For those wishing to combine their golf holidays in Portugal with sight-seeing and culture, then a stay in Portugal’s capital Lisbon and the surrounding areas could make the ideal solution. Given that the IAGTO organization voted the region as the Best European Golf Destination in 2007 you can be sure that the services, facilities and range of clubs are going to be enough for the most demanding tastes. Alternately, Madeira can provide a unique golfing experience in the most tranquil of surroundings.
Estoril and south of the river Tagus
This area is well serviced by connecting flights into Lisbon so you can be on the fairways a few short hours after landing. But staying close to the city would be a little bit of a shame as discovering some of the clubs within a short car drive of town comes highly recommended.
Outside of the capital, the Estoril coast leads the way with over 10 quality golf resorts. To the west there are some challenging and windswept (by Atlantic breezes) clubs – most notably, Praia d’El Rey, which would have to be the most famous in the region and really is one to savor. Heading south of the river Tagus provides great scenic drives and countryside en route to its various golf clubs.
Outside of the golfing, Lisbon itself is a hive of activity, entertainment, fine cuisine and shopping opportunities. Those seeking tranquility and old world charm should make a visit to the fishing port of Sesimbra. If you aren’t exhausted by the golfing, and wish to do more rambling, then the Sintra mountains can form a wonderful backdrop for a walk/day-trek.
As regards green fees, costs are generally around €50-€75 and work out slightly more economical than courses in the Algarve. Note, green fee prices below are the minimum we found (Jan 2010). Prices can be higher during the high season and on weekends.
Courses:
€50-€60 green fee
- Ribagolfe
- Aroeira I and II – The older more mature course is the one to play if visiting this part of Sesimbra.
- Campo Real
- Golden Eagle – Rocky Roquemore designed course considerately built around the pine trees and natural obstacles of the area.
- Quinta do Peru
- Bom Sucesso
- Oitavos
- Quinta da Beloura
- Estoril
- Belas
- Penha Longa Atlantic Course – A championship course set in a peaceful area.
€60-€70 green fee
- Troia – Not for the faint of heart. Take the ferry from Setubal to play this tough links course – if the wind is up then you will be guaranteed a tough, but enjoyable, days golfing.. just don’t expect too many birdies.
- Quinta da Marinha
€90 green fee
- Praia d’EI Rey – one not to miss.
Madeira
The island of Madeira is something different in terms of golf holidays Portugal has on offer. Its location, 500 kilometers west of the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic ocean, is something that could put some golfers off. Admittedly, it only has three golf courses on the small picturesque island –this may make the perfect golfing break for those golfers who don’t necessarily wish to play several courses during their stay.
The Santo da Serra is a 27-hole course that can be played in 3 combinations (of front/back nine holes) which does offer some variation in the courses played. For most golfers though, it is the wonderful scenery that is a backdrop to the golf clubs that offers a unique golfing experience. Steep mountains cliffs surround the island and its isolation makes for a unique laid back atmosphere.
Certainly, if your golfing holiday is going to take in a stay in the busy capital or Vilamoura, then a few days in Madeira relaxing, enjoying the fine cuisine and climate (warmer than the mainland) and savoring some unique golf courses could be the ideal completion to your visit to Portugal.
Courses:
€60-€70 green fee
- Palheiro – Great golfing and breath taking views out across Funchal Bay. Worth playing a round here and taking in the views from the clubhouse afterward.
- Porto Santo Golf – 2008 host of the Madeira Open.
- Santo de Serra – 27 holes, 3 combinations to play.
The Golf Holidays Portugal Guide website also has an article that provides an overview to golfing regions in Portugal.
Related Posts: Golf Holidays Portugal | Getting There – Airlines and Tours To Portugal | Golf Holiday Algarve | Golf Madeira | Top 10 Golf Clubs in Portugal
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