An Introduction To Portuguese Golfing Regions

Portugal is widely regarded as the hidden gem of European golf. Many holiday golfers are distracted away to Spain's rich tradition in golfing and its championship courses while others visit the British Isles for the original Links golf experience.

However, Portugal has grown in popularity over recent decades due to its ample choice of courses, year round good weather and range of accommodation.

To get your bearings, Portugal is the westernmost country in Europe sitting alongside Spain. The principal golfing regions are the Algarve (in the south), Lisbon and the Estoril Coast (in the south-west), the Oeste Region (west coast) and the island of Madeira.

For those wishing to combine their golf holidays in Portugal with sight-seeing and culture, then a stay in Portugal's capital Lisbon and the Estoril Coast could make the ideal solution. Given that the IAGTO organization voted the region as the Best European Golf Destination in 2007 you can be sure that the services, facilities and range of clubs are going to be enough for the most demanding tastes. The Estoril coast has over 10 quality golf resorts. To the west there are some challenging and windswept (by Atlantic breezes) clubs - most notably, Praia d'El Rey, which would have to be the most famous in the region and really is one to savor.

For some, the Algarve region is the real home of Portuguese golf given its warm climate (making it an ideal year-round location) and the standard of resorts, villas, restaurants and golf clubs. Western Algarve has the added challenge of Atlantic breezes to contend with so clubs like the scenic Boavista, the Penina Championship Course and the two Oceanico courses (designed by Nick Faldo & Christy O'Connor) provide real golfing challenges.

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.

For the avid golfer, this island provides 3 exceptional courses to play. So, while it doesn't have the breadth of course choices to offer, it can definitely provide for an idyllic golf location for those seeking something different.

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 majority of Portuguese golf clubs have green fees ranging from 50 Euro in winter to 85 Euro in the high season. Championship courses and more mature clubs (mostly in the Algarve) are generally over the 120 Euro mark.

The majority of courses can be booked online and it is highly recommended to book in advance. Dress codes are usually informal but it is worth checking club websites online.