On Portugal's Algarve Coast, golf is only the beginning

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It's the quality golf that entices aficionados of the game to Portugal's sunny Algarve Coast -- an abundant supply of excellent courses and the weather to enjoy them twelve months of the year is an irresistible combination for most. But The Algarve is filled with many temptations, both on the course and off and the opportunity to experience at least some of these, "off-course treats", shouldn't be missed. This after all is a vacation you have worked hard for, so you deserve all the enjoyment you can get and the laid back, relaxed life-style of The Algarve and the local's zest for life makes this south coast well suited to such things.

Cataplana cooking with the freshest Atlantic fish is an Algarvean way of life to be experienced.

Portugal's delightful vinho verde wines are always a hit, but don't miss the outstanding reds from Douro, Dao and Alentejo.

Tavira is a spectacularly beautiful, historic town, famous for its many churches.

The Algarve Coastline appeals to sun-worshippers and golfers alike.

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Good food is an essential element of Algarvean life and as a result, the region brims over with wonderful restaurants. Practically every national cuisine is represented, but for a special dining experience, try the less pretentious, Portuguese restaurants that focus on local dishes, typical of the region. The quality of the food is always outstanding and they are often quite reasonably priced, so be adventurous and eat where the locals eat.

Seafood, fresh from the Atlantic predominates and the tuna and sardines here are unrivalled, but every type of seafood from cod to clams is excellent. Look for a dish called Caldeirada, a very tasty, bouillabaisse-like stew made from a variety of fish layered with potatoes. A feature of Algarvean cooking is the cataplana, a tightly sealed cooking pot resembling a wok, in which the food steams in its own juices, with mouthwatering results. Whether Porco a Alantejana, a delicious, if curious combination of pork and clams, or Ensopado de Borrego, a baby lamb stew, any cataplana dish is guaranteed to delight the taste-buds. But for the best local food treat, don't miss the charcoaled sardines; you've never tasted anything quite this good.

Good food demands good wine and Portugal produces outstanding wines. Some of the most delectable reds come from the regions of Douro, Dao and Alentejo, while excellent white wine or Vinho Verde, come from the Minho and Estremadura regions. Less known in the USA than they deserve, take this opportunity to sample as many as you are able and when you return home, demand your local wine merchant carries more.

If you are looking for evening entertainment, The Algarve will keep you up all night long. Each of the resort towns scattered along this 90 miles of picture postcard coastline, offer a nightlife that could make you miss tomorrow's tee-time, so be warned. There are more than enough bars, discos and nightclubs to keep even the most energetic night-owl, drinking and dancing until the wee small hours -- and for those who prefer to dance with lady luck, the international casinos at Portimao, Vilamoura and Monte Gordo, complete with elaborate cabaret shows, provide every chance to win (or lose) with roulette, dice, poker and for the more timid gamblers, slot machines. Enjoy the nightlife to the fullest, but take advantage of your off-course, daylight hours to gain a real appreciation for this sun-blessed corner of Portugal.

The Algarve has a rich history stretching back more than 2,000 years and has been occupied by Phoenicians, Romans and from the 8th until mid-13th centuries, the Moors. It was in the small town of Sagres, located at the far westerly edge of The Algarve where in the 15th century, Henry the Navigator established his school of exploration and maritime research that would launch Portugal into it's most impressive era as the discoverers of the New World. This is your chance to explore The Algarve and discover some of its intriguing past for yourself.

If golf is occupying most of your daylight hours and time only permits one excursion, make it a side trip to the town of Tavira, located approximately 45minutes drive east of Vilamoura. Straddling the River Gilao and fronted by the Atlantic Ocean, Tavira, a town of historic churches, palaces and fine mansions, is probably the most beautiful along the entire coastline. Wander the streets of the old town and soak up the centuries old architecture and history. Then while away an hour or two over lunch or a coffee at an outdoor café, just watching Tavira's world go by. After all this is The Algarve where everything should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and savored to the fullest.

For the beach lovers among us, The Algarve boasts some of the most enticing beaches in all of Europe. Pristine white and golden sand beaches abound, all constantly washed by the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean surf. Remarkably uncrowded and often practically deserted, except during the peak summer months of July and August, these are the beaches of every sun-worshipper's dreams.

It may be golf that first attracts you to this special part of a very special country, but once there, you will quickly learn The Algarve is blessed with much more than excellent golf courses and a year round climate to enjoy them in. Make the most of your trip and enjoy as many of The Algarve's multitude of other treats, as time will permit.

For more ideas and suggestions on how to discover The Algarve's many pleasures, both on the golf course and off, click here

©2009 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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