17 May 2010
Golf Holidays Portugal – A Guide To The Golfing Regions Of This Mediterranean Country
Posted by Arthur J. McDermott under: Golf .
Portugal has been competing with Spain for many years to draw in holiday golfers. Its combination of excellent courses, great infrastructure (hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc) and inviting weather conditions has elevated the county to being a highly desirable destination.
The principal golf areas are in the Algarve region to the south due to its concentration of great courses. For those seeking great courses mixed with scenery and some sight-seeing then the Estoril and Oeste coast provide some great golf and touristic options. Lastly the island of Madeira provides only 3 courses, but these are within a scenic backdrop.
The Sintra mountain range around Lisbon provides a scenic setting for many of the ten golf resorts on offer in the Estoril region. Many visitors fly in to the capital, and combine seeing the sites in Lisbon with rounds of golf at Aroeira, Quinta da Marinha and the tranquil Penha Longa Atlantic course.
The Oeste region is included here for the sake of completeness as the area is playing catch up in golfing terms. That said, it is one of the up and coming areas as new resorts and courses are being constructed in Sizandro, Vimeiro and Rainha.
The Algarve is the principal golf destination for the large majority of golfers due to its range and proliferation of courses. The west coast plays host to excellent courses like the Penina Championship Course and the two Oceanico courses (giving you the option to play the O'Connor designed links course or the Faldo designed desert-style course).
The town of Vilamoura boasts several Oceanico resort course and a swathe of other great courses to play (Quinta do Lago Laranjal, Vale Do Lobo). And if your budget is not restricted then Monte Rei in the eastern Algarve boasts some great design (Nicklaus) and pristine fairways and greens.
The recent storms (early 2010) have damaged some of the three courses on the tropical island of Madeira. While the courses may not provide the variety of golf options for those wishing to play each day, the sheer cliff and volcanic island setting make this as enjoyable for the scenery, as for the golf.
When it comes to golf holidays Portugal has the broad range of courses necessary to make for a great holiday. And while many gravitate to Vilamoura, it is well worth venturing further afield to enjoy the scenery and golf that is available.
For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays Portugal website for more details.
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