Looking for the perfect island golf escape? Head to Europe
By David Brice, Golf International Inc
Ever dream of running away to a desert island and escaping from it all? It's one of those classic dreams most of us have at one time or another and although it may seem a wonderful idea at first, it doesn't take too long before our sensible side points out the drawbacks of desert island living. Desert islands may have swaying palm trees, crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, but that's about it.
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A desert island sounds good, just as long as it's not deserted and we have all those little comforts that we take for granted at home and if this is a real vacation, we also need to be pampered. Take heart, there are some wonderful islands out there that have all of the island atmosphere you yearn for and yet they are totally civilized and specialize in pampering their visitors in high style.
Forget those over-crowded islands to the south, where you are more than likely to bump into your next-door neighbors from home, as well as umpteen other familiar looking faces. Instead head across the Atlantic to Europe where you will find some especially attractive islands and they have everything you ever hoped for. Their European history and culture, gives them twice the fascination of those other islands and if you choose your island carefully, you can also find golf -- even excellent golf.
Among Europe's sun-blessed islands, none can better those where the Spanish or Portuguese flag flies. Two of Europe's oldest nations, the Spanish and Portuguese are in some ways quite different people, but they do share other things in common, including the Iberian Peninsula as their home base. They also share a similar zest for life and an appreciation for good living, so wherever you find a Spanish or Portuguese island, chances are you have found a perfect vacation escape with every creature comfort well catered to and excellent golf will be an important part of the picture.
Portugal and Spain are both synonymous with the game of golf -- after all, they are Continental Europe's top golf destinations, so it should come as no surprise that both make golf a key attraction on their islands. It's no coincidence that The PGA European Tour starts its Europe leg each year on the Portuguese island of Madeira with The Madeira Open. Showing no favoritism (at least, until last October) they held the penultimate tournament of the season, The Mallorca Open, on the Spanish island of the same name. I guess these guys enjoy island golf as much as anyone and you know these big money earners are going to insist on the best.
Spain has two groups of islands, the Canaries, located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the West African Coast and the Balearic Islands, sitting in the Mediterranean Sea, less than 150 miles south of Barcelona. The brief 45-minute flight from Barcelona to the largest island of Mallorca and its historic capital, Palma, takes you into a totally different world of astonishing scenic beauty and ever contrasting variety.
Glorious beaches, the sea and sun were the reasons for Mallorca's initial popularity with Northern Europeans and they still flock here during the traditional peak summer months of July and August. But for the remainder of the year, the beach crowds thin out, quietly replaced in far smaller numbers by the rich and famous, who arrive on their expensive yachts and private planes, to relax and savor the true beauty and sophistication of this very special island paradise.
The island is very manageable, about 60 miles long and approximately 40 miles wide, yet this small area brims over with diverse, natural beauty. From the rugged, Alpine-like mountains of the northwest with its spectacular coastline and ancient towns and villages, to the lower range of hills in the southeast, to the fertile central plain that is home to thriving vineyards, groves of olives, figs and citrus orchards. Drive over to the rugged east coast and there are amazing underground caves of gigantic proportions and yet another world to explore
There are centuries of history and culture to be discovered in the bustling capital of Palma, which boasts one of Spain's most stunning Gothic cathedrals, dating from the 13th century. There are Moorish Palaces, a Gothic Castle, sumptuous private mansions, historic churches, glorious public buildings and fascinating museums. And when the sun sets, Palma's vibrant nightlife awakens and keeps popping until way into the early morning hours.
But for all of these distractions, sophisticated Mallorca remains a golfers delight, with some 25 high quality courses on the island. Most are contained within two primary clusters, one is on the northeast side and the other, perhaps the better cluster, located a few miles outside of Palma, in the southwest. Easy accessibility to this lively capital for sightseeing, dining and the exuberant nightlife, make this a popular choice and many of Mallorca's leading luxury resort hotels are here. For the courses you wish to play on the other side of the island, the furthest will be no more than an hour's drive away and it will be a good opportunity to explore the many different sides of this intriguing island.
Spend your entire vacation on Mallorca and there will be time enough to get a taste of what stylish, Mediterranean island living is all about. But for those who cannot sit still for too long, remember, all of the city attractions of Barcelona are only a 45 minute flight away.
Portugal, just like Spain, has two island groups. The Azores, an archipelago of nine small islands, with some surprisingly good golf courses, is located practically in the mid-Atlantic, little more than halfway between Boston and the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. The Madiera Islands, also located in the Atlantic, but much closer to mainland Portugal is the better known of the two island groups.
The main island of Madeira has been aptly referred to as the "jewel of the Atlantic". Discovered by the Portuguese explorer, Henry the Navigator, in the 15th century, this dramatic volcanic island thrusts up out of the sea, 600 miles southwest of Lisbon and a few hundred miles off the coast of Morocco. It's only a brief, 1 ½ hour flight from Lisbon, making the possibility of combining stays in Madeira and Lisbon a very practical one week Portugal experience and if you can squeeze in a 10 day trip, add The Algarve and you will be seeing three totally different sides of the country and all of the best golf courses.
Madeira's never-ending, Spring-like climate seldom varies by more than a few degrees, hovering around the low 70's in the depths of "winter" and even during the height of summer, temperatures struggle to reach 80 degrees. Rich volcanic soil and an idyllic climate makes this stunningly beautiful island a literal, floating garden, where the main exports are orchids, sugar cane, papayas, mangoes, avocados, grapes and of course, world renowned Madeira wine.
There are four islands in all, only two of which are inhabited - the main island of Madeira and just 25 miles offshore, charming little Porto Santo, population barely 5,000. The remaining two islands, Desertas and Selvagens are uninhabited and retaining their original, natural state, are valuable nature reserves.
Funchal, the charming historic capital sweeps around a picturesque bay and up into a mountainous backdrop. This is where the best of the luxury hotels are to be found, everything from the most impressive resorts to enchanting intimate manor houses, set on private estates where elegance reigns supreme. A profusion of excellent restaurants, equally good shopping and fascinating sightseeing opportunities abound and golf is never far away.
The Madeira Islands do not overwhelm the visitor with a befuddling selection of golf course choices, instead adopting an approach of quality over quantity. There may only be three courses, but the caliber of each is so consistently good, you have no choice, other than to play them all. Santo da Serra and Palheiro, both on Madeira, are automatic must plays and both are literally a few minutes drive from Funchal. But don't overlook the relatively new and very impressive, Seve Ballesteros layout on tiny Porto Santo Island. Challenging and very handsome, this is what island golf is all about and a very special experience to be savored. Sitting only a short 15-minute flight from Funchal, it's one of those treasures that will live in your memory for many years to come.
Anyone who has not yet had the opportunity to experience island golf, especially of the standard offered by Mallorca and Madeira, simply doesn't know what they've been missing. But be warned, this kind of a laid back, relaxed golf trip, where excellent golf is only one part of a vacation that offers so many other wonderful diversions, is not the exclusive domain of golfers. A vacation on either of these stunningly beautiful islands will be as appealing to any non-golfer as it is to the most ardent golfer. This could be the perfect opportunity to pamper your better half with a real vacation and one of the best you have ever taken together - and for being such a thoughtful guy; you get a quality golf trip included, with no pangs of conscience. Life doesn't get any better.
For more ideas on how to experience the best of Portugal or Spain's top ranked golf and many other attractions, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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