GOLF

Alto Golf Course Boavista Golf Course Gramacho Golf Resort Morgado Golf Course Palmares Golf Course Parque da Floresta Golf Course Penina Golf Course Pinta Golf Course

The Algarve has attracted many golfers for almost three decades. Portugal's southernmost province is justly famous for its spectacular scenery along a fabulous coastline; add to this 24 beautiful golf courses, a friendly climate, and regional cooking and you have the ultimate in year-round golfing destinations. 

It was the legendary Henry Cotton who put the Algarve on the golf map. In the mid-sixties Penina was the first of three he designed in the Algarve, a place he loved and made his home for almost 30 years.

During the 1970`s the 1980`s golf courses mushroomed all along Portugal’s south coast as it became increasingly attractive to holidaymakers from northern Europe.

None of the existing courses are more than 15 km from the coast yet the terrain varies from the steep hillsides of Parque da Floresta to the near sea-level flatlands of Vilamoura III and the recently opened course at Salgados which, in common with Palmares, includes links holes. The terrain typical of most courses, however, gently undulates through copses of attractive umbrella pines.

So many courses have been opened in the Algarve during the past few years that golfers, even if they know the region fairly well, may not be acquainted with all of them. Golf is an all-year-round sport in the Algarve, though the main season is from late autumn to late spring. Winters are mild and golfers from northern European countries can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable.

By visiting during the main golf season you avoid the crowded roads and added accommodation costs that come with the summer tourist trade. On the other hand, during the summer months all of the courses are under-utilised, so more leisurely, relaxing rounds can be enjoyed.

Although golf is easily the main sport played in the Algarve by visitors and residents alike, plenty of other sports activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. They include tennis, squash, horse-riding, clay-pigeon shooting, micro-light flying and the whole gamut of water sports from surfing to scuba-diving.

Not all the best or the most popular restaurants and bars frequented by summer visitors remain open throughout the October to April golf season, but there is always a good choice of eating and drinking establishments which do not close.

In general, you will find that the Algarve, with its mild climate, reasonably priced restaurants, breathtaking scenery, friendly people and excellent golf courses, all combine to make it a memorable holiday.