5 Fast And Fabulous Reasons To Go Golfing In Portugal

Portugal is a hugely popular destination for golfing holidays for a range of different reasons. Unlike many other classic holiday locales, it is a jack-of-all-trades in that it offers satisfaction on all possible fronts. The country is home to just shy of 90 independent golf courses — each of world-leading quality — and the average number of rounds played every year is among the highest recorded anywhere in the world. 

Golfers flock to these fairways all year round and the reports back are almost unanimously positive. Just about everyone has something good to say about practising their swing on some of the most impressive courses the world has to offer. Every year, for those looking for a holiday to play golf, Portugal exceeds expectations; and every year those same visitors return for more of the action. The place seems almost irresistible and here’s why.

A Year-round Destination

Whether you aim for the Algarve, Lisbon, or Madeira, there is something to tempt your style and budget. Unique among European nations, Portugal is home to the perfect conditions for golfing throughout your pick of summer, winter, autumn or spring. With a comfortable and consistent climate of mild temperatures, you can get your swing in anywhere, at any time. 

Stunning Landscape and Beaches

The Algarve coast is truly spectacular. Comprising limestone cliffs, ancient caves, white beaches, mysterious grottos and impressive mountains, an extravaganza of geography is on the doorstep. Should you wish, you could take your golfing adventure on the volcanic terrain of the Azores, with its dense network of forests. Or perhaps you will mark your territory on the world-famous Silver Coast, with its array of gorgeous beaches. 

Superb Courses 

In recent years, both the Algarve and Lisbon have been officially recognised as the top golfing destinations in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). Accolades of this kind are unsurprising in light of the superb quality of Portugal’s courses. For instance, the Algarve alone is blessed with more than 25 courses of exceptional quality and character, with many of them designed by legends of the elite golfing scene, such as Nick Faldo. 

The Weather

A statistical outlier in the best possible way, the Algarve is sunny almost every day of the year! What’s more, the temperatures only mildly cool off during the winter, so you can imagine just how lovely it is no matter what season you choose. 

Great Accommodation and Lifestyle

Aside from the golfing, there’s actually a whole lot more to this lovely country than meets the eye. As just a couple of examples, the Vilamoura resort in the Algarve is bristling with live music venues, bars, and restaurants. While in terms of accommodation, nothing beats the all-embracing Penina Golf Resort and the fabulous Dona Filipa Hotel. When it comes to a holiday involving golf, Portugal really has it all.

Although this article lists five reasons as to why the country qualifies as one of the greatest golfing destinations in the world, there are countless more that could be included. Golf, Portugal and holidays were just made for each other! 

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Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking for a truly great holiday dedicated to golf, Portugal is one of our top destinations. We also operate in all the other major European golf destinations and, if you'd like to explore options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest golf courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.