How come going to Portugal to play golf is such a great idea? Just look at the numbers: from 2014 to 2018, this country was consecutively named the best golf destination in the world by the World Golf Awards, and from 2014 to 2019, also consecutively, it was named the best golf destination in Europe by the World Golf Awards, an accomplishment repeated in 2021.
Portugal is the epitome of the renowned Scottish sport, with more than 90 golf courses. Luxury accommodations, world-class cuisine, wonderful weather, and the opportunity to test one's skills on golf courses created by some of the world's best architects and players all come together in Portugal to provide the ideal setting for memorable golf holidays.
The undulations and spectacular vistas of Portugal's golf courses are among its most distinguishing features. The courses' fairways often run through almond, olive, oak, and an unlimited range of plants and flowers characteristic of this part of Europe.
If that were not enough, numerous Portuguese golf courses are ranked among the best in Europe. Included in this group is the renowned Monte Rei signature course, which Jack Nicklaus created in Tavira in 2007; West Cliffs, which was constructed in Óbidos under the guidance of Cynthia Dye; Praia D'el Rey, which is situated in a truly one-of-a-kind landscape by the ocean; and Penha Longa, which was designed by Kyle Phillips on the outskirts of Lisbon.
Hotel owners in the Algarve predict that the region's hotels will have an average December occupancy rate of between 40 and 50% thanks to the popularity of the hotels' entertainment activities.
President of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) Hélder Martins said: "We feel that all the hotels with year-end programs and animation will be complete, but the units that merely have occupancy I doubt very much that they will be able to fill up".
"The assumption is that, with the holidays (1 and 8 December), Christmas, and the end of the year, the Algarve sector may develop to an average occupancy rate which can go up to 40 or 50%," said the head of the largest hotel organization in the Algarve.
According to Hélder Martins, hotel occupancy was at 32% in December 2019, before the pandemic, which is used as a reference year for the tourist industry.
To quote Hélder Martins's estimate: "Right now we are 10% over 2019 reserves and prices have also climbed by that order of values, roughly 10%".
The leader of the hotel association warns, however, that there will be many last-minute bookings, between Christmas and the end of the year, which will be influenced by the weather forecast for the last days of 2022.
João Fernandes, president of Turismo do Algarve, has indicated that the region's tourism industry is "at very fascinating levels" for New Year's Eve, and that, based on his conversations with local hoteliers, he anticipates a rise in revenue compared to 2019.
The official said he was surprised by "three excellent news": more bookings in the domestic market, more reservations made directly with hotels, and more reservations made earlier than normal. He also noted that "the weather projections from the 15th of December are for good temperatures, and pleasant weather," all of which could aid with last-minute reservations.
With Albufeira and Tavira as examples, the head of Turismo do Algarve used the moment to praise the "investment in popular artists" made by numerous municipalities.
Book your next golf holidays in the Algarve with Tee Times Golf Agency and have the time of your life in the many excellent golf courses in the region!
read morecloseAccording to the most recent data from Internations' Expat City Ranking 2022, Lisbon has been named one of the world's happiest cities.
Some of the primary reasons why foreigners love Lisbon are the pleasant climate, rich culture, exciting nightlife, and friendly inhabitants.
Overall, Lisbon is 4th out of the 50 world cities in the ranking and is also in the 5th position in three out of the five indicators listed in the survey: Quality of Life, Personal Finance, and Ease of Settling In.
Not surprisingly, Lisbon obtained its best result in the climate and weather category, ranking first.
As stated before, culture, nightlife, and leisure sports are big draws for visitors from other countries, but nine out of ten foreigners also mentioned the safety they feel when they’re in Lisbon.
Lisbon scored highest in two of the subcategories related to how easy it is to settle in: local friendliness (fourth) and culture and welcome (second).
According to Internations, one American traveler said "They are helpful, nice, and polite. The Portuguese are very welcoming and kind".
In fact, visitors to the area often comment on how welcoming the locals are, how simple it is to adjust to the culture, and how contented they are with their social life.
Book your next golf holidays with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy the best golf courses in the Lisbon region.
read morecloseA study released during the international expo World Travel Market (WTM) in London places the Azores at the top of the list of the ten most underrated tourist destinations with the greatest growth potential.
In a survey to 210 international professionals in the tourism sector, 14.5% pointed to the Azores as a little-known destination that could become one of the most desirable for adventurous tourists, followed by northern Greece and leaving behind Scotland, the Netherlands, and Wales.
The WTM director, Juliette Losardo, praised the Portuguese archipelago for its "natural beauty and commitment to sustainability" in response to the findings of the 2022 Industry Report.
The Azores have been one of the Portuguese regions with the highest growth rate in tourism, having registered, in July, the highest number of air passengers in the last five years.
In July, Azorean airports received 252,483 passengers, 52.3% more than in June and 15.1% higher than in July 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Regional Service of Statistics of the Azores (SREA).
Book your next golf holidays in the Azores with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy the finest Azorean golf courses while you admire the stunning natural beauty of the region.
read morecloseIncredible wonders may be found in Portugal. This wonderful rectangular spot between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean makes the most of its stunning setting. Porto and Lisbon are two of the country's liveliest cities, and the country's other beaches, mountains, small villages, and historical customs make it a perfect golf holiday destination.
The greatest of Portugal is spread throughout the continent and on the two picturesque archipelagos in the midst of the ocean, and it attracts visitors at all times of the year. You can't put a price on the great Portuguese cuisine, delicious wine, and excellent golf courses.
Portugal is a perfect golf holiday destination because it has some of the best golf courses in Europe, like Monte Rei or West Cliffs, and top-rated hotels, but there’s also a lot to do and see after you play a few rounds of golf.
The first place recommended by Time Out is the Sete Cidades lagoon near Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel, in the Azores. The magazine recommends visiting the Vista do Rei viewpoint to take amazing pictures of one of Portugal’s natural wonders.
The magazine also suggests visiting one of the most stunning bookshops in the world: Livraria Lello, in Porto. This stunning bookshop is getting worldwide recognition and is a must-visit in the North region of Portugal.
In Madeira, Time Out proposes a ride in the cable car of Fajã dos Padres, where you can have a better view of the natural landscape of the south side of the island and also a unique view of the clear waters that surround Madeira.
In the Lisbon region, the popular magazine mentions the Museu Nacional dos Coches for the historical carriages and the first piece of street art ever made by Vhils, the most popular street artist in Portugal, in Calçada Menino de Deus.
Finally, in the Algarve, Time Out makes it clear that Barreta Island (known as Deserted Island), near Faro, is a must-visit for any tourist in the region, describing the tiny island as a paradise and encouraging you to take a swim.
The food is also highly rated by the magazine, and traditional dishes like Francesinha, fried cuttlefish and typical Portuguese seafood are recommended, as well as the famous pastel de nata and the traditional chocolates of Porto.
Book your golf holidays in Portugal with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy the best the country has to offer. From brilliant golf courses to the vibrant Portuguese culture and delicious gastronomy, you’ll have the time of your life in Portugal.
read morecloseThe famous Vogue Magazine has highlighted the Douro Valley, in the North of Portugal, as one of the top 12 places to visit in the world in 2023.
This Portuguese marvel in the North region of the country shares the top 12 with famous tourist destinations such as Malaga, Rome, and Edinburgh.
According to Vogue, the lush, steep hills of northern Portugal's Douro Valley provide some of the most jaw-dropping views (and great wine) in all of Europe.
As per Vogue, "driving the small, serpentine roads that drop from the highlands seems like entering another universe completely," as you wind through the gorgeous vineyards and lovely villages that dot its slopes. Douro Valley is only an hour or two drive away from Porto.
The Douro Valley is rich in history as well; for example, one must see the great tiled stairs and imposing cathedrals in the historic pilgrimage town of Lamego.
Vogue also highlights Douro Valley as a destination where one may "slow down," "relax" and "enjoy the good life" in the Portuguese style.
The Douro Valley is not far away from spectacular golf courses, like Vidago Palace Golf, Amarante Golf Course, and Montebelo Golfe, which are just one hour away.
The Douro area is perfect for day trips during your golf holidays. Book your golf holidays in the North of Portugal with Tee Times Golf Agency and enjoy the best of this stunning region, from the breathtaking golf courses to the outstanding nature, history, and culture!
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