Algarve Golf Holidays - An Overview
The Algarve is Portugal's most southerly region and boasts over a hundred miles of picturesque coastline. The beautiful beaches and countryside interspersed with vibrant cities make the area a popular destination for tourists. The Algarve is also extremely popular with golf enthusiasts who can't resist playing on one the beautiful course available. This area of Portugal is home to well over 30 golf courses and what could be better than playing 18 holes in the sun. Below is a list of ten of the best courses available in the Algarve.
Salgados, in Albufeira, is the most recently built golf course on offer in the Algarve. It is built on land that was previously used for aircraft landings and neighbours a bird sanctuary. Meticulous planning and frequent water hazards make this relatively small course into a real tricky examination of skill.
Also set in Albufeira are Pine Cliffs and Balaia, which is certainly one of the most picturesque courses in the Algarve. You can enjoy these short holes whilst overlooking the ocean and hone the skills needed for a shorter game.
San Lorenzo, in central Amancil, is a course that has been open for twenty years and in that time has established its reputation as a great golf course. A favourite with many celebrities, this course is rated amongst the top in Europe.
The Castro Marim and Quinta do Vale golf clubs are both situated near the border between Portugal and Spain. The scenery surrounding these challenging courses is stunning, with the Guardiana river on one side, steep hills on another as well as fabulous ocean views.
Two other hugely challenging courses are the Quinta Do Lago, North and South, in the town of Quinta do Lago. Both courses a number of par 5 holes on offer as well as a few well placed lakes that have drowned many a golf ball.
Water hazards are an important part of the appropriately named Laguna course in Vilamoura. It may be an idea to bring a snorkel to this very flat course.
There is nothing flat about the Parque da Floresta in western Algarve, which is situated amongst the lovely hills in the town of Budens. This is a truly testing and unique course will be a challenge for any level of golfer.
Some resorts in the Algarve offer both a place to stay as well as access to the golf courses at a reduced price. Two resorts offering these package deals are Clube Praia da Oura and the Oura-View Beach Club and are for many this is the best way to book Algarve Golf Holidays. Other accommodation in the Algarve includes luxury hotels as well as traditional houses in the smaller towns. With both tourism and temperature in the Algarve peaking in July and August many consider the perfect time for a golf holiday to be in either June in September when the temperature is slightly cooler and perfect for a round of golf!