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.

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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