Classic Golf Holidays the Algarve
The Algarve,
in Southern Portugal,
with its year-round sunshine, miles
of golden sand beaches,
and picturesque villages,
has become
one of Europes most popular
golfing destinations. But while there are many courses suiting all abilities,
the Algarve is also perfect
for non golfers, especially
the eastern region around Tavira, with its stunning
nature walks. At
the other end
of the scale, resorts such
as Vilamoura and Vale
do Lobo are
mega destinations with all the golfing and sporting options you could want. Then, in Western Algarve, around the bustling holiday destination of Albufeira, you can holiday 24/7, combining championship golf with
a hectic nightlife.
Western Algarve golf
breaks Besides bustling Albufeira, there is the charming old town of Lagos, set
on one of the largest bays in the Algarve. Its 17th-century fort stands
at the harbour entrance and a new
marina with rows of excellent
restaurants and bars
draws the crowds. Alvor,
an old port at the
mouth of the Rio Alvor, has many traditional restaurants by the quay and a maze of cobbled streets lined with
whitewashed houses, shops and a few bars.
Golf holidaymakers should check out the renowned Pinta, one of the best courses in the Algarve, designed to retain natural
valleys and undulations. Neighbouring
Gramacho is also excellent and both courses are
free of green fees for those lucky enough to be staying at the Pestana
Hotels. Central Algarve offers golf and more
Quinta do Lago is a premier golfing destination. Two of its four excellent 18-hole courses are listed among the
Europes top 25 golf
courses, and half of the 2000-acre resort
comprises a residential and recreational estate, surrounded by pine forests. This beautiful
area is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Nearby is a
large shopping centre with a health club, nightclubs and
restaurants, and scenic countryside runs along miles of secluded beaches.
Just 20 minutes drive
from Faro International Airport, Vilamoura is one of Europes largest sport and leisure complexes. There are five golf courses, championship tennis
courts, an acclaimed riding school, and fishing and shooting facilities.
The resorts large marina has many fine restaurants, cafes and shops.
Vale do Lobo, Portugals biggest luxury golf and beach resort, also 20 minutes from the airport at Faro, is one of Europes finest. Its two golf courses, the Royal and Ocean, provide stunning views of the
coast, and its
5 km-long sandy beach, with dramatic red sandstone cliffs, provides non-golfers with seriously good beach and swimming options. The resort also offers tennis courts, a gymnasium and health and beauty centre,
as well as restaurants and shops.
Eastern
Algarve; golf tours without the crowds
For a less frenetic golfing experience and a chance to enjoy nature, head east from Faro towards the
Spanish border. There are many hotels not far from the airport, close to some
well-designed courses. Tavira, at the mouth of the
River Gilao, is a fishing port dating from Moorish times. Nearby youll find Reserva do Sapal, one of Portugals most important nature reserves. And just across the border, on the Costa de la Luz, are many more great golf courses.
Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Bill Goff Golf Tours at
http://www.billgoff.com and Longshot Golf Holidays at
http://www.longshotgolf.co.uk offer great value golf breaks to all of the top resorts in the Algarve.