Golf Holidays In Portugal - Best Places To Go
The Western European country of Portugal has been a favorite golfing destination for Europeans for many decades. Golfers from outside Europe will naturally be drawn to the surrounding countries of Spain (for the weather and championship courses) and the British Isles (for the rich golfing heritage) but it is perhaps time to give Portugal a second look.
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.
To get your bearings, Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe sitting alongside Spain. The principal golfing regions are the Algarve (in the south), Lisbon and the Estoril Coast (in the south-west), the Oeste Region (west coast) and the island of Madeira.
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, in the south of Portugal offers the largest range of clubs to play, and for every type of budget. The southern Portuguese coast benefits from a balmy Mediterranean climate that ensures all year round golfing is possible.
Of all its areas, the courses and range of hotels around Vilamoura are some of the most popular - quite justifiably given the beauty of the region and standard of courses and hotels that are available.
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.
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.
The cost of green fees is quite variable. For good quality golf green fees at 50 minimum for a round of golf. The average cost for 18 holes though would be closer to 75 to 90 a round.
All courses can be booked online and its generally good practice to make advance bookings in the summer season. Remember to bring your PGA handicap proof as some championship courses have a maximum-handicap rule for all visitors (confirm via their websites).
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.
To get your bearings, Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe sitting alongside Spain. The principal golfing regions are the Algarve (in the south), Lisbon and the Estoril Coast (in the south-west), the Oeste Region (west coast) and the island of Madeira.
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, in the south of Portugal offers the largest range of clubs to play, and for every type of budget. The southern Portuguese coast benefits from a balmy Mediterranean climate that ensures all year round golfing is possible.
Of all its areas, the courses and range of hotels around Vilamoura are some of the most popular - quite justifiably given the beauty of the region and standard of courses and hotels that are available.
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.
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.
The cost of green fees is quite variable. For good quality golf green fees at 50 minimum for a round of golf. The average cost for 18 holes though would be closer to 75 to 90 a round.
All courses can be booked online and its generally good practice to make advance bookings in the summer season. Remember to bring your PGA handicap proof as some championship courses have a maximum-handicap rule for all visitors (confirm via their websites).
About the Author:
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.
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