The amazing Algarve, where golf is only the beginning of the story
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.
Blue sunny skies and pristine beaches of golden sand, washed by a sparkling clear Atlantic Ocean; whitewashed villas with geraniums and bougainvillea cascading over wrought iron balconies, lemon trees, orange groves and almond blossoms, brightly painted fishing boats and the aromas of freshly grilled sardines. This classic image of Portugal shines no more brilliantly than along its southernmost shoreline, a region known as The Algarve.
| BOOK YOUR TRIP | |
|
Filled with everything that says Portugal so eloquently, The Algarve has even more to offer visitors, not the least of which is a choice collection of excellent golf courses. But this is not a typical golf destination -- it's quite extraordinary.
The Algarve has a rich colorful history reaching back to the beginnings of time and a fascinating, multi-facetted culture to go with it. The local Algarveans are the most welcoming and innately charming of people and the delightfully easy-going lifestyle will convince even the most harried among us to relax and savor this enchanting region to the fullest. But with so much going on, slowing down may not prove to be an easy task.
Beach-lovers will be spoiled by the endless selection of picturesque, sandy beaches, constantly pounded by the Atlantic surf. Sightseeing enthusiasts will have a field day exploring the centuries of history that lie tucked away in ancient towns and charming fishing villages. Shoppers will find the open air markets irresistible and filled with local handicrafts, leather goods, fine linens, ceramics and pottery. Food-lovers will delight in the dining opportunities offered by a profusion of restaurants and none will be better appreciated than those specializing in the delectable regional cuisine.
For those in search of after dark amusement, The Algarve has a vibrant nightlife that keeps popping until the wee small hours of the morning, seven nights a week. From bars, discos, nightclubs and casinos, complete with elaborate floor shows, to the soulful, traditional Portuguese Fado shows, to concerts ranging from classical to modern -- The Algarve has it all.
With so much going on away from golf, it may be hard to picture that The Algarve is home to one of the most impressive collections of golf courses to be found in all Europe. Golf on The Algarve is not just plentiful and good, it's plentiful and truly, world-class, including a healthy serving of Continental Europe's top ranked layouts.
One of Europe's oldest nations, Portugal is a tiny country with a total population of only a little more than 10 million, yet it has quietly but determinedly, worked its way up to be among the best of Europe's golf destinations and The Algarve is Portugal's golf capital. It's a golfer's dream -- more than 30 quality courses sharing 90 miles of the most beautiful coastline imaginable and the perfect climate to enjoy the Royal & Ancient game, year round.
The Algarve has a relatively short golf history, which only began some 42 year ago, but don't mistake it's youth for any shortcomings in the quality of its courses -- this coastline has set the standard by which others are judged. It was 5 times British Open Champion, Sir Henry Cotton, who would build the very first golf course at Penina, in 1966. Cotton would be only one among the many world-renowned designers, eager to showcase their very best work on this coast that was always destined to be a golfing star.
From Parque da Floresta, located close to one of The Algarve's many visitor attractions, Cabo San Vicente, at the western end, to two stunning, more recent additions, Castro Marim and Quinta do Vale, overlooking the Spanish border, at the east, golf simply gets no better. And at the rate of one course for every 3 miles along 90 miles of spectacular coastline, The Algarve's unique combination of quality and the quantity of golf becomes a rare occurrence to be relished by every visiting player.
But that is far from the end of The Algarve's golf story, in fact it's more likely to only be the beginning. The more celebrity this golf paradise gains -- something that only accelerates as ever-growing numbers discover the excellence of its golf -- the more inspiration the region finds to go on to bigger and even better things.
Long a regular stop for The PGA's European Tour, courses such as Penina, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura's Old Course among others, have been regular hosts to the prestigious, Portuguese Open. Vilamoura's highly acclaimed, Oceanico Victoria Club, a superb design from our own Arnold Palmer, was selected recently as venue for The European Tour's new Portugal Masters. As the promotional ads say, "These guys are good" and the best can only be tested properly on the very best layouts and The Algarve has more than its fair share.
Impressive golf and plenty of it; magnificent surroundings with a climate to match, fascinating sightseeing, a rich history and culture, excellent food and wines, shopping and nightlife, should be more than enough reasons to tempt most to this vacation paradise, whether golfers or not. But this is still not the full Algarve story and the best has been saved until last.
Value is a big word that may not be readily associated with much of Europe today, but Portugal and The Algarve march to a different drummer. Portugal has always offered one of the very best values for money on the entire Continent and that situation remains the same as always. Our US Dollar simply buys more in Portugal and The Algarve than it buys in other countries. Compare the price of a golf trip to Portugal with a similar trip to other European destinations and don't be surprised to find Portugal is 20% to 30% less costly for the same quality hotels, golf, restaurants and every other expense.
Good value and with so much to offer, both on the golf courses and off, The Algarve makes the perfect escape for practically everyone, whether they love the game or hate it. It could bring an end to those guilt ridden golf trips with only the guys, where wives and family are left at home for fear of them getting bored. Think of it, a golf trip that isn't really a golf trip and a time when the non-golfers are going to have as good a time as any golfer, maybe an even better time. Perhaps you should rethink those upcoming vacation plans.
For more ideas and suggestions on getting the very most out of your trip to The Algarve, whether golf is included or not, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988.
Get the best deals on the best equipment all at the SHOP.PGATOUR.COM.
A TPC is Near You
The PGA TOUR's TPC Network comprises 28 premier properties designed by elite architects.
Take off to Portugal
Given the choice of shoveling snow or playing golf in the sun, which would you choose?
PGATOUR.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network