Faro–New York direct flights are officially on the horizon for 2025. In a move that promises to make Portugal’s southern coast more accessible than ever, United Airlines will launch a direct flight from New York/Newark to Faro starting May 16, 2025. The new transatlantic connection marks a major milestone for the Algarve, especially for American travellers looking to combine world-class golf with Mediterranean charm.

For golfers, this is more than a convenience; it’s a game-changer. The Algarve, already a favourite among European golfers, is now opening its fairways to a broader international audience. With quicker access from the U.S., it’s set to become an even more compelling option for luxury golf escapes, extended stays, and winter sun getaways.

Browse our Algarve Golf Holiday Packages and plan your Algarve break while availability lasts.

And to make your arrival as smooth as your swing, book your Car Hire and Transfers with Tee Times. We’ll get you from runway to first tee, no fuss, no delay.

What This Means for Golf Travel

The new Faro–New York route is United Airlines’ first-ever direct connection to the Algarve and part of a wider expansion of U.S.–Portugal air traffic. With flights running four times a week through peak season, it eliminates the need for layovers in Lisbon or European hubs.

This opens the door for American golfers to access premium Algarve destinations like Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura

Algarve’s Growing Global Profile

The Algarve isn’t just convenient, it’s award-winning. Regularly ranked among Europe’s best golf destinations, the region combines dramatic coastline, pristine layouts, and mild year-round weather with luxury resorts and authentic Portuguese hospitality.

From PGA-calibre championship courses to relaxing resort rounds, the Algarve offers the variety, quality, and setting that today’s golf travellers are looking for.

Ready to Book Your Algarve Escape?

With demand expected to rise sharply, especially from first-time U.S. travellers, early booking is strongly recommended. The new flight path makes 2025 the ideal year to explore the Algarve with fewer travel hurdles and more time to enjoy what matters.

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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