Month: March 2018

The Must-See Golf Events in Europe

During 2018, the European Tour features 47 tournaments, 24 of which are in Europe. With golf events spread right across the continent, there has never been a better time to travel to the must-see golf events in Europe.
To help you decide which European Tour tournament to visit in 2018, we’ve chosen a few of our favourites and shared some extra inspiration to help make planning your golf holiday a bit easier.

Austria

Famous for its Alpine landscape, Austria becomes a golfer’s paradise once the seasonal snow has melted. Famous for picturesque mountain villages, baroque architecture and spectacular music, Vienna, Austria’s capital city, makes the perfect destination for a golf holiday. Boasting an oceanic climate, Vienna enjoys warm summers with average high temperatures ranging between 24C and 33C.

Must-see Golf Events in Austria

The 2018 Shot Clock Masters

When: 7th June 2018 – 10th June 2018
Where: Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, near Vienna.

Golf Holidays to Austria

Fly to: Vienna Airport
Stay: Transfers from Vienna Airport to Vienna take approximately 25 minutes.
Play: In addition to Diamond Country Club, we advise visits to Golf-Club Wien, Golf & Country Club Brunn and Colony Golf Club.

England

Largely comprising of low hills and plains, England’s terrain has produced some of the best golf courses in the world. Host to 3 major tournaments in the 2018 European Tour, the country boasts a temperate maritime climate that offers mild temperatures ideal for play.

Whilst there are many locations for golf holidays in England, if you are planning to visit one of the must-see golf events in Europe during 2018, we recommend staying in Surrey in southeast England, although all events can be reached from London through a transfer.

Must-see Golf Events in England

GolfSixes

When: 5th May 2018 – 6th May 2018
Where: Centurion Club, St. Albans

BMW PGA Championship

When: 24th May 2018 – 27th May 2018
Where: Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey

British Masters

When: 11th October 2018 – 14th October 2018
Where: Walton Heath Golf Course, Walton on the Hill, Surrey

Golf Holidays to England

Fly to: London City Airport, London Gatwick Airport London Heathrow Airport, London Luton Airport, London Stansted Airport in addition to other major airports in England.
Stay: Transfers from London Airports to Surrey take between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
Play: In addition to the host golf clubs, we recommend visiting Sunningdale Golf Club, St. George’s Hill Golf Club and Queenwood Golf Club.

France

No description of the French landscape will ever be sufficient. From the undulating countryside, magnificent mountainous regions, sophisticated coastal resorts and iconic cities, whatever you are looking for in a golf holiday, France offers.

Host to one of the most exciting golf events in 2018, Paris is the ultimate destination for a golf holiday. Combining the chic cityscape with glorious golf courses, the French capital city will create a golf holiday to remember.

Must-see Golf Events in France

HNA Open De France

When: 28th June 2018 – 1st July 2018
Where: Le Golf National, Paris

The Ryder Cup

When: 28th September 2018 – 30th September 2018
Where: Le Golf National, Paris

Golf Holidays to France

Fly to: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Stay: Transfers from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Paris take approximately 35 minutes.
Play: In additional to Le Golf National, we recommend visiting Golf de Saint Germain, Golf de Saint-Cloud and Paris International Golf Club.

Ireland

Separated from Great Britain by the North Channel, the Irish Sea and St George’s Channel, Ireland’s windswept landscape is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Comprised of low-lying mountains surrounding a central plain, it is the island’s coast which has produced some of its most famous golf clubs.

Whilst golf holidays on either coast will prove to be a memorable experience, a journey to the most northerly point will let you experience the magic of Ballyliffin Golf Club.

Must-see Golf Events in Ireland

Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open

When: 5th July 2018 – 8th July 2018
Where: Ballyliffin Golf Club, Country Donegal

Golf Holidays to Ireland

Fly to: Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport.
Stay: Transfers from Dublin Airport to Letterkenny take approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
Play: In addition to the 2 courses offered at Ballyliffin Golf Club, we recommend visits to Portsalon Golf Club, North West Golf Club and Rosapenna Golf Links.

Italy

Featuring strong Mediterranean influences, Italy is full of cultural cities and country clubs. Enjoying a pleasant climate, summers are generally hot. Whilst golf holidays to the famous cities of Rome and Venice make for great golf experiences, don’t forget to consider Sicily or Sardinia when planning your Italian golf trip.

Must-see Golf Events in Italy

Rocco Forte Open

When: 10th May 2018 – 13th May 2018
Where: Verdura Golf Club, Sicily

Italian Open

When: 31st May 2018 – 3rd June 2018
Where: Gardagolf Country Club, Brescia

Golf Holidays in Italy

Fly to: Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport or Venice Treviso Airport are great for travelling to the Italian Open, whilst either Catania Airport or Palermo Airport is fine for the Rocco Forte Open.
Stay: Whilst we recommend staying at a golf resort in Sicily, transfers from Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan take approximately 50 minutes.
Play: If you are travelling to Sicily, we recommend playing at all three golf resorts: Donnafugata Golf Resort, Il Picciolo Golf Club and Verdura Golf & Spa Resort. On the mainland, in addition to Gardagolf Country Club, we recommend visiting Royal Park I Roveri Golf Club, Golf Club Arzaga and Circolo Golf Bogogno.

Portugal

Situated on the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain, Portugal is known globally for its fantastic golf courses. Featuring a significant Atlantic coast, it is the Algarve that has the most iconic golf experiences. Enjoying a warm climate all year-round, this stretch of coastline is a golfer’s dream.

Must-see Golf Events in Portugal

Portugal Masters

When: 20th September 2018 – 23rd September 2018
Where: Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura

Golf Holidays in Portugal

Fly to: Faro Airport
Stay: Transfers from Faro Airport to Vilamoura take approximately 30 minutes.
Play: In addition to the host course, we recommend visiting Vale do Lobo, Vila Sol Golf Resort and Vilamoura Old Course Golf Club.

Scotland

Featuring magnificent mountains, glacial glens and lochs, Scotland provides a memorable backdrop for any golf course. The home of golf, the country is filled with numerous internationally-recognised golf courses. Whilst we recommend Edinburgh as a golf holiday destination, with Edinburgh and Glasgow only 1-hour transfer apart, why not stay in both?

Must-see Golf Events in Scotland

Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open

When: 12th July 2018 to 15th July 2018
Where: Gullane Golf Club, Gullane

147th Open Championship

When: 19th July 2018 to 22nd July 2018
Where: Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie

European Golf Team Championships

When: 8th August 2018 to 12th August 2018
Where: Gleneagles, Perthshire

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

When: 4th October 2018 to 7th October 2018
Where: Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns

Golf Holidays in Scotland

Fly to: Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport
Stay: Transfers from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh take approximately 40 minutes.
Play: Apart from the host golf clubs, we recommend visiting North Berwick Golf Club, Royal Burgess Golfing Society and Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.

Spain

Featuring diverse geography and cultures, Spain offers incredible variety for golf holidays. Famous for it’s several ‘Costa’s’, the Spanish coast enjoys a pleasant climate and is perfect for golf all-year-round. Whilst there are numerous destinations that offer great golf opportunities, we recommend looking at the famous Costa del Sol, also known as ‘Costa del Golf’.

Must-see Golf Events in Spain

Andalucía Valderrama Masters

When: 18th October 2018 – 21st October 2018
Where: Real Club Valderrama, Sotogrande.

Golf Holidays in Spain

Fly: Gibraltar Airport or Malaga Airport
Stay: Transfers from Malaga Airport to Estepona take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Play: In addition to Real Club Valderrama, we recommend visiting  Estepona Golf, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and San Roque Golf Club.

We hope this guide to the must-see events in Europe has helped inspire your next golf holiday.

Wherever you decide to go, don’t forget to get an instant quote from Golf-Drives for your golf transfers. Golf-Drives will transfer you from the airport to your hotel, your hotel to the golf course, and back again! Book online now!

Best Links Courses in Ireland

The Best Links Courses in Ireland

Golf has been played in Ireland since the 19th Century and it remains one of the most popular sports in the country. Combining Ireland’s rugged coastline, stunning scenery and warm Irish hospitality, it’s no wonder why golf experiences in Ireland are on most golfers’ bucket lists.

With fewer than 200 links golf courses in the world, Ireland is home to 50 of the most prestigious. Whilst these 50 courses stretch along the entire length of Ireland’s impressive coastline, some of the best courses in Ireland can be found in the areas surrounding Dublin and Limerick.

Whether you have already booked your flights for your golf holiday in Ireland, or you’re still in the research stage and deciding where to go, we’ve shared our favourite links courses on the west coast and east coast of this go-to golfing destination.

West Coast Ireland Golf Courses

Offering some of Ireland’s most dramatic and spectacular landscapes, the long west coast makes a fantastic location for a golf holiday. Shaped by the persistent Atlantic wind, you will find peninsulas, ports and tiny islands scattered along its length.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

Ballybunion Golf Club

Ranked in the Top 20 in the World by Top 100 Golf Courses, Ballybunion Golf Club is a must-visit during your golf holiday in Ireland. Set amongst the most spectacular and formidable sand dunes in Ireland, the club boasts two equally impressive golf courses.

Whilst the original course (known as the ‘Old’ Course) encourages golfers to overcome natural challenges, the ‘Cashen’ course provides the true challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, this course features higher dunes, deeper valleys and greens more undulating than its predecessor, requiring accurate precision from the start.

We offer transfers from Shannon Airport to Ballybunion Golf Club, which takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Lahinch Golf Club

Celebrating 125 years of golf, Lahinch Golf Club is one of the iconic links golf clubs lining the Irish coast. Situated next to Liscannor Bay, the club boasts two 18-hole golf courses, one of which being a championship course. Host to the South of Ireland Championship each September, the course has maintained traditional links course whilst simultaneously embracing the modern game.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Lahinch Golf Club takes approximately 50 minutes.

Tralee Golf Club

Offering golfers enchanting views across Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Tralee Golf Club boasts an Arnold Palmer-designed course that has achieved worldwide status. Whilst the first few holes play across the level terrain, the majority hug the coastline and are routed through rugged dunes and ravines. A captivating course from the very beginning, the course features a wide variety of holes that are guaranteed to grab and hold your attention.

Golf Drives transfers from Shannon Airport to Tralee Golf Club takes approximately 2 hours.

Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg

A jewel between Lahinch and Ballybunion, Doonbeg is the only course designed by Greg Norman in the British Isles. Named as the Best Golf Resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler, the club covers an impressive 400-acre site. Despite being designed, and now owned by an American, the course has a traditional feel which embraces its spectacular 100ft sandhills rather than changing them.

Our transfers from Shannon Airport to Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg take approximately 1 hour.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

Combining its convenient location with authentic Irish friendliness, Limerick is the perfect location for a golf holiday to Ireland’s west coast.

Close to famous golf clubs, Limerick contains one of the most iconic views in Ireland: the River Shannon winding around the 12th century King John’s Castle.

Famous for their warm welcome, cities such as Limerick and Galway are close to Shannon Airport, which serves many major airlines. Don’t forget that we offer transfers from the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to your chosen golf course, and from course to course, too. 

What to do during your stay along the west coast

In addition to golf, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Here are some suggestions:

  • Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the most scenic drives in the world. A winding coastal road that is notoriously difficult to navigate, spend time at the famous Cliffs of Moher and admire the view.
  • Get a ferry across to the Aran Islands and experience Ireland’s island life.
  • Explore the rugged wilderness and rich natural beauty of Connemara National Park.
  • Enjoy the famous nightlife of Galway.

East Coast Ireland Golf Courses

As a result of its strategic position and extremely fertile land, the east coast of Ireland has seen the majority of development, leaving behind astonishing architecture amongst lush farmland.

Framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea, the area’s 5000 years of history contrasts with its vibrant modern cities. Easily accessible via Dublin Airport, the coast shows visitors the best of ancient and modern Ireland.

The best links courses to play during your golf holiday

European Golf Club

Nestled between the coastal towns of Wicklow and Arklow, European Golf Club presents a unique golf experience that is ranked in the world’s top 100 golf courses. Designed by Pat Ruddy in 1993, the course features a 20-hole links layout that will challenge players of all abilities. Played against the contrasting Irish Sea, the course has attracted some of the best golfers, with Tiger Woods holding the record of 67.

We offer transfers from Dublin Airport to European Golf Club take approximately 1 hour 5 minutes.

Portmarnock

Located on its own sandy peninsula, Portmarnock Golf Club is an iconic course just 8 miles northeast of Dublin. A natural links course featuring water on three sides, players are at the mercy of the wind if they are to score well. Boasting views to the south of Ireland’s Eye (a small island), the course has established an international reputation and has hosted numerous tournaments including the Irish Open, the Canada Cup and the Walker Cup.

Golf Drives transfers from Dublin Airport to Portmarnock take approximately 20 minutes.

Royal Dublin Golf Club

Situated on Bull Island in Dublin Bay, the Royal Dublin Golf Club was founded in 1885 and was granted royal patronage by Queen Victoria. Rebuilt by Harry Colt in 1920 following severe damage during WW1, the course is a traditional ‘Scottish’ out and back links which is unusual for this area but certainly worth visiting and experiencing for yourself. A favourite of Christy O’Connor, the course has hosted numerous tournaments including several Irish Opens and has seen the likes of Ballesteros and Langer claim victory.

Our transfers from Dublin Airport to Royal Dublin Golf Club take approximately 30 minutes.

The Island Golf Club

The Island, as its name suggests, was once located on an island but is now attached to the mainland, sandwiched between the Irish Sea, the beach of Donabate and the Broadmeadow on a spur of links land. Despite being ranked consistently as one of the best golf clubs in Ireland, The Island is relatively unknown, and a golf holiday to Ireland isn’t complete without enjoying this hidden gem. This natural links course is sure to provide a memorable golfing experience.

We provide transfers from Dublin Airport to The Island Golf Club, taking approximately 20 minutes.

Where to stay during your west coast golfing holiday

One of the most popular destinations to visit in Ireland, Dublin is perfect for golfing holidays to the Emerald Isle. Sitting in the centre of Ireland’s east coast, Dublin is a bustling city filled with the nation’s history and culture.

Close to major golf courses, it is a convenient location for a golf holiday to Ireland.

What to do during your stay along the east coast

Apart from playing at some of the best golf courses in Ireland, the west coast offers plenty of additional activities. Why not:

  • Explore Cork and the historic Blarney Castle in the south.
  • Hike the countless trails in the spectacular Wicklow Mountains.
  • Visit the Guinness Storehouse and see how this famous factory works.

We hope this blog post provides some useful information for planning and organising your next golf holiday. Whether you’ve already booked your flights or you’re still deciding on the destination for your gold holiday, don’t forget to get a quote for your transfers from Golf Drives. Simply fill in the form to the right and we will provide an instant quote for your travels. We provide airport to hotel, hotel to course, and course to course transportation, too. 

Golf Drives provides reliable & hassle-free transfers for your entire golf holiday, so all that’s left for you to do is enjoy the 19th hole! Book your transfers from the airport to hotel or hotel to course online today!

Why Scotland should be your next golf holiday destination

A destination where golfers dream of playing, Scotland is the ultimate golf holiday location. The most northerly country in the United Kingdom, there are over 570 golf clubs for golfers to play. Not only is Scotland home to the oldest golf course in the world, it is also where the sport began in the 15th Century. Combining its rugged landscape and impressive history, Scotland should be your next holiday destination.

How did golf start in Scotland?

Whilst the origins of golf are hotly debated, it is certain that golf, as the sport we know and love, first emerged in Scotland. In fact, by 1457, golf was so popular that King James II of Scotland issued a ban on playing golf because it distracted the military from practising archery.

It wasn’t until 1744 when the first-known rules of golf were written down in Edinburgh and golf began to grow in popularity.

When to play golf in Scotland

Scottish Golfing Season

Generally, all golf courses in Scotland are open from the first weekend in April to October/November, with some remaining open all year.

Weather

There is a possibility of rain in nearly every month, but temperatures do vary.

Thanks to its northerly location, Scotland often experiences lower temperatures than the rest of the UK, with the east generally being colder than the west.

We recommend golfing holidays in Scotland from May to October, with temperatures generally between 10C and 15C.

If you do visit during the shoulder season, avoid early tee times as frost delays are common.

Light

Most golfers forget to take the length of the days into account when deciding when to play golf in Scotland.

Thanks to its high latitude, Scotland experiences very short days in the winter and very long days in the summer.

Although short days might mean fewer rounds per day or fewer tee times available, courses are much quieter. If you want to enter the Old Course ballot or play at Muirfield, winter or shoulder seasons may be much more successful.

Rates

Like at most golf course, tee time rates in March to April and September to October can see a discount of up to 50% off peak rates.

Conditions

Golfers should be aware that mats are used on some courses during the shoulder season when hitting from the fairway to avoid creating divots that won’t heal in winter.

Whilst most courses are in excellent condition all year round, some carry out course maintenance during the winter month such as using winter greens or cutting down the rough.

Where to play golf in Scotland

The home of golf, a visit to Scotland gives golfers the chance to play at some of the most iconic golf courses in the world and numerous championship courses.

Golf Courses near Edinburgh Airport

The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is a great destination for a golf holiday. Home to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city is the location of the magnificent peak of Arthur’s Seat and the grand Holyrood Palace.

A transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh takes approximately 40 minutes and there are lots of great golf courses in the nearby areas.

Our top 5 golf courses near Edinburgh are:

1 – Muirfield Golf

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to Muirfield Golf is approx. 25 minutes.

The world’s oldest golf club, Muirfield Golf has an incredible international reputation and has hosted 11 Amateur Championships and 16 Open Championships.

2 – Gleneagles Golf Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to Gleneagles Golf Course is approx. 1 hour.

Gleneagles Golf Club boasts 63 holes spread across 4 different layouts and offers two 19th hole options.

3 – St Andrews Golf Course

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to St Andrews Golf Course is approx. 1 hour 10 minutes.

Considered to be the worlds most famous Links course, St. Andrews Golf Course has staged 29 Open Championships.

4 – The Renaissance Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to The Renaissance Club is approx. 55 minutes.

Stretching over 7300 yards, The Renaissance Club features a variety of tees that allow players to mix and match teeing grounds on a hole-by-hole basis.

5 – North Berwick Golf Club

Transfer time from Edinburgh Airport to North Berwick Golf Club is approx. 1 hour.

Founded in the 17th Century, North Berwick Golf Club offers spectacular views of the Firth of Forth and islands of Bass Rock, Craigleith, Lamb and Firda as well as the town of North Berwick.

Golf Courses near Glasgow Airport

The largest city in Scotland and third largest in the United Kingdom, Glasgow is a national cultural hub and is famous for its lively nightlife.  Located to the west of Edinburgh, the city acts as a great gateway for Atlantic-facing links golf courses.

Transfers from Glasgow Airport to Glasgow take approximately 30 minutes.

Our top 5 golf courses near Glasgow are:

1 – Loch Lomond Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Loch Lomond Golf Club is approximately 35 minutes.

Featuring rugged, mountainous backdrops and spectacular panoramas, Loch Lomond Golf Club blends natural Scottish beauty with technical excellence.

2 – Western Gailes Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Western Gailes Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes.

Said to be one of the best golf courses by golf legends such as Tony Jacklin, Rory McIlroy and Bubba Watson, Western Gales Golf Club is a classic Ayrshire seaside links course that is consistently tested by the wind.

3 – Royal Troon Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Royal Troon Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes

The nine-time host of the Open, Royal Troon Golf Course was established in 1878 and boasts two exceptional links courses with views of the incredible mountains on the Isle of Arran.

4 – Prestwick Golf Club

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Prestwick Golf Club is approximately 50 minutes

The Birthplace of the Open Championships, Prestwick Golf Club is a must-visit whilst in Scotland. An extremely traditional course, features included cavernous sleepered bunkers and notoriously fast greens.

5 – Trump Turnberry

Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Trump Turnberry Golf Club is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Located in a spectacular coastal setting, Trump Turnberry boats 2 golf courses, with the iconic ‘Ailsa’ course hosting the Open Championship four times. Featuring some of the finest holes of golf in the world, the courses look over the Ayrshire coastline, with Arran and Ailsa Craig as its backdrop.

Can’t decide between playing golf in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Why not play both?!

Transfers between Edinburgh and Glasgow take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Golf Competitions in Scotland

With four stages of the European Tour held in Scotland this year, there has never been a better time to visit the country on a golf holiday.

Apart from the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, all events are located close to Edinburgh, making it the perfect location for a golf holiday to Scotland.

Golf tournaments in Scotland in 2018 include:

  • 12th July – 15th July 2018 – Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open – Gullane Golf Course
  • 19th July – 22nd July – 147th Open Championship – Carnoustie Golf Links
  • 8th August – 12th August – European Golf Team Championships – Gleneagles
  • 4th October – 7th October – Alfred Dunhill Links Championship – Old Course at St. Andrews

If we have inspired you to choose Scotland as the destination for your next golf holiday, make sure you get a quote for all your golf holiday travel needs. Golf-Drives provides hassle-free and reliable transfers from Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport to your hotel, hotel to the course, and back again!

10 Reasons to choose Vilamoura for your golf holiday

Vilamoura Golf

Known as one of Europe’s best golfing destinations, Vilamoura is the ultimate location for a golf holiday in Portugal. Covering 2,000 acres of the Algarve region, Vilamoura was constructed in the 1980s as an elite golfing centre, and this vision has established the resorts as a golfer’s paradise.

If Vilamoura’s reputation isn’t enough to convince you to visit the region for your golf holiday, we’ve shared 10 reasons why this Portuguese resort should be the next location your visit for a golfing holiday.

Where is Vilamoura?

Vilamoura is located in the famous Algarve region of Portugal. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, halfway between the popular towns of Albufeira and Faro. The resort consists of two beaches which stretch to the fishing village of Olhos de Agua to the west, and the town of Quarteira to the southeast.

Travel Essentials

Language: Portuguese (English & French widely spoken)
Currency: Euro
Local Time: GMT/BST
Fly to: Faro Airport (FAO), also known as Algarve Airport.
Flight time: Approximately 2 hours 45minutes from the UK

Reasons to have a golf holiday in Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a purpose-built luxury resort

Vilamoura is one of the most prestigious resorts in Portugal, and one of the biggest private tourism resorts in Europe. Unlike most resorts, Vilamoura was constructed with the tourist industry as the main goal. Sacrificing an authentic Portuguese atmosphere, Vilamoura focuses on providing outstanding tourist facilities and serves. It is this dedication that has made Vilamoura the most refined of all the Algarve resort towns.

Vilamoura has excellent weather all year round

Boasting mild winters, pleasant spring and autumns, and long hot summers, Vilamoura is a great location for a golf holiday any time of year. Averages highs during summer months are around 28C, whilst mild winters bring average high temperatures of 16C between December and February. Vilamoura generally experiences weather suitable to relax on the two pristine beaches from mid-May to mid-October. The wettest months are usually April, October and November, whilst July and August are largely dry.

It is also worth noting that the high of the tourist season is considered to be from July and August. Like most resorts on the Algarve, the majority of tourist facilities close at the end of October and re-open at Easter.

Vilamoura offers incredible golf courses

Vilamoura consists of 6 excellent 18-hole golf facilities with numerous championship courses in the region. All golf courses are operated by the Oceanico Golf company who have a reputation for extremely high standards and top-quality facilities. In terms of courses we recommend visiting the iconic Old Golf Course, Millennium Golf Course and the Victoria Golf Course, the latter of which is used for the Portugal Masters. Green fees are generally most expensive during October and November when the weather is perfect for golf and most championship golf clubs require handicap certificates. Click here for further recommendations on the best golf courses on the Algarve.

Vilamoura has a wide range of accommodation

Because Vilamoura is purpose-built to provide high-quality tourist facilities, it contains a wide range of accommodation options which will suit all budgets and tastes. From five-star luxury hotels to privately owned villas and apartments, the resort offers plenty of facilities to accommodate your needs.

Vilamoura is centred around a beautiful marina

Acting as the hub of the entire resort, Vilamoura marina is surrounded by stylish hotels, restaurants and bars. Boasting a 1000-berth marina, the complex attracts luxury yachts adding to the sophisticated atmosphere. There is also a beautiful promenade which is perfect for an evening stroll.

Vilamoura has two pristine beaches

After an early morning tee-off time, nothing beats relaxing on the soft golden sands of a beach. Boasting two beautiful beaches, Vilamoura is the perfect place to relax after a day on the course. Running all the way to Olhos d’Agua, Praia de Falesia can be found to the west of Vilamoura marina, whilst Praia de Vilamoura begins on the east side of the marina and stretches to Quarteira. If relaxing on a beach isn’t for you, there are plenty of motorised water sports on offer, such as jet skis, banana boats and parasailing.

Vilamoura has lots of things to do

Apart from golf and water sports, Vilamoura offers lots of activities to suit all tastes. Boasting a tennis club with 12 clay courts and five-a-side football pitches, the resort has plenty of opportunities to get active. In addition to this, you can also go on boat tours and dolphin and whale watching tours from the marina.

Vilamoura is close to other resorts

Whilst Vilamoura covers a large 200-acre area, other areas in the Algarve region of Portugal are easily accessible via transfer from Golf-Drives. The market town of Loule and the lively strip are all close by for those looking to experience every side of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can explore the capital city of the Algarve, Faro, or experience the spectacular Rio Formosa nature reserve.

Vilamoura has excellent restaurants

Vilamoura has a café culture with many fine dining options overlooking the marina. The regions speciality is fish based on the fresh catch from Quarteira fishing harbour, but there is plenty of variety to suit all tastes. We recommend Braganca Mar which serves fantastic Cataplana fish stew and seafood paella complimented by local wine produced in Sir Cliff Richard’s nearby vineyard. It is also worth noting that, whilst the main tourist facilities close during the low season, most restaurants and cafes in the marina complex stay open due to the large permanent population.

Vilamoura has great nightlife

Although it may not contain any superclubs, Vilamoura has a lively nightlife atmosphere which is centred around the marina. We recommend visiting Figo 7, a sports bar which shows all the major events and owned by former footballer Luis Figo. Alternatively, visit Vilamoura Casino which has regular evening entertainment as well as plenty of games rooms.

How to get to Vilamoura

Vilamoura is located just 25km to the west of Faro Airport which serves flights covering the whole of Europe.

Public transport is extremely limited from Faro Airport to Vilamoura, with the journey requiring two bus journeys and taking between 1hr30mins to 2hrs depending on connections. Because of this, many visitors choose a short, hassle-free private transfer from Faro Airport to Vilamoura.

Golf-Drives is able to provide transfers from Faro Airport to your Vilamoura accommodation, Vilamoura to golf courses, and back again! All of our transfers have been designed with golfers in mind, with each transfer including a golf bag as standard in the price.