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golf courses, golf resorts and golf holidays

Vidago Palace Portugal has officially earned its place among Europe’s most prestigious golf destinations. Recently crowned by Bunkered magazine as the ultimate “royal golf holiday,” this Northern Portugal gem offers more than manicured fairways and luxury suites, it delivers a full-fledged regal experience.

Set against the majestic backdrop of Trás-os-Montes and just a short trip from Porto, Vidago Palace is where Belle Époque grandeur meets modern golf. Its salmon-pink façade, stately interiors, and 18-hole championship course designed by Cameron & Powell create a perfect fusion of sport and splendour. Whether you’re teeing off under centuries-old trees or relaxing in the 2,500m² thermal spa, every moment feels fit for royalty.

Where Heritage and Sport Meet

Built in 1910 for the Portuguese royal family, the palace grounds offer more than luxury accommodation. The 18-hole golf course, redesigned by Cameron Powell in 2010, is a championship-level layout that blends natural terrain with challenging fairways and stunning mountain views.

The course recently hosted a stage of the Albatros Golf Challenge, drawing in both national-level amateurs and international guests. The event, coupled with the venue’s rich cultural backdrop and wellness offering, demonstrated how Vidago is carving a niche among Portugal’s more coastal-heavy golf destinations.

Inland Golf Holidays With a Unique Appeal

While Algarve and Lisbon dominate the golf holiday conversation, Vidago Palace Portugal offers a different pace, a quieter, more refined experience ideal for couples, wellness travellers, and golfers looking for something off the beaten path. Onsite amenities include a world-class spa, thermal baths, fine dining, and vintage décor that has been painstakingly restored.

Its location also serves as a great base for exploring the Trás-os-Montes region, known for its wine, nature, and authentic northern Portuguese culture. It’s a combination that appeals to seasoned golf travellers looking to go beyond the usual resorts.

Portugal’s Golf Ecosystem Expands

As the country looks to diversify its tourism model, destinations like Vidago help expand the map beyond the Algarve. With well-maintained courses, boutique luxury, and historical significance, they represent a new tier of golf holidays in Portugal, one rooted in slow travel and high quality.

For players who’ve already ticked off Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, or Vilamoura, Vidago Palace Portugal presents a compelling next chapter.

Plan Your Royal Golf Holiday

For those inspired to explore this quieter corner of Portugal, our Porto Golf Holidays page offers handpicked packages tailored to the northern region’s charm.

Need transport sorted? We’ve got you covered with our Car Hire and Transfers options, ensuring your journey to Vidago is as smooth and stress-free as your time on the course.

A new chapter is about to begin for one of Vilamoura’s crown jewels. The Victoria Golf Resort & Spa, known for its proximity to the iconic Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course, soon to be renamed Els Club Vilamoura and home of the Portugal Masters, is set to undergo a significant transformation. Following a comprehensive property improvement plan, the resort will be rebranded as a Fairmont, becoming the first hotel in Portugal under the prestigious Fairmont Hotels & Resorts banner.

This marks a powerful upgrade in the Algarve’s luxury golf holiday offering, and a clear signal of Vilamoura’s rising status as one of Europe’s premier destinations for discerning golf travellers.

As the Victoria Golf Resort prepares for its transition into the Fairmont portfolio, it stands as a beacon of what Vilamoura has to offer: refined accommodation, world-class golf, and unmatched convenience. Discover more through our Vilamoura Golf Holidays and ensure smooth travel with our Car Hire and Transfer Services.

A Seamless Blend of Luxury and Local Culture

While Accor will continue to manage the property under a white label during renovations, the completed resort will fully integrate Fairmont’s global luxury standards, elevating its spa, conference, and leisure offerings while preserving a strong connection to the region’s heritage. The goal? To place the hotel at the heart of Vilamoura’s refined lifestyle and natural surroundings.

The property already features four restaurants, four bars, four swimming pools, a spa with six treatment rooms, a gym, and a kids’ club. Each room and suite has a private balcony, and the resort’s large conference centre can host up to 700 guests, making it ideal for high-end events and golf retreats.

Positioned on Portugal’s Golfing Frontline

Vilamoura has long been a cornerstone of Portugal golf holidays, and this rebranding only strengthens its allure. Fairmont’s global reputation, combined with the prestige of the soon-to-be-renamed Els Club Vilamoura, positions the resort as a flagship destination for golfers seeking top-tier service, design, and experience.

According to Fairmont CEO Omer Acar, the brand is “thrilled” to enter the Portuguese market through this project, calling Vilamoura “one of Portugal’s most exciting and sought-after destinations.”

Local Integration Meets Global Standards

The move also reflects the broader strategy of property owner Arrow Global Group, which is actively building a multi-faceted leisure, sports, and hospitality ecosystem in Vilamoura. The aim: to elevate Portugal’s tourism infrastructure while staying deeply rooted in its landscape, gastronomy, and community.

Golfers exploring beyond the fairways can enjoy nearby cultural and natural treasures: from oyster tastings in the Ria Formosa to hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, or browsing the markets of Loulé.

A Future-Forward Vision for Algarve Travel

This partnership between Fairmont, Accor, and Arrow Global is more than a facelift, it’s a strategic repositioning that blends global luxury with authentic local experiences. For travellers planning golf holidays in Portugal in 2025 and beyond, the reimagined Victoria Golf Resort will offer a standout option in a competitive landscape.

As summer 2025 approaches, the Algarve is stepping up its efforts to remain Europe’s premier golf holiday destination. With international travel demand rebounding and competition for tourism heating up, the region is taking no chances. In May, the Associação Turismo do Algarve (ATA) launched a far-reaching initiative, the Algarve Golf Tourism Campaign 2025 to position the Algarve not just as a sunny escape, but as a strategic, year-round destination for high-quality golf travel.

The Algarve is already home to some of the most celebrated golf courses in Europe, from the dramatic cliffs of Vale do Lobo to the lush layouts of Quinta do Lago. But this campaign goes beyond showcasing fairways, it’s about enhancing the full travel experience. That includes upgraded infrastructure, immersive media coverage, and international partnerships designed to create long-term value for both visitors and the region.

This proactive initiative includes high-impact fam trips, press tours, and airline partnerships aimed at boosting awareness and bookings among discerning travellers from key markets, including the United States, Canada, and across Europe.

If you’re ready to experience the Algarve’s world-class golf for yourself, check out our latest Algarve Golf Holiday Stay-and-Play Packages.

And for a seamless journey, don’t forget your Car Hire and Transfers, we’ll get you from airport to first tee with ease.

Strategic Engagement With Global Travel Markets

ATA’s campaign prioritises immersive experiences for travel professionals and media representatives. Through a series of fam trips, organised with major airlines like United, Norwegian, EasyJet, and PLAY, select guests will tour the Algarve’s golf courses, resorts, coastal villages, and luxury amenities.

Simultaneously, a group of European travel journalists is visiting the region to capture authentic stories highlighting the Algarve’s charm, golf offering, and cultural depth. Their coverage will appear across print, digital, and broadcast channels in key countries such as Germany, France, Austria, Poland, and Switzerland.

Golf Tourism Takes the Lead

A cornerstone of the May 2025 initiative is the Algarve’s presence at the IAGTO European Convention (EIGC), a flagship event for global golf travel professionals. Here, the region is showcasing its new itineraries, sustainable course management practices, and tailored golf-and-lifestyle packages.

With its year-round mild climate, championship-level courses, and deeply embedded hospitality culture, the Algarve remains one of the most reliable and rewarding choices for international golf travellers.

A Shift Toward Sustainable, High-Value Travel

This campaign isn’t just about numbers. ATA’s strategy is built around quality over quantity. The focus is on travellers who appreciate sustainability, culture, and immersive experiences, not just a quick beach break.

By targeting a mix of luxury seekers, wellness travellers, digital nomads, and golf tourists, the Algarve is positioning itself as a multidimensional destination that thrives year-round, not just during the summer high season.

It’s also ensuring that lesser-known towns and rural areas benefit from tourism, not just the iconic coastal hubs, creating a more balanced and authentic experience for visitors and locals alike.

Looking Ahead

From high-level airline collaborations to thought-leading event participation, the Algarve is sending a clear message in 2025: it’s ready for the next wave of thoughtful, global golf travellers.