Golf Holidays In Portugal: Five Best Golf Courses To Experience
Any good golf holiday in Portugal needs to include a variety of course, preferably without too much driving. Thankfully the huge rise in the number of golf clubs in the country has resulted in some top-class courses to play.
Most of the best courses are in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, but it is worth noting that the Estoril and Oeste coast are fast improving on the quality & quantity of their resorts and courses. This top 5 list attempts to give a mix of courses from each region.
- Troia: The adventure at Troia starts even before reaching the course. Golfers need to take a ferry from Setubal to get over to the links course. This adds to the uniqueness of a round here, as does the Atlantic breezes and lightening fast greens.
- Porto Santo: Host to the 2008 Madeira Open, this course winds its way around the tropical island through a variety picturesque golf holes. The main challenge is not being distracted by the steep cliffs and trying to predict how the swirling wind will catch high-flying shots.
- Monte Rei: Fans of Jack Nicklaus will savor playing this course on the East Algarve. Jack designed this course to make best use of the hilly terrain and it proves to be a tough course to play, even from the short tees.
- Aroeira Old Course: While not one of Estorils most famous courses (Praia D’El Rey takes that award) the Aroeira is a hugely enjoyable course in Sesimbra. The maturity of the course fairways and greens would warrant higher green fees than the current rates.
- Parque Da Floresta: This is partly notable as being the most westerly course in Portugal. But once played, it will be the memory of how the courses 18 holes run along a steep hillside with magnificent views that will remain with you.
As with any good golf holiday, Portugal has plenty of courses which will stick in the memory as highlights of a trip. Just make sure to pack sun-block in summer and practice low ball-height shots prior to playing the links courses.
Looking for European golfing breaks? For an overview of golf holidays in Portugal including the Algarve and Estoril regions visit the Golf Holidays Portugal Guide website to learn more.
