Apr

A Guide To Golf Holidays In Portugal

A golf holiday to Portugal may be something that a great many foreign visitors won’t initially consider. In terms of European golf, the country is competing against the golfing super-powers of the British Isles, with its golfing heritage, and neighboring Spain, with its range of courses.

However, Portugal has grown in popularity over recent decades due to its ample choice of courses, year round good weather and range of accommodation.

The main golfing holiday regions are centered on the Lisbon region in the south west, the Algarve region in the south, the island of Madeira and the Oeste region.

The Portuguese capital Lisbon and the Estoril coast provide a good mix of golf courses combined with the range of accommodation, dining and entertainment on offer in the capital. The IAGTO voted the region (in 2007) as the best European golfing destination. Highlights include the mature Aroeira golf club, the Penha Longa championship course, the tough links at Troia and the region’s most famous course – the windswept Praia d’El Rey.

For some, the Algarve region is the real home of Portuguese golf given its warm climate (making it an ideal year-round location) and the standard of resorts, villas, restaurants and golf clubs. Western Algarve has the added challenge of Atlantic breezes to contend with so clubs like the scenic Boavista, the Penina Championship Course and the two Oceanico courses (designed by Nick Faldo & Christy O’Connor) provide real golfing challenges.

Vilamoura, in the central Algarve, hosts an abundance of golf resorts and world class courses including the Quinta do Lago Laranjal and several clubs in the Oceanico resort. The eastern Algarve climate is a little cooler and green fees become a little pricier the more east you travel. Highlights of the area are the Seve Balasteros designed Quinta do Vale golf course and the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei.

Getting to the island of Madeiramay discourage some visitors due to the need to get connecting flights from mainland Europe (a five hundred kilometer flight off the south west coast of Portugal). However, this picturesque paradise island can provide a golfing holiday with a difference.

The Santo da Serra is a 27-hole course that can be played in 3 combinations which does offer some variation in the courses played. For most golfers though, it is the wonderful scenery that is a backdrop to the golf clubs that offers a unique golfing experience. Steep mountains cliffs surround the island and its isolation makes for a unique laid back atmosphere.

The one region that is lagging behind the others is the Oeste region which doesn’t have the championship clubs and plush resorts found elsewhere. But if you are seeking some tranquility then the pleasant golf clubs, scenic drives and charming villages could make for a relaxing golfing break.

The majority of Portuguese golf clubs have green fees ranging from 50 Euro in winter to 85 Euro in the high season. Championship courses and more mature clubs (mostly in the Algarve) are generally over the 120 Euro mark.

The majority of courses can be booked online and it is highly recommended to book in advance. Dress codes are usually informal but it is worth checking club websites online.

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays In Portugal Guide to learn more.

Posted by Roderick Dunne Travel Subscribe to RSS feed

A Guide To Golf Holidays In Portugal

Related Blogs

Leave a Reply

Recent Posts

Blogroll

Recent Posts

Tags