the lowdown on golf in portugal

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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2014 THE LOWDOWN ON GOLF IN PORTUGAL The best places to play and where to stay in this golfing paradise 4 Algarve: Penina, Palmares et al 6 Algarve: The stars of Oceanico 8 Algarve: Vila Sol and the East 10 Lisbon: Oitavos and the west 12 Lisbon: The North and South 14 Madeira and Porto uncovered 16 All the essential details to book INSIDE THE GUIDE:

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Page 1: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 1

The GreaT Golf Guide 2014THE LOWDOWN ON GOLF IN

POrTuGaLThe best places to play and where to stay

in this golfing paradise

4 algarve: Penina, Palmares et al

6 algarve: The stars of Oceanico

8 algarve: Vila Sol and the East

10 Lisbon: Oitavos and the west

12 Lisbon: The North and South

14 Madeira and Porto uncovered

16 all the essential details to book

inside The Guide:

Page 3: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 1

OLF in Portugal to many people means the Algarve – and there is good

reason why that is the case. It is where golf holidays to the continent really took off.

It remains one of the key destinations in Continental Europe, with a plethora of top-quality courses allied to an infrastructure and ambience ideal for visiting golfers.

No matter if you want a high-calibre superstar or a great-value lower-profile course, the Algarve will be able to offer you

numerous venues to choose from.

Hopefully our guide – and the accompanying offers – will help you decide which courses will suit your eye and budget the best. In fact, there is so much golf in the Algarve that the only problem is in narrowing down your search.

To assist in your planning, we split the area into three sections: West, Central and East. The centre is packed full of star names, so much so that we felt able to assign a couple of key courses that are close to

Vilamoura to the West section, because they are perfectly accessible even if you are based around the western villages of Lagos or Luz.

But there is more to golf in Portugal than just the famed Algarve and we illustrate this by devoting six pages to Lisbon.

Again, there are three sections and, again, there are lots of very tempting itineraries; we especially like the area to the south of the capital, because it offers incredibly good-priced golf on top-class courses.

The likes of Quinta do Peru

and Ribagolfe are joined by an outstanding course in Troia that combines woodland holes with a seaside stretch along the ocean. Finally, we highlight the options around the country’s second city Porto as well as on the pretty island of Madeira.

Good luck narrowing down your choices!

WelcomeWith four main areas offering a variety of courses, there is both quality and quantity

G

The GreaT Golf Guide | Portugal

Vidago Palaceone of the surprises in Portugal

Andrew Stanley, CEO

Page 4: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

HE ALGARVE is where the ‘golf holiday’ began many years ago,

and it remains one of the most popular golfing destinations in Europe today.

We start our journey through Portugal’s most popular golf region with Sir Henry Cotton’s classic championship layout at the impressive Penina Hotel and Golf Resort.

This was the first 18-hole course to be built in the Algarve and has hosted no fewer than 10 Portuguese Opens.

The Penina resort is set in a stunning 360-acre estate and

boasts two additional courses to Cotton’s design along with a five-star hotel.

A short drive from Penina out to the coast and you arrive at the Onyria Palmares resort at Lagos. This revamped Robert Trent-Jones course has 27 holes, with the Lagos and Praia loops arguably the pick of the two. A parkland opening leads out onto wild rolling dunes and holes by the coast; the views are simply stunning.

Moving away from Lagos through Portimao and over the Arade River and you find two resorts well worth using as a base for a golf break.

The Pestana Golf Resort at Carvoeiro has three courses designed by Ron Fream and Nick Price alongside a David Leadbetter Academy. The championship Pinta is the standout track and has been used to host the European Seniors Championship.

Its sister course, the Gramacho, is unique in that it has 18 holes but 27 greens to increase playing options.

The Amendoeira Golf Resort also has two brilliant courses – the Faldo and O’Connor Jr – in Silves. Part of the amazingly well-stocked Oceanico group, they are two of the really powerful courses in Portugal with the Englishman’s design regarded as one of the most exacting in the whole of continental Europe.

T

The Tivoli Lagos is a large four-star hotel which is ideally located for those looking to play at Palmares. It has 324 rooms and three restaurants serving a range of international cuisine. Near Albuferia and ideally situated to play Morgado, Alamos and Salgados is the all-inclusive CS Sao Rafael resort in Sesmarias. This five-star hotel and spa boasts 104 luxury rooms which offer views out over the ocean or the resort’s Mediterranean gardens. Alternatively, if you are looking to stay close to the Pestana courses, then the resort’s two hotels are ideal. The four-star Dom Joao II and Delfim are both close to the beach, with the latter offering inclusive and unlimited golf.

wheRe To STay

Pestana Dom Joao II 4★

alvorPlay at: Vila Sol, Pinta, Gramacho, Alto & Silves• 1 in 12 free

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £185was £195

save5%

Penina Hotel & Golf ResoRt 5★

alvorPlay at: Championship & Resort Course

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £185was £299

save38%

The GReaT GoLf GuIDe | Portugal | Algarve

Many more great value breaks available online at

Page 5: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

AlgArvePalmares and Oceanico’s Faldo lead

the way in the central and west section

New lookThe linksy stretch at Palmares

amenDoeIra Golf resort 4★

alcantarIlhaPlay at: Oceanico Faldo & Oceanico O’Connor• free upgrade to old Course or Victoria Course

3 nights’ B&BUnlimited golf

now £229was £279

save18%

vIla Gale laGos 4★

laGos Play at: Boavista & Palmares

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £300was £349

save14%

Cs sao Rafael suite Hotel 5★

albufeIraPlay at: Alamos, Morgado & Salgados

3 nights’ all inclusive3 rounds

now £205was £260

save21%

marIna club laGos 4★

laGosPlay at: Palmares• 1 in 8 free • Golf transfers included

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £219was £299

save27%

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 6: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

ilamoura in the central part of the algarve is synonymous with

world-class golf... and lots of it. it is the St andrews of Continental Europe.

and the oceanico Group leads the way with no fewer than five courses, each presented beautifully for travelling golfers.

The most famous, and arguably the best course in the oceanico stable is the old Course (another similarity with St andrews).

This is the second-oldest course on the algarve, behind Penina, and your principal problem is to avoid the pine trees as each hole weaves through wooded areas.

it will test and excite you in

equal measure, with the back nine – which squeezes in three par 5s – just edging it in terms of drama.

Contrasting the old in style is the Victoria, which is the most modern layout in the resort and is arnold Palmer’s most recent project in Portugal.

While the old Course may shade the Victoria in stature and history, its young neighbour certainly has a great deal of style and sophistication.

The Victoria was built in 2004 and hosted the PGa World Cup just a year later, confirming its status as a ready-made Tour venue. Since then, it has hosted the Portugal masters on the European Tour every year since 2007, and the continent’s best golfers will once again try to

avoid its many water hazards again this october.

although sitting slightly in the shadow of its two more illustrious neighbours, the millennium Course should not be ignored on a trip to Vilamoura.

The martin Hawtree design opened in 2000 and plays its part in making Vilamoura one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.

The course is fairly open in contrast to the other oceanico layouts, but it does have a

algarveThe heart of the region is packed with superstar courses

V“The most famous, and arguably the best course, is the Oceanico Old.”

There are a wealth of accommodation options in vilamoura. The Tivoli Marina Vilamoura is a luxury five-star hotel which sits on the town’s marina and has exclusive access to a section of the nearby beach. The Lake Resort is another five-star offering and has a 192-room hotel and 95 apartments which offer views out over the marina and beach. If you prefer apartment-style accommodation then the Luna Olympus could be your best option. It has 125 fully equipped apartments alongside everything you would expect from a standard hotel. The Vila Gale Ampalius Hotel is one of the largest in vilamoura, boasting 357 rooms and two swimming pools.

wHere To sTAy

THe GreAT Golf Guide | Portugal | algarve

many more great value breaks available online at

Page 7: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

Clifftop viewsThe 16th at vale do lobo royal Course

Pestana Vila sol ResoRt 5★

VilamouRaPlay at: Vila Sol, Pinta, Gramacho, Alto & Silves• 1 in 8 fRee

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £195was £215

saVe9%

luna olymPus 4★

VilamouRaPlay at: Pinhal & Laguna• 1 in 8 stays fRee

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £249was £275

saVe9%

Vila Gale amPalius 4★

VilamouRaPlay at: Millennium, Pinhal & Laguna• Group discounts available

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £309

tiVoli maRina VilamouRa 5★

VilamouRaPlay at: The Old Course & Victoria

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £435was £465

saVe6%

the lake sPa ResoRt 5★

VilamouRaPlay at: The Old Course, Victoria & Vale do Lobo Royal

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £455was £499

saVe9%

section between the 3rd and 7th that borders the old and plays through woods with narrower fairways.

also available within the oceanico resort group are the Pinhal and laguna layouts.

The Pinhal was the second course to be built here and was created by Frank Pennink, who was also responsible for designing the old. The laguna was formerly a 27-hole layout before one of the loops was used to create the front nine on the millennium Course.

it contains many lakes, which influence play on 11 holes, 79 bunkers and is more exposed than other Vilamoura courses so the wind is more of a consideration.

Further along the coast

towards Faro, you arrive at the Vale do lobo resort.

Home to the royal and ocean courses, the resort has a mix of holes which play out along the clifftops and down towards the beach.

one of the best experiences in the region can be found from the 16th tee on the royal (pictured), which requires a drive over the clifftops.

another attractive play-and-stay option is the Pestana Vila Sol resort. There are 27 holes here, designed by Donald Steel. The Prime and Challenge nines are the toughest, with the Prestige’s holes being shorter and narrower.

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 8: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

ituated close to Vale do Lobo, the San Lorenzo course (pictured

above) offers a collection of perfectly manicured greens and fairways that border the region’s scenic lagoons.

Originally designed by the american course architect Joseph Lee, this 18-hole layout opened in 1988 and has long been established as an algarve classic.

While much of the course has an inland feel as it winds through the surrounding pine woods, the short 5th treats you to views of the glorious sandy beaches of the south-west coast of Portugal.

travel a little bit further along the coast towards Faro and you

will arrive at the comprehensive and stunning Quinta do Lago resort.

there are three layouts to choose from, with the pick of the bunch surely being the South course.

Measuring over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, it has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times and weaves around lakes and through pine trees.

it was here that Colin Montgomerie won the first of his 24 european tour titles back in 1989.

the North course is currently under reconstruction and is scheduled to re-open in October. it is slightly shorter than the South but still presents a stern examination at over

6,700 yards.the Laranjal course,

meanwhile, winds through what was originally an orange grove and presents a magnificent setting for golf.

the Laranjal was voted Portugal’s best course in 2011, and when combined with the North and South it can create a perfect golf break in just one resort.

talking of Ryder Cup heroes, also on site is the Paul McGinley Golf academy and a taylorMade Fitting Centre.

AlgArveSan Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago and Vila Sol

S

San lorenzoOften rated as the best in the Algarve

“The Laranjal course winds through what was originally an orange grove”

The GreaT Golf Guide | Portugal | algarve

The magnificent dona filipa hotel is just 10 minutes from San lorenzo. It boasts 154 rooms, stunning scenery and amenities galore. The luxury five-star hotel sits on the Atlantic Ocean and the vale do lobo beach. guests can dine at one of two restaurants and there are several bars around the vale do lobo resort to use throughout the day and in the evening. There is also an on-site spa offering a comprehensive range of treatments. If you want a base in vilamoura then Vila Sol resort has a five-star hotel which sits next to the clubhouse in the heart of the 27 holes. There are two on-site restaurants, a heated swimming pool, tennis courts and a beach club in the summer.

where To STay

Many more great value breaks available online at

Page 9: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

Formosa Park Hotel 5★

Vale do loboPlay at: San Lorenzo

3 nights’ B&B1 round

now £135was £165

saVe18%

dona FiliPa & san lorenzo GolF resort 5★

Vale do loboPlay at: San Lorenzo

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £259

Vale do lobo resort 5★

Vale do loboPlay at: Vale do Lobo Ocean & Royal• 1 in 8 Free

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £289

Vila Gale taVira 4*taViraPlay at: Castro Marim Atlantic Course & BenamorGolf Course

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £239was £299

saVe20%

eASTernAlgArve

Home to several hidden golfing gems

He virtues of the algarve resorts based to the west

of Faro are frequently well documented, but fewer people are aware of the quality golf on offer in the east of the region.

Should you take the slightly more novel approach of heading east from the airport, you will find several outstanding courses which are perhaps slightly more secluded than their western counterparts.

the oldest course in the eastern algarve is Sir Henry Cotton’s layout at Benamor.

the parkland design winds through olive, carob, fig and cork trees, and is extremely playable at a shade over 6,000 yards.

the course boasts mountain and ocean views, although the standout sight here is the clubhouse, which is a converted church that sits in the heart of the complex.

Castro Marim is another wonderful course which can be found further along the coast. it is located near the

historic town which shares its name and plays out over rolling parkland terrain and around several lakes.

an ideal base for your trip to the eastern algarve is the four-star Vila Gale tavira.

this arabian-themed hotel boasts 268 rooms and

is central to all the region’s best courses.

there is an on-site health club, spa and two swimming pools along with several restaurants and the lively ali Ba Bar.

it is located on the banks of the Ria Formosa, in the centre of tavira, only a few metres away from the Gilão River and Ria Formosa. it is within walking distance from the shopping district and the sidewalk cafés of tavira.

it opened in 2002 and boasts 268 rooms, which incorporate satellite tV and air conditioning.

T

“An ideal base is the four-star Vila Gale Tavira.”

Quinta do laGo GolF tourQuinta do laGoStay at: Monte da Quinta Suites 4★

Play at: Quinta do Lago South & Laranjal

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £299was £315

saVe5%

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 10: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

LTHOUGH the Algarve might be considered Portugal’s standout

region for golf, the area around the country’s capital also boasts a colection of outstanding courses.

To the west of Lisbon is Oitavos Dunes, which many consider the best course in the country. Some rate it the best in mainland Europe.

Designed by the leading American architect Arthur Hills, it is far removed from the kind of target parkland golf familiar to the Iberian countries, instead offering a wonderful combination of woodland and links-style holes.

You will struggle to find a weak hole here and the finish

is brilliant and varied with three par 3s and a brace of par 5s all being encountered in the last seven holes.

The par-3 9th and 14th are simply sensational, and an added benefit to a visit to Oitavos Dunes are the pretty towns of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra.

Nearby is Quinta da Marinha, another excellent base for a golf trip west of the capital.

The setting is beautiful with the mountains of Sintra on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

As well as being picturesque, the course is never less than challenging, especially when the wind whips in from the Ocean, which is when things can become very interesting.

Another world-class resort in the western Lisbon region is Penha Longa.

There are three loops of nine holes to choose from here: the Atlantic Championship, the Atlantic North and the Atlantic South.

The Championship is the standout option and also the most difficult.

Set among the Sintra foothills, the course snakes through wooded valleys and up to tee boxes and greens set on elevated rocky outcrops.

LisbonStay and play in the nation’s capital

A“Some rate Oitavos Dunes as the best course in mainland Europe.”

The Vila Gale Cascais offers contemporary four-star accommodation just a short drive from oitavos Dunes and Quinta da Marinha. This stylish hotel is just a five minute walk from the town centre and offers views out over the Cascais bay and Guincho beach. Golfbreaks.com offer two versions of the Cascais Golf Tour, which allows players to stay at the Vila Gale Cascais and play at the surrounding courses with fantastic savings on regular green fee and hotel rates. Alternatively, stay on the five-star Penha Longa resort for ultimate luxury and access to the resort’s three outstanding courses. The Portuguese royal family have holidayed here, and the hotel has 194 stunning rooms.

where to stAy

the GreAt GoLf Guide | Portugal | Lisbon

Many more great value breaks available online at

Page 11: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

Holes galore!Aroeira can entertain for days on end

Central lisbon tourStay at: Tivoli Lisboa Play at: Quinta da Marinha, LisbonSports Club, Estoril, Oitavos Golfe, Belas Clube De CampoGolf, Quinta da Beloura, Atlantic or Atlantic Championship

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £399was £459

saVe13%

Penha longa resort 5★

sintraPlay at: Atlantic North, Atlantic South or Atlantic Championship

3 nights’ B&BUnlimited golf

now £269was £329

saVe18%

hotel Quinta da Marinha 5★

CasCaisPlay at: Quinta da Marinha• 1 in 8 free

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £245was £349

saVe30%

PreMiuM CasCais golf tourCasCaisStay at: Vila Gale Cascais 4★

Play at: Penha Longa, Quinta da Marinha & Oitavos

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £339was £399

saVe15%

It was back in 1992 that Robert Trent Jones Jnr brought all his skills to bear, creating what is a thrill-seeking golfer’s delight.

This isn’t really a place for a novice, even with five sets of tees to choose from, and even the best will struggle when the wind whips in off the ocean.

In this well-endowed area to the west of Lisbon lies one of Continental Europe’s original venues.

Estoril is undoubtedly one of Portugal’s classic courses.

It is a relatively short parkland course that has hosted the Portuguese Open on numerous occasions and several amateur events.

It sits close to the Atlantic coast and provides great views.

Closer to the city centre are five further options.

Belas is a championship course which has the Carregueira Mountains in the background, and the Lisbon Club is one of Portugal’s oldest courses, having been founded in 1880.

In direct contrast, Quinta da Beloura is one of the region’s very newest layouts and is found between Sintra and Cascais.

Finally, a little further to the north lies Campo Real, a Donald Steel parkland which opened in 2005.

dolCe CaMPoreal 5★

turCifalPlay at: CampoReal• 1 in 8 plays free

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £239was £299

saVe20%

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 12: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

LisbonA little north is one of Europe’s best at Praia D’El Rey

Praia D’el Reyit boasts wooded and links sections

The GreaT Golf Guide | Portugal | North & South Lisbon

F we move to the north and west of Portugal’s capital, we come to

another excellent collection of courses: the new Royal Obidos complex; Bom Sucesso; and Praia D’El Rey.

All are considered within the Top 200 courses in Continental Europe, so this is certainly an attractive itinerary waiting to be tackled.

The latter has long been regarded as one of the continent’s very finest courses, routinely featuring in the top 50 of most authoritative European rankings lists.

Set among extensive pine forests and undulating dunes, Praia D’El Rey also benefits from spectacular views out to

the Atlantic and beyond to the Berlengas Islands.

Laid out by the celebrated American architect Cabell B Robinson in 1997, it is complemented by self-catering apartments and a Marriott hotel on site that incorporates a predictably comprehensive array of facilities including restaurants, bars, a spa, tennis courts and cycling centre.

The course at Royal Obidos is a recent addition to the scene in North Lisbon having opened in early 2012. This is already established as a genuine championship test which measures well over 7,000 yards from the tips.

It was the last course to be designed by Seve Ballesteros, who described it simply as “a

great and wonderful place”.It would probably be best

described as a heathland layout, and provides a pleasing contrast to the area’s parkland tracks.

Not to be outdone, the course at Bom Sucesso is another relatively new and impressive track designed by esteemed British architect Donald Steel.

It offers views out over the coastline and to the ocean beyond, with the Obidos Lagoon in the foreground.

i“All are considered in the Top 200 courses in Continental Europe”

in addition to the Marriott hotel at Praia d’el rey, the resort boasts many apartments and villas of various sizes which are perfect for those looking to travel in a group. The apartments are finished to the highest standard and each property is set around a communal pool with its own private balcony. if you wish to stay on site at Bom Sucesso, the resort has an attached five-star hotel which boasts many contemporary townhouses and extensive leisure facilities. There are also free shuttle buses from the resort to nearby Praia D’El Rey, making it easy to take advantage of the best courses in the area. bom sucesso is also extremely close to Royal obidos and around an hour from Lisbon.

where To STay

Many more great value breaks available online at

Page 13: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

Bom SuceSSo DeSign ReSoRt, LeiSuRe & goLf 5★

oBiDoSPlay at: Bom Sucesso

3 nights’ self catering2 rounds

now £195was £219

SAVe11%

montADo HoteL &goLf ReSoRt 4*PALmeLAPlay at: Montado, Ribagolfe, Quinta do Peru or Tróia.

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £175was £249

SAVe30%

PRAiA D’eL Rey ReSoRt 4★

oBiDoSPlay at: Praia d’El Rey or Bom Sucesso• 1 in 8 fRee

4 nights’ self catering3 rounds

now £149was £249

SAVe40%

mARRiott PRAiA D’eL Rey 5★

oBiDoSPlay at: Praia d’El Rey, Bom Sucesso

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £315was £375

SAVe16%

LisbonTroia & Quinta do Peru lead the way

just to the south of the capital

F you like a vibrant buzz without being based in the

heart of the city, the South could be your ideal base.

There is also plenty of good golf, with one outstanding venue, Troia. It is reached via a short ferry ride from Setubal.

Sitting in between the Atlantic, the Sado Estuary and Serra da Arrabida it has a charm of its own.

The Portuguese Open was held here shortly after opening in 1980.

The par-4 3rd is said to be one of the best in Europe, indeed Troia’s designer Robert Trent Jones Sr considered it one of the best he has ever designed – and thus included it in his ideal 18-hole layout.

That is no small accolade when you consider Trent Jones Sr’s portfolio.

Also in the South region is Quinta do Peru. This parkland track winds through 335 acres of natural woodland and is set against the stunning backdrop of the Arrabida Mountains.

Quinta do Peru has long been recognised as one of the best courses in Portugal and has hosted numerous events on the Challenge Tour along with the Portuguese Open in 1996.

It is managed by Orizonte Golf, who have several courses in the Lisbon area including the two championship Aroeira layouts. Aroeira I opened in 1973 and was designed by Frank Pennink. Aroreira I plays through mature pines so there is a premium on hitting the narrow fairways.

The Donald Steel-designed Aroeira II opened in 2000 and provides a contrast to its neighbour, being wider and flatter with more lakes and bunkers.

The group also manage scenic Santo Estevão and the two courses at the Ribagolfe resort.

i“The par-4 3rd is said to be one of the best in Europe”

ARoeiRA goLf ReSoRt 3★

cHARnecA DA cAPARicAPlay at: Aroeira I & II

3 nights’ self cateringUnlimited golf

now £129was £239

SAVe46%

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 14: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

2 JUNE 2014 | www.nationalclubgolfer.com

Casa da Calçada Relais and Chateaux 5★

amaRantePlay at: Amarante

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £265was £329

saVe19%

hotel solVeRde spa & Wellness CentRe 5★

espinhoPlay at: Oporto Golf Course

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £249was £299

saVe17%

ITH such a wealth of options elsewhere, you could be forgiven

for overlooking Porto as a place to base your next golf break, but there are some excellent options around Portugal’s second largest city.

The beauty of playing here is that there is something to cater for everybody.

The Vidago Palace resort has undergone recent renovations and offers a stunning five-star hotel and attached course set in a small town outside of the city.

The five-star boutique Casa da Calcada is an hour from Amarante and Oporto, the oldest course in Portugal. Or you can stay to the south of the city near the beach at the Hotel Solverde Spa and Wellness Centre.

North of Porto you find Ponte de Lima, which has a three-star hotel and attached course, and it is a short drive out to the coast where you can play the challenging links at Estela.

PortoWonderful courses surround the country’s second largest city

W

royal statusVidago Palace is Porto’s star

The GreaT Golf Guide | Portugal | Porto & Madeira

axis ponte de lima GolfeResoRt 3★ ponte de limaPlay at: Ponte de Lima Golf, Estela, Amarante or Vidago • 1 in 8 fRee

3 nights’ HB2 rounds

now £195was £265

saVe26%

VidaGo palaCe ResoRt 5★

VidaGoPlay at: Vidago• 1 in 8 fRee

3 nights’ B&B3 rounds

now £279was £349

saVe20%

Many more great value breaks available online at

Page 15: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 3

Vila Gale santa CRuz 4★

madeiRaPlay at: Santo da Serra

3 nights’ B&B2 rounds

now £269was £299

saVe10%

Casa Velha do palheiRo 5★

madeiRaPlay at: Palheiro Golf• Airport transfers included

3 nights’ B&BUnlimited golf

now £279was £399

saVe30%

EVERAL of Europe’s top players have enjoyed success

on the European Tour in Madeira, and this small island off the African coast has now become a hotspot for golf tourism.

The Madeira Islands Open is played every year as a co-

sanctioned event between the European and Challenge Tours at Santo da Serra.

Although this spectacular clifftop course dates back to 1937, it was significantly

redesigned by the famous American Robert Trent Jones in 1991 and now has 27 high-quality holes.

If you are looking to replicate the challenge faced by the tour professionals then play the Machico and Desertas loops. Alternatively, try the Serras nine for a slightly less demanding test.

Another excellent option on the island is the Palheiro Estate, which boasts the five-star Casa Velha do Palheiro hotel as well as a very fine on-site golf course.

The hotel is a 200-year-old hunting lodge and provides guests with ultimate luxury in a relaxed countryside setting.

S“The small island is now a hotspot for golf tourism”

MadeiraFollow in the footsteps of the Tour stars with some island golf

Lovely viewsPalheiro has stunning panoramas

or call us on 0845 543 6674 – we’re open 7 days a week

Page 16: The Lowdown on Golf in Portugal

www.nationalclubgolfer.com | JUNE 2014 1

Call free on 0845 543 6674Monday-Friday 8am-9pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-3pm

Email [email protected] visit Golfbreaks.com

facebook.com/Golfbreakscom @golfbreaks

The GreaT Golf Guide 2014