Portugal, Golf Destination

Over the last three decades Portugal and especially the Algarve has been a growing golf destination. Because of the perfect climate and the amazing landscapes along the fabulous coastline the area has won great interest of golfers all over the world. The Algarve has numerous golf course and even more are being built. Take for example the magnificent golf course of Quinta Do Lago or Vale Do Lobo.
The last mentioned Vale Do Lobo has two outstanding and challenging golf courses. The Royal and the Ocean, which are based on original concepts by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton and later re-developed by the respected American golf architect Rocky Roquemore. Not for nothing that Vale do Lobo golf courses have been the host of the Portuguese Open already two times.
The main season for playing golf in Portugal is between late autumn and late spring. A lot of golfers from northern European countries come to Portugal, because the winters are mild and they can keep on playing on sunny days while at home the courses are unplayable. Although it is said to be almost always sunny in the southern parts of Portugal, be aware that it does rain from time to time.

The Algarve

The Algarve is located on the extreme South of Portugal, in between Spain, the Atlantic Ocean and Alentejo. Alentejo was the last part that was conquered from the Moors by the Portuguese king Dom Afonso III in 1292. There are still traces of Moorish presence to be seen in the whitewashed houses, the chimneys and the unique terraces.
Back in the 13th century it was an area which was quite difficult to reach because of the distance. With help of the modern highway, coastal road and Faro international airport it is much easier to reach, which makes the area more open for tourists. The Algarve is a very charming region and has really suiting temperatures whole year round, which make it a perfect environment for different kind of sports like golf or all kind of water sports.
The mountain ranges of Espinhaco de Cao, Monchique and Caldeirao in the northern part of Algarve protects the coast from strong winds. This area is very fertile and therefore brightly colored; there are orange groves, almond trees which are beautiful in blossom and fig trees. The south of the region is famous for the long stretch of amazing beaches, broken up by big red cliffs, and huge rocks.    
The region has been a growing tourism destination and has all kind of tourism facilities for all kind of tourists. People can find luxury hotels, rent a proper holiday bungalow, play golf on one of the famous golf courses like Vale Do Lobo, enjoy the nightlife of towns like Albufeira, eat the impressive Portuguese cuisine in one of the many restaurants or spent a day on the beach with the family.