In association with: Visit Portugal
Perfect your swing on Portugal’s world-class and picturesque golf courses
It’s hard not to be distracted from your fairway shot by the sweeping sea views, towering mountains and glistening lakes, but this is the reality of a golf holiday in Portugal – its courses are located in beautiful settings.
Renowned as one of the best golfing destinations in Europe, Portugal boasts more than 90 golf courses and world-class facilities – and the country is less than a three-hour flight away. Many of the golf courses are in the Algarve, a region that boasts 300 days of sunshine a year, meaning your clients are almost guaranteed to enjoy a warm and bright day whenever they head for the fairway.
Vilamoura is a great place to start as it is not far from both the coast and Faro airport. Several of the Algarve’s golf courses have been designed by expert golfers themselves, so it’s no surprise that this region is popular.
Farther afield
But it’s not all about the south of the country. The Centre of Portugal region holds its own for scenic golfing spots, with courses perched high on cliffs, overlooking the sea or amid sleepy local villages. And after the ball has dropped in the 18th hole, players can head to the clubhouse for refreshments to accompany a beautiful sunset.
The region around Lisbon is home to renowned golf spots too. Long-established courses from the 1930s are complemented by newer courses built in the past 15 years, with more to come – so your clients will always have somewhere new to tee off.
And for those looking for a sporty stay, there’s plenty more besides golf in Portugal. The country is a playground for adventure, whether your clients want to chip and putt, enjoy scenic hikes or swim in the sea.
Find out more at: visitportugal.com/experiencias/golfe
Three of the best sporting activities in the Centre of Portugal
1. Cycling
The Great Route of Côa Valley is an epic riverside journey through valleys and nature reserves. And then there’s the Dão region, which has a great cycling route along a former railway line.
2. Surfing
All that coastline makes for some great surfing. Nazaré, known for its 20-metre-high waves, is a magnet for pro surfers, but there are also quieter spots, such as Praia da Almagreira, a little to the south, at which to hone your technique.
3. Diving
Just 20 minutes by boat from the mainland lies the nature-filled Berlengas islands. Here, divers can explore cave walls and shipwrecks embellished by bright coral, spotting fish, octopus and other marine life along the way.
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Serhiy Stakhnyk; Praia Del Ray Golf
