Sun Kissed Golf Holidays - Perfect in Portugal

One of the most popular golf holiday destinations in Europe, Portugal boasts of 70 + sun swept courses, a nightlife to die for and food to make you come alive again. Whether it is the popular Algarve or the still slightly colonial Lisbon, golf is easily available and quite affordable in Portugal. Added to the needs of the tourist population is the ex-pat interest in the game, making Portugal an increasingly popular golf vacation destination.Although, at times the golf traveller is split between Portugal and Spain as a choice for a golf holiday, Portugal still manages to get a sizeable slice of the action because of its well  maintained, easily accessible courses. The fact that golf travel in Portugal won’t burn a hole in your pocket also helps. Golf travel to Portugal has seen a rise in the recent years, attracted by a catalogue of fine courses like Pine Cliffs and Parque da Floresta. Algrave was naturally witnessing a huge tourism boom and the availability of good courses has made it even more appealing to the golf vacationers.

For instance take the Salgados Golf Course, a must play on your golf holiday. Set alarmingly close to the sea, Salgados is an 18-hole, testing course in the Algrave. Punctuated with water hazards and challenging pin positions, this course has been designed by Pedro de Vasconcelos. This links course measures 6000 meters and rewards a clean ball striker.

Another stylish course that will demand much attention and a good chunk of time on your golf vacation is the Oitavos Golf Club. A symbol of elite Portuguese golf, the Oitavos GC set in Quinta da Marinha is just 32 kms west of Lisbon. This Arthur Hills designed visual treat can set your golf holiday budget back by EUR 105 to EUR 125, depending on the day you play. But it’ll all be ok when you get to the 10th and get a captivating view of the Cabo de Roca lighthouse identifying the westernmost point of Europe. Fantastic scenery and some tough shots make Oitavos memorable on any golf tour.

Lisbon is one of hottest European cities with temptations at every turn. However, do remember that you are on a golf holiday and simply cannot go back home without having experienced the classic Estoril golf Club in the city. Opened in 1936 and designed by Mackenzie Ross, Estoril is a parkland style course just under 6000 yards. The 18-hole course layout is easy to play, at approximately EUR 50 easy on the wallet and easy on the eyes dotted with amazing views of the Atlantic and is generally included in most golf packages. Not unlike many courses in Portugal, Estoril has 2 course options: the 18-hole championship course that plays at par 69 and another smaller 9-hole course. Set largely in a wooded terrain, Estoril is deceptively tough.

Numerous other courses like Penina Golf Club and Praia El Rey will vie for your attention and you may be tempted to extend your golf vacation. If you feel tempted, give in because Portugal’sfine courses deserve it.