Top 5 Stunning Golf Courses in Portugal: The Perfect Trip for Golf Enthusiasts
Portugal, a popular destination in Continental Europe, has carved a niche as a premier golf mecca. The roster of golf courses merges European golf designs, natural beauty, and spectacular views, making it the go-to destination for golf breaks and trips. Out of the diverse collection of courses, here are five you should add to your bucket list.
1. Oitavos Dunes, Cascais
When Golf World lists iconic courses, Oitavos Dunes often gets a mention. A signature collection by Arthur Hills, it boasts wide fairways that hug the Atlantic coast. Here, you are treated to ocean views and memorable holes, especially the 7th holes that present both a challenge and a picturesque backdrop. Located just south of Lisbon, this golf holiday promises elevated fairways with views of the Atlantic Ocean that are unrivaled in Continental Europe.
2. San Lorenzo Golf, Algarve
San Lorenzo, designed by Joseph Lee and set in the beautiful Ria Formosa, offers golfers stunning golf experiences. This course stands out not only for its challenging holes but also for its lakes and fairways that thread through natural beauty. Notably, the golf course designs have made San Lorenzo a popular choice for European Tour events. The closing stretch, including the 18th holes, provides the perfect end to a day of golf, overlooking the South Course's charming towns.
3. Praia D'El Rey, Silver Coast
One of Frank Pennink's masterpieces, Praia D'El Rey combines golf with spectacular views of the Atlantic. This golf course is a jewel of the Silver Coast, with holes that offer both challenges and an ode to nature. Praia D'El's wide fairways are renowned in golf circles, and Golf Tour enthusiasts often include it in their rounds of golf.
4. Penha Longa, Sintra
Tucked away in the mountainous region of Sintra, Penha Longa's golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a marvel. It's no wonder that many golf trips to Portugal feature this location. With elevated fairways, the course offers views that stretch to the coast, making every shot from the 1st hole to the 18th a delight. If golf breaks in Europe had a Choice list, Penha Longa would surely be on it.
5. Onyria Palmares Golf, Central Algarve
Central Algarve is not just about charming towns and the Atlantic City's hustle and bustle; it also houses Onyria Palmares Golf. This course, a blend of Henry Cotton's and Trent Jones's ideas, offers golfers a diverse experience. From holes that offer views of the Gulf Coast to rounds of golf that challenge even seasoned players, this course is a testament to Portugal's rich golfing legacy.
In Conclusion:
Portugal's golf courses aren't just about the game. They offer an amalgamation of Continental Europe's charm, the golf mecca's challenge, and views that make for a perfect trip. Whether it's the spectacular layouts of Oitavos Dunes or the historic charm of San Lorenzo, every golfer will find plenty of golf to enjoy and a bucket list of courses to explore. So, pack those golf clubs and embark on a golf holiday that promises more than just rounds of golf; it promises memories.