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.

The array of top quality golf courses combined with the Mediterranean climate has been a huge draw for golfing breaks. The Portuguese government and the tourism board have also seen the tourism potential of holiday golfers so a great many golf resorts have begun to spring up in several regions.

The principal regions for golf holidays in Portugal are the Algarve, the environs of Lisbon (the capital city of Portugal) and the island of Madeira. Each offers a different golfing experience and courses to suit all budgets.

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).

The central area hosts Vilamoura, a range of top-class courses, plush hotels and holiday resorts. The Oceanico golf clubs are highlights of the area especially the Old Course which is a ‘must-play’ course to this area. To the east, the climate becomes a little cooler and the courses become a little more elite and pricey with the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei being the jewel of the area.

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 islands 3 clubs are all located in stunning hillside locations with steep cliffs marking out-of-bounds on a number of holes and it is this rugged scenery that shapes the architectural design of each course. If you want to play a broad range of golf then Madeira may not be the place for you. However, if you only intend playing a little golf in unique surroundings then this island could suit you.

The Oeste region is the final region in Portuguese golf to note. Unfortunately, it is playing catch up with the other more commercialized areas in Portugal. Some golfers will welcome the tranquility of the region and the relative exclusivity it therefore has to offer.

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.

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 Portugal Guide to learn more.