Considered the best destination in the world for golfing holidays

The Algarve is top of the golfing world as it is named the Golf Destination of the year 2020 at the recent IAGTO AWARDS.

The IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) award was the result of votes by 700 operators from over 60 countries, taking into account the quality of the golf courses, customer satisfaction, value for money, quality of accommodation and support services and ease of access. The Algarve topped the voting, a reflection of the all-round quality of golf tourism in the region.

No stranger to international awards and accolades, the Algarve is not only famous for golf, but also for the amazing beaches, fabulous scenery, delicious and healthy food and weather that is almost always perfect for golf. With over 40 top class golf courses to choose from, plus these added bonuses, it’s easy to understand why the Algarve is consistently a favourite among golfers.

With many courses dotted along the coast, it is not surprising that the views tend to be stunning. The iconic 16^th hole at the Vale do Lobo Royal course is possibly one of the most photographed golf holes in the world. As well as picturesque, it is quite a challenging hole – you definitely don’t want to send the ball left.

Vale do Lobo, 16th hole, Royal Course

Quinta do Lago is a winner of several prestigious golf awards over the years (Europe’s Best Golf Destination 2015 and 2016; Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award for Best International Resorts in 2016) and is nominated for further awards at this years World Golf Awards. Aside from three top class courses, the resort also offers superb support facilities such as the Paul McGinley Golf Academy and the only TaylorMade Performance Centre in Southern Europe, not to mention amazing sports facilities at The Campus and a plethora of restaurants for après golf fun.

Pestana Golf has five different golf courses in the Algarve, each with their own individual characteristics and challenges. The Vale da Pinta course, near Carvoeiro, is dotted with carob, fig and almond trees and an olive tree that is said to be over 1200 years old. Pestana Golf  Holidays offers some excellent golf holiday packages with a choice of courses and accommodation on offer.

Golf and real estate often go hand in hand and the Algarve is no different. There is a Vale do Lobo dedicated real estate team with the inside track on the best properties in the resort. Pestana Properties has golf properties for sale and available for fractional ownership – excellent options for buy to live or buy to rent properties. And in 2020, the Palmares Ocean Living and Golf Resort will come to life. The 27 hole course, made up of 3 loops of nine holes, has without doubt some of the most amazing views from a golf course you will find anywhere.

The IAGTO award ceremony was held in Marrakech (Morocco) on October 17, 2019, the final day of the International Golf Travel Market.

Quinta do Lago, South Course