Vacation Packages

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.

The main golfing holiday regions are centered on the Lisbon region in the south west, the Algarve region in the south, the island of Madeira and the Oeste region.

The Portuguese capital Lisbon and the Estoril coast provide a good mix of golf courses combined with the range of accommodation, dining and entertainment on offer in the capital. The IAGTO voted the region (in 2007) as the best European golfing destination. Highlights include the mature Aroeira golf club, the Penha Longa championship course, the tough links at Troia and the region’s most famous course – the windswept Praia d’El Rey.

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).

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.

The island of Madeira is something different in terms of golf holidays Portugal has on offer. Its location, 500 kilometers west of the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic Ocean, is something that could put some golfers off.

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.

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.

Generally, a round of golf can be booked online with many courses and there are now various service providers online offering this tee times booking service, sometimes at a discount to the ‘turn-up’ fee (cost if you just walked in for a round).

Looking for European golfing breaks? For the perfect golf holiday Algarve, Estoril and the other Portuguese regions have it all. Visit the Golf Holidays In Portugal Guide to learn more.