The Portugal News: Portugal named World’s Best Golf Destination

Thu 12 November 2026

On 7 November, the awards were presented at the 13^th edition of the ceremony in Cairo, Egypt, with Portugal once again taking the highest international accolade, marking the fourth consecutive year it has received the world’s leading golf destination title, having previously won in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Turismo de Portugal reveals Portugal now has 98 golf courses across its seven tourism regions, supported by a wide selection of accommodation, sporting facilities and hospitality services, which has helped the country attract international visitors looking for year-round golf holidays.

Tourism diversity

Among the regions that make up this offer is the Algarve, with established destinations such as Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Monte Rei continuing to attract golfers from overseas.

However, the latest awards also reflect the growing recognition of other Portuguese regions, including the Silver Coast and the Alentejo.

Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, said the renewed international recognition underlined the strategic importance of golf tourism to the national economy.

As reported by SAPO, he added that the sector helps diversify tourism, improve the quality of the destination and encourage visitors throughout the year, rather than concentrating demand in the traditional summer season.

Furthermore, environmental responsibility has increasingly become the focus of Portugal’s golf tourism strategy. According to Turismo de Portugal, golf facilities across the country have been introducing measures to improve water and energy efficiency, reduce waste and ensure the responsible use of natural resources.

International distinctions

Among the other international distinctions, Terras da Comporta was named World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility, and the Silver Coast received the award for World’s Best Emerging Golf Destination.

Madeira also secured international recognition, with Club de Golfe Santo da Serra winning World’s Best Par 3 Hole and Palheiro Golf receiving the award for World’s Best Panoramic Clubhouse.

Quinta do Lago collected two international distinctions, being recognised as World’s Best Golf Academy Venue and Europe’s Best Golf Venue. Other European awards went to Vilamoura’s Old Course, named Europe’s Best Golf Course, PGA Aroeira for Europe’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf for Europe’s Best Golf Clubhouse.

Vilamoura Golf was also recognised as Europe’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue, while Portuguese operator Tee Times received the European award for Best Golf Tour Operator.

The remaining national distinctions included Monte Rei as Portugal’s Best Golf Course, Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort as Portugal’s Best Golf Hotel and InGolf as Portugal’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator.

Tee Times also received the award for Portugal’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator, while DETAILS was recognised for its contribution to golf tourism hospitality worldwide.

Industry achievements

The World Golf Awards are held annually to recognise achievements across the international golf tourism industry.

Winners are selected by votes from golf professionals, media representatives, and consumers worldwide, with categories covering destinations, courses, hotels, facilities, and tourism operators.