Top Golf Resorts

A golf holiday to Portugal may be something that a great many foreign visitors would not 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.

In the past thirty years the Portuguese golfing industry has really taken off and is finally maturing with a number of regions containing excellent golf resorts and a high caliber of courses to play.

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.

For those wishing to combine their golf holidays in Portugal with sight-seeing and culture, then a stay in Portugal’s capital Lisbon and the Estoril Coast could make the ideal solution. Given that the IAGTO organization voted the region as the Best European Golf Destination in 2007 you can be sure that the services, facilities and range of clubs are going to be enough for the most demanding tastes. The Estoril coast has over 10 quality golf resorts. To the west there are some challenging and windswept (by Atlantic breezes) clubs - most notably, Praia d’El Rey, which would have to be the most famous in the region and really is one to savor.

The Algarve region, on the south coast of Portugal, offers the broadest range of courses to play and for many is the ideal base for a golf vacation. The western part faces onto the Atlantic Ocean so provides some great links courses to challenge any golfer (such as the Boavista golf club and the scenic hillside Parque Da Floresta course).

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.

The island of Madeira (a small island 500 kilometers due west of the Algarve in the North Atlantic) is a different proposition. It prides itself as a paradise island location and it is truly that.

For the avid golfer, this island provides 3 exceptional courses to play. So, while it doesn’t have the breadth of course choices to offer, it can definitely provide for an idyllic golf location for those seeking something different.

Finally, the Oeste region marks a more recent golfing area which doesn’t yet boast the range of golf seen elsewhere, but what it lacks in championship clubs it makes up for in tranquil scenic countryside and charming villages. Of all the regions it is also the one place where a number of new courses are springing up with future developments expected in Sizandro Village, Vimeiro, Paimogo, Falsia del Rey and the Rainha Golf and Spa.

On the subject of green fees, the cost can vary widely across the country. Expect to pay a minimum of 50 Euro for a regular quality course in low season and around 80 to 90 Euro during the high season (July & August).

Generally, a round of golf can be booked online with many courses and there are now various service providers online offering this tee times booking service, sometimes at a discount to the ‘turn-up’ fee (cost if you just walked in for a round).

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

(c) Copyright - Roderick J. Dunne. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.