Destination Guide to Portugal
OVERVIEW
Portugal is a true European golfing paradise and a home from home for many UK golf enthusiasts. Offering the cultural splendours & historic sites of Porto & Lisbon along the western coast, and traditional fishing villages and stunning resorts and beaches of the Algarve in the south, at just over a 2-hour flight from the UK, Portugal is a perfect destination for a golf break.
Highlights of Portugal
• A diverse range of world class golf courses & resorts
• Amazing hotels and stunning beaches
• Fantastic year-round climate
• Direct flights from all UK airports
• Warm & welcoming hospitality
• Rich culture and historic cities
Where to Stay
Portugal is split into 2 distinct golfing areas, Western Portugal with it’s mostly links style courses, dunes and rugged coastline, with the climate associated with the Atlantic coastline, also known as the Silver Coast.
In the south of the country is the Algarve, altogether more geared towards tourism with a less windswept coastline, traditional fishing villages combined with immaculate resort style courses.
Both areas are well serviced and easily accessible from the UK.
Western Portugal
The Silver Coast is located between Porto & Lisbon, a rugged and spectacular coastline famous for its ancient towns, gorgeous sandy beaches and world class golf courses. Porto & Lisbon offer both culture and culinary delights in equal measure, and a more traditional Portuguese experience in comparison the Algarve in the south.
It hosts some of the best courses Portugal has to offer, and presents a plethora of true links experiences, with Troia, West Cliffs and the incredible new Comporta Dunes just a few of the highlights along the western coast.
Notable Nearby Courses
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The course has repeatedly been awarded as one of the best golf courses in Portugal. It was elected the “World’s Best New Course” in 2017. “West Cliffs is set to become Cynthia Dye’s global masterpiece “. Discover more here
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: Voted one of Continental Europe’s best 10 resorts by Golf World magazine in 2019. Discover more here
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Renowned course architect Arthur Hills worked with the beautiful natural site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to create a world-class natural links golf course. Discover more here
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Praia D’El Rey is rated amongst the top golf courses in Europe by Golf World Magazine and is one of Portugal’s major golfing destinations for both private and sponsored events. Discover more here
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Will surely be the pinnacle of golf in Portugal in years to come, a must play. Discover more here
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Host to the 1994 Portuguese Open, this is an exciting and challenging course close to the vibrant city of Lisbon. Discover more here
The Algarve
The more tourist-centric southern area of Portugal is famed for its beautiful sandy beaches, golden cliffs, intricate coves and amazing sea food. Here, Portugal combines both the historic and traditional villages with the new world complexes & resorts. There is plenty of nightlife for those looking to venture out, or if something more serene is preferred the barbequed seafood & cataplanas are as good as anywhere in the world.
There are some beautifully manicured and pristine courses on offer in the Algarve, the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei offers a real delight, combine this with the manicured perfection of Quinta do Lago and you have all the ingredients for a exceptional golf break.
Notable Nearby Courses
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The golf offering at Monte Rei is unrivalled in the region. The breath-taking Jack Nicklaus Signature course together with the highest levels of service make for an experience like no other. Discover more here
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Winner of Europe & Portugal’s best golf course 2023 by the World Golf Awards. Discover more here
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The second oldest course in The Algarve, and far and away the best of the Vilamoura courses. Discover more here
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A stunning golf experience on a truly immaculate course in prestigious golf country. Discover more here
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Part of the impressive Quinta do Lago complex, the Laranjal offers a visually immaculate experience in the heart of the Algarve. Discover more here
Useful Information
Getting there: scheduled airlines and low-cost carriers service direct flights to Portugal in abundance from all across the UK.
Lisbon: direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Bristol
Faro: direct flights from London, Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol & Leeds
Currency: Euro
Climate: the Lisbon area can get cool during the winter months of December to February, although nowhere near as cold as the UK during these months. The Algarve remains mild during winter & very warm during July & Auguest. Popular times of the year to visit & play are from April to October.