Golfing Breaks in the Algarve
Portugal's Algarve truly deserves its reputation as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. With perfect weather and beautiful courses the only problem is choosing which of the many algarve golf locations to base yourself at.
The highest density of courses can be found in the central region. Two of the most popular courses here are Quinta Do Lago and Villa Sol and the fact that they have both hosted the Portuguese Open is testament to their quality. Naturally, if there is a tournament going on the course will be closed, but at most times of year they are both open to the golfing public.
Elsewhere in the central region, one of the newest Algarve golf courses is quickly establishing a reputation for being one of the most popular. Salgados in Albufeira was built using inspiration from many other golf courses in Portugal and beyond. The end product is a unique location with a diverse set of influences and as a result, many golfers are being drawn here. Albufeira is of course, one of the most popular resorts in the Algarve and that is another great reason to make this your base.
The historic town of Silves is home to some excellent courses and the Faldo course was, as the name suggests, named after its designer, the British golfer Nick Faldo. Also in the town is the well known Silves course, which is notorious for the many water, bunker and tree hazards which combine to form one of the trickiest golf courses in Portugal.
In the eastern part of the region, some hilly conditions can lead to a more testing round. Although there is a lower density of courses here, that can mean that conditions are quieter and there can be less waiting time on the tee. Castro Marim is very distinctive, with some spectacular ocean views all around. With narrow fairways surrounded by pine trees, this is one of the most challenging golf courses in Portugal and is an experience for any golfer.
Elsewhere in the east, one of the great names in the history of the game has left his mark at Monte Rei. Jack Nicklaus was, for many, the greatest golfer that ever lived and in the latter half of his career he became heavily involved in course design. Monte Rei carries the Nicklaus mark and each hole is very different and offers its own unique challenge to the golfer. Other popular courses in the East include Quinta da Ria, Benamor and Colina Verde.
In the western part of the Algarve golf courses become more abundant once again. Portimao is one of the most visited of the Algarve resorts but along with its vibrant feel and luxury beaches, there is some top class golf to be found here as well. Palmares is widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful courses around, with great views of the town's beach and marina. It's a good challenge too, with a diverse mix of holes to suit golfers of all abilities. Portimao really is the place to base yourself if you intend to play your Algarve golf in the west. The resort is also home to the stunning Quinta Boavista course as well as the Penina and Alto and many others.
Whereas many golfers choose to base themselves in one particular area of the Algarve golf is so diverse that it is certainly worth considering moving around in order to enjoy all the different challenges that the region has to offer. Whatever you decide to do, the Algarve deserves its reputation as the ideal golfing location and the visitor rarely, if ever, returns home disappointed.
The highest density of courses can be found in the central region. Two of the most popular courses here are Quinta Do Lago and Villa Sol and the fact that they have both hosted the Portuguese Open is testament to their quality. Naturally, if there is a tournament going on the course will be closed, but at most times of year they are both open to the golfing public.
Elsewhere in the central region, one of the newest Algarve golf courses is quickly establishing a reputation for being one of the most popular. Salgados in Albufeira was built using inspiration from many other golf courses in Portugal and beyond. The end product is a unique location with a diverse set of influences and as a result, many golfers are being drawn here. Albufeira is of course, one of the most popular resorts in the Algarve and that is another great reason to make this your base.
The historic town of Silves is home to some excellent courses and the Faldo course was, as the name suggests, named after its designer, the British golfer Nick Faldo. Also in the town is the well known Silves course, which is notorious for the many water, bunker and tree hazards which combine to form one of the trickiest golf courses in Portugal.
In the eastern part of the region, some hilly conditions can lead to a more testing round. Although there is a lower density of courses here, that can mean that conditions are quieter and there can be less waiting time on the tee. Castro Marim is very distinctive, with some spectacular ocean views all around. With narrow fairways surrounded by pine trees, this is one of the most challenging golf courses in Portugal and is an experience for any golfer.
Elsewhere in the east, one of the great names in the history of the game has left his mark at Monte Rei. Jack Nicklaus was, for many, the greatest golfer that ever lived and in the latter half of his career he became heavily involved in course design. Monte Rei carries the Nicklaus mark and each hole is very different and offers its own unique challenge to the golfer. Other popular courses in the East include Quinta da Ria, Benamor and Colina Verde.
In the western part of the Algarve golf courses become more abundant once again. Portimao is one of the most visited of the Algarve resorts but along with its vibrant feel and luxury beaches, there is some top class golf to be found here as well. Palmares is widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful courses around, with great views of the town's beach and marina. It's a good challenge too, with a diverse mix of holes to suit golfers of all abilities. Portimao really is the place to base yourself if you intend to play your Algarve golf in the west. The resort is also home to the stunning Quinta Boavista course as well as the Penina and Alto and many others.
Whereas many golfers choose to base themselves in one particular area of the Algarve golf is so diverse that it is certainly worth considering moving around in order to enjoy all the different challenges that the region has to offer. Whatever you decide to do, the Algarve deserves its reputation as the ideal golfing location and the visitor rarely, if ever, returns home disappointed.
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