With the promise of balmy weather and a growing collection of some of the best courses in Europe, golf holidays in Portugal have plenty to offer the avid golfer. While there are good courses throughout the country, the majority are concentrated in the Algarve and near Lisbon, with a couple of hidden gems on the nearby island of Madeira.
The Algarve
Golf holidays in the Algarve have become hugely popular in recent years, with Portugal's south coast rapidly turning into one of the most significant golfing destinations in Europe. The region draws thousands of holiday goers each year with its combination of glorious weather, excellent beaches and relaxed atmosphere - all features that make it equally appealing to those interested in a golf break in Portugal. Vilamoura has become famed as something of a golfers' paradise, and while some of the best courses in the region are concentrated around this resort, there are numerous other courses in the region that shouldn't be missed.
Top Course:
Monte Rei - This course only opened in 2007, but has quickly established itself as one of the best courses in Portugal. A golf holiday to Monte Rei will allow you to enjoy a superb and challenging course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.
Top Hotels:
Vila Sol Spa and Golf Resort - This resort is truly luxurious. Placed next to the Vila Sol Golf Course, it offers top class dining and outstanding quality of service, and the beautifully furnished rooms are the perfect place to relax after a hard day's golf.
Lisbon
The advantages of golf near Lisbon are obvious - so close to the capital, transfer from the airport is quick and painless, and this region also has some of the best courses to explore while on a golf holiday in Portugal. The golf hotels are also of superb quality, offering five star facilities, individual character and outstanding service for the ultimate luxury golf holiday.
Top Course and Hotel:
CampoReal - Nested in wooded hills and valleys and designed by Donald Steel, this course is jaw dropping to look at. But it is about more than just the scenery at the CampoReal, with the course presenting a good challenge for even the most experienced golfer. Attached to it is one of the finest golf hotels in Portugal, with an outstanding club house, full spa facilities, and three top quality restaurants amongst its many features.
Madeira
Located almost a 1000 kilometres off the west coast of Portugal, a golf holiday in Madeira offers the perfect taste of island relaxation to help you focus on improving your game. Long renowned for its wine and world famous New Year celebrations, the island is now beginning to attract golfers with its two courses and range of five star hotels.
Top Courses:
Santoro de Terra - Located in the mountains of Madeira, Santoro de Terra was designed by Robert Trent Jones, and features some truly astonishing views. A challenging course, especially when the wind is up!
Palheiro Golfe - Overlooking Funchal and the south coast a round at Palheiro Golfe is as much about enjoying the scenery as it is about perfecting your game, and is a great course to play on while on a golf break in Portugal.
Top Hotel:
Casa Velha Do Palheiro - Perfectly placed next to the Palheiro course in the hills near Funchal, this luxury hotel prides itself on its quality of service, and features a sauna and outdoor pool to help you unwind after a round of golf.
Morgan Clarke is the Chairman of Your Golf Holidays, a company that has been providing bespoke golf holidays for over 25 years. They are experts in the world's best places to play, including golf holidays in Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Dubai, Morocco and over 20 other countries.
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