The Lisbon Coast - A Quieter Alternative to Algarve Golf Holidays?

The Lisbon Coast, in central Portugal, is one of the country's three main golfing regions. As with golfing in the other Portuguese golf regions - Algarve and the island of Madeira - a round on one of the fine old Lisbon courses, such as the prestigious Estoril, is a quite a unique experience.

And the city's superb shopping, charming architecture and fascinating museums provide a superb sightseeing opportunity, as well as the chance to experience the delicious local cuisine at some of Portugal's top restaurants.

But you should be aware, that when you take into account Lisbon's vibrant nightlife, and entertainment scene, the Portuguese capital may not be a quieter alternative to the Algarve. Checking out the cafés of Chiado, before dining in the Bairro Alto quarter will take up most of your spare time after hours.

They are the epicentre of the city's bar scene and where most of the night time action takes place. And on off days, you can explore the small coastal fishing villages, hike in the mountain forests, or visit vineyards.

There are more than 20 courses around the city of Lisbon, and in 2006 the city was voted Europe's best golf destination by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. You could start your tour of the region with a round at the famed Estoril, which regularly hosts the Portuguese Open; here the forest clad par-69 course features a particularly challenging 184-metre 16th hole.

The clubhouse has panoramic views of the Atlantic, and its restaurant is highly recommended. Europe's first Audubon International "Certified Signature Sanctuary/Gold" course, the challenging Quinta da Marinha, is located at Cascais, 25km from Lisbon. The star hole here is the par-4 13th, which runs down to the sea.

The Lisbon Sports Club, which dates to 1880, has for the past 45 years been based in Belas, 15 km from Lisbon. Set in cypress and eucalypt woods, there are several streams and bunkers to negotiate on your rounds before you finally relax in the colonial clubhouse with its panoramic views of the 5th and 18th fairways.

Another course with a past association is Penha Longa Atlântico, set in the wooded grounds of a 14th-century monastery. This very difficult par-72 course has the added handicap of occasional strong winds, as well as water hazards.

The adjacent Penha Longa Mosteiro, a 9-hole, par-35 course constructed to the highest standards, surrounds the historic monastery grounds and Penha Longa Palace, and is backed by the stunning Sintra mountain range. Less demanding than its neighbour, this dramatic and beautiful course has it all - scenery, variety, challenge, and historic surroundings.

Set in the Carregueira Mountains, the Belas Clube de Campos course you'll find shelter from the winds along the fairways that run through valleys lined with native vegetation. The difficult par-5 second hole, Augusta, named after the 13th hole at the US course, is worth taking time over, while the second shot of the final hole requires a drive of 180 metres to make the green, which is guarded by a significant water feature.