The Algarve in Southern Portugal is a fairly compact region with many quality golf courses. It is served by the international airport at Faro, the region’s capital from where car hire or coach transfer can be arranged. That said, some golf parties are happy to find themselves a base and then play into close proximity so what are the best course choices in Central Algarve?
It’s nice to face a challenge but it is also nice to come off a course having played and scored well. In a typical week a golf party might decide it wants to play a couple of the Championship courses but also some easier ones where the chances of a good score improve.
The most notable championship course in Central Algarve is Penina which has hosted the Portuguese Open many times. Perhaps the other most famous courses over the years are at Vale do Lobo, the Royal and Ocean courses and Quinta do Lago, North and South.
The popularity of golf in general and the increased traffic heading to the pleasant climate of the Algarve have resulted in more courses being opened over recent years in the Central part of the Region. The Internet has resulted in golf courses marketing themselves via a website usually with the facility to book tee times well in advance of travelling. Some of the most popular courses other than those already mentioned that are worth close inspection are:
There is plenty to consider because prices range quite considerably, below 30 euros a round to over 100. There are traditional tree-lined courses, olives and almonds, courses that incorporate a good deal of water as well. This is a beautiful region with courses close to the sea and some along cliff tops.
All the courses are open all year round so it is worth looking at the Central Algarve when conditions are poor at home. Flight times from regional UK airports for example allow golfers to fly in the morning and play the same afternoon. There is plentiful accommodation in all price ranges and fine cuisine each evening. There are often transfer facilities from hotels to and from courses and certainly to and from the airport at Faro. It is easy to see why the region is so popular.
“When you come to Portugal for a holiday, you will enjoy the cultural divide, the tourist attractions and most importantly interacting with the amazing people. For this incredible adventure, you will need to make sure that you plan ahead of schedule so that you have a better chance of enjoying a good time here.”