Golfing Holidays Portugal - Golfing in the Algarve, Estoril and Oeste Regions

Portugal has been competing with Spain for many years to draw in holiday golfers. Its combination of excellent courses, great infrastructure (hotels, resorts, restaurants, etc) and inviting weather conditions has elevated the county to being a highly desirable destination.

The country's main regions are Estoril (around the capital of Lisbon), the Oeste region, the Algarve and Madeira. Each provides a good mix of golfing/touristic options that will suit any golfing itinerary.

The Estoril region around the Portuguese capital has 10 high quality golf resorts so makes a good spot for those wishing to mix golfing with the cosmopolitan life of Lisbon. Some golfing highlights included the Rocky Roquemore designed Golden Eagle and the two Aroeira courses. While the one must-play course has got to be the Praia d'El Rey.

The Oeste region is a burgeoning area that has only recently started resort & course development at any great level. For some the scenic countryside, slightly cooler climate and new courses may suit those who wish to avoid the hustle and bustle in bigger resorts.

For those seeking a range of resorts, restaurants, nightlife and courses on their golf holiday Algarve can deliver every time. The west coast is the more tranquil with challenging hillside courses (Parque Da Floresta & Boavista) along with championship courses (the Penina and the two Oceanico courses by Christy O'Connor and Nick Faldo).

Heading east in the Algarve brings you to Vilamoura town and its dozens of courses and resorts. Certainly there is enough variety to base yourself there and take day trips out to the Vale Do Lobo Ocean and Royal courses or play the more mature Oceanico Old Course.

The island of Madeira was hit in early 2010 by floods so its three enjoyable courses are currently going through repairs. Hopefully this paradise island will be back to its former glory soon as playing islands courses, surrounded by volcanic hills and steep cliffs is a truly memorable golfing experiences.

So there you have it. Golf holidays in Portugal offer a range of world class courses, parkland & true links styles, along with great weather, culinary delights and scenery to make for a great golfing break.