DESTINATIONS: Vintage Portugal

Destinations

VINTAGE PORTUGAL

Boasting a plethora of outstanding golf courses, it’s easy to see why Portugal has been something of a golfing Mecca for players from the UK over the years.

With the promise of world-class golf, a renowned healthy lifestyle, numerous sandy beaches and an idyllic climate, there’s so much to like and enjoy about playing in this particular part of Europe. Indeed, with so many options available to suit every taste and budget – just on its own, the Algarve has 43 nine or 18-hole layouts that can be played all-year round – the only difficulty is choosing where to play first. But one thing is for sure, wherever you decide to tee it up, you are guaranteed a welcome and experience that will be ingrained into the memory long after you have packed your bags and headed home.

13TH GREEN - PRAIA D'EL REY

AROEIRA LISBON HOTEL 10TH GREEN WEST CLIFFS 18TH GREEN AROEIRA CHALLENGE

The southernmost region of mainland Portugal, more than half of The Algarve’s courses adorn its 150-mile coastline and the destination is ideal for players of all ages and abilities. Established names including Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago – celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022 – and Vale de Lobo all sit just a short taxi ride from Faro airport and offer an array of golf and lifestyle facilities. Monte Rei, one of the undoubted stars of Portuguese golf, should also not be missed, while venture further afield and you’ll discover the likes of Penina, Palmares and the 36-hole Amendoeira Golf Resort which also make plenty of appeal. The one downside of golf in The Algarve is that the courses can sometimes be very busy in peak season, so if you prefer the fairways a little quieter then head north to discover the many delights of playing in and around Lisbon. Around an hour’s drive north of the Portuguese capital on the Silver Coast sits Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort. Regarded among Europe’s elite golf resorts, the venue features two championship courses including West Cliffs Golf Links, already rated in the country’s top-three courses after opening three years ago. Royal Obidos and Bom Sucesso are also not far away and worth a visit. If you’re looking for something a bit closer to Lisbon, the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel features a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole course complemented by an array of leisure facilities that have recently been the subject of a €5m upgrade, while a region that is often overlooked and offers some of the best-value golf in the country is the Costa Azul. Accessed by Lisbon’s two road bridges across the River Tagus, the peninsula is a world away from the bustling metropolis. With several good hotels, wellpriced restaurants, a number of bars and a breathtaking stretch of beach to explore, the coastal towns of Caparica and Sesimbra are ideal locations to use as a base, with the impressive 36hole Aroeira Golf Resort just a short drive away. Ribagolfe, which is also managed by Orizonte - Lisbon Golf and features two championship courses, also comes highly recommended while head south to the coast and you’ll find Troia Resort, many people’s favourite in a country with an embarrassment of golfing riches.

SECOND HOLE AMENDOEIRA PALMARES QUINTA DO LAGO