Ribagolfe Lakes – A Peaceful Escape

For golf travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic side of Portugal, Ribagolfe Lakes offers a refreshing alternative. Situated just 40 minutes east of Lisbon, in the heart of the Ribatejo region, this championship-calibre course is surrounded by vast cork oak forests and tranquil countryside, worlds away from the busier tourist hubs.

Often described as “the Valderrama of Portugal” by insiders, Ribagolfe Lakes is a place where golf returns to its roots: strategic, pure, and connected to the landscape. The absence of resort crowds means the fairways, the wildlife, and the rhythm of the game take centre stage.

If you’re planning your next Portugal golf holiday and want a destination that pairs world-class golf with natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, Ribagolfe deserves a spot on your radar.

Championship Golf in a Natural Setting

Designed by Peter Townsend and inaugurated in 2004, Ribagolfe Lakes (formerly Ribagolfe I) offers:

• A par-72 course stretching over 7,370 yards from the back tees

• Wide fairways framed by mature cork oaks

• Strategic water hazards that test accuracy and nerve

• Large, gently contoured greens rewarding precise approach shots

The course regularly hosts European Tour qualifying events, a testament to its serious golfing pedigree.

Why Ribagolfe Stands Out for Golf Holidays

While many visitors head for the Algarve or Lisbon’s coastal resorts, Ribagolfe offers a very different kind of holiday:

• Peace and privacy: Play at your own pace with little interruption

• Authentic setting: Stay near traditional towns instead of resort hubs

• Exceptional value: Play a world-class course without premium tourist prices

• Accessibility: A quick drive from Lisbon Airport makes it perfect for flexible travel plans

Here, the focus is on pure golf and the chance to reconnect with the simple pleasures of the game.

Planning Your Stay

While Ribagolfe Lakes doesn’t have onsite accommodation, it’s easily paired with a range of excellent nearby hotels:

• Montado Hotel & Golf Resort: Perfect for golfers seeking a tranquil countryside stay, with its own onsite course and resort amenities.

• VIP Executive Art’s Hotel: Located in Lisbon’s modern Parque das Nações district, ideal for combining golf with urban exploration.

• Tivoli Oriente: A polished option close to Lisbon Airport, offering easy access to Ribagolfe and the vibrant riverside area of Lisbon.

Whether you prefer a quiet retreat or city-side convenience, these hotels offer flexible options to suit the style of your golf holiday.

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Final Thoughts

If your idea of a golf holiday includes championship-level play, peaceful scenery, and time to enjoy every shot without pressure, Ribagolfe Lakes delivers. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best golf experiences are found slightly off the beaten path, and that Portugal’s inland courses deserve a spot in every traveller’s plans.

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If you needed another reason to consider Portugal for your next golf escape, here it is: the world is watching, and investing. According to The Portugal News, 2025 has seen a significant rise in American investment across Portugal’s lifestyle, real estate, and golf sectors, with regions like the Algarve and Costa Alentejana emerging as hotspots.

These aren’t just property plays. They’re long-term commitments to Portugal’s climate, culture, and course quality. From high-end developments like CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club to the expansion of luxury infrastructure in Lisbon and beyond, the message is clear: Portugal’s golf offering isn’t just good, it’s world-class, and getting better.

For golf travellers, this trend is a win. It means better facilities, more flight connections, and greater confidence that the best time to play in Portugal… is now.

What’s Behind the Boom?

So what’s driving the surge in interest?

• Portugal’s year-round golf climate remains one of Europe’s most reliable

• New direct flights from major U.S. cities to Lisbon and Faro are improving accessibility

• A favourable lifestyle, combining health, safety, and scenery, is attracting attention from international figures, including the Clooneys and Princess Eugenie

• Resorts are responding by raising their game, from clubhouse upgrades to integrated wellness and culinary offerings

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Where Travellers Benefit Most

Even if you’re not shopping for a luxury villa, this wave of investment brings tangible benefits for holidaymakers:

• Upgraded resort amenities across the Algarve and Lisbon Coast

• A renewed focus on sustainable tourism and course preservation

• Higher service standards in hotels and golf clubs

• Expanded transport and transfer options for more flexible planning

You don’t need to move to Portugal to enjoy what’s happening, you just need to visit.

Destinations on the Rise

Several regions are benefiting from the spotlight:

• Comporta and Costa Alentejana – emerging luxury zones with developments like CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club

• The Algarve – still the crown jewel for golf, now drawing higher investment in hospitality and lifestyle

• Lisbon Region – proximity to the capital and surf-meets-fairway culture make it a growing favourite

Final Thoughts

The rise in American investment in Portugal’s golf lifestyle is more than a real estate story, it’s a reflection of the country’s growing global appeal as a place to play, stay, and return to.

Whether you’re looking for a week-long escape or simply the confidence that your next holiday is money well spent, Portugal’s golf scene has never looked stronger.

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The north of Portugal is about to take centre stage. From May 6–8, 2025, the elegant Vidago Palace Golf Course will host the Super Bock Ladies Open, a LET Access Series event featuring some of the most promising players in women’s golf. But the real headliner might just be the host venue itself.

Tucked away in the Trás-os-Montes region, one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets, Vidago Palace offers a unique blend of championship golf, Belle Époque grandeur, and natural tranquillity. It’s the kind of place where the sport is only part of the story, and where every corner of the estate is designed to elevate your experience.

Whether you’re following the tournament or planning your next upscale getaway, Vidago Palace golf holidays deliver far beyond the scorecard.

A Royal Retreat, Reinvented for Golf Travellers

First opened in 1910 as a royal spa retreat, Vidago Palace Hotel has been carefully restored to combine timeless elegance with modern five-star comfort. Today it stands as one of Portugal’s most iconic resort properties, and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Guests can enjoy:

• 70 beautifully styled rooms and suites

• Expansive grounds with thermal springs and forested trails

• Fine dining options and a curated wine cellar

• Full-service spa with hydrotherapy suites and wellness treatments

Championship Golf Worth Travelling For

The Vidago Palace Golf Course, redesigned by Cameron & Powell, is a par-72 course built to USGA standards, combining technical variety with striking natural beauty. Elevated tees, tree-lined fairways, and intelligent bunkering offer both challenge and reward for visiting players.

The Super Bock Ladies Open will bring 126 players to compete over 54 holes, with a cut after 36. As part of the LET Access Series, it places Vidago firmly on the map as a world-class venue, not just for professionals, but for discerning golf holidaymakers looking for something beyond the mainstream.

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Wellness, Wine, and Northern Portuguese Warmth

What sets Vidago Palace apart isn’t just its architecture or accolades, it’s the balance between sporting excellence and sensory retreat. The on-site spa features both indoor and outdoor thermal pools, mineral water treatments, and serene forest views.

Off the fairways, guests can explore nearby wineries, discover local culinary traditions, or take scenic walks through the mountains and valleys that define this peaceful corner of the country. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down and savour, not just your round, but your entire stay.

Why This Event and This Place Deserve a Spot on Your 2025 Golf Calendar

The arrival of the Super Bock Ladies Open at Vidago Palace isn’t just a date on the tour calendar, it’s a sign that Portugal’s lesser-known regions are stepping confidently into the spotlight. This is a destination that combines world-class competition with world-class care.

Whether you’re attending the event, planning a luxury golf break, or simply looking for a destination with soul, Vidago Palace delivers something rare: a holiday where everything, pace, place, and purpose, feels just right.

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