for all those who want to practice golf. It is surrounded by various services, such as restaurants and bars.
  • In Vilamoura, the highlight is the Dom Pedro Laguna Golf. Inaugurated in 1990, its golf course currently has 18 holes, with obstacles and a differentiated design.