Golf in

This country profile highlights some of the key aspects of golfing in .

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About the Country
The Portuguese talk of their nation as a land of brandos costumes - gentle ways, and this is certainly reflected in their beautiful country and wonderfully courteous people. From the sunshine south of the Algarve, through the central part of the country and Lisbon, and up to the port wine areas and beyond, you will find Portugal an easy-going and tremendously varied country. When in Portugal drink Portuguese wines, they are some of the best in Europe.

About the Golf
The Championship course at Penina, designed by Sir Henry Cotton and opened for play in 1966, is the oldest course Where2Golf.com played in Portugal. This says something about the games origins here, a game developed around tourism and the international traveller. Nowadays there are an abundance of courses, especially in the Algarve and Around Lisbon, which cater to both the travelling golfer and the growing number of Portuguese golfers.

Golf Good Points
Some of the best weather for golf in Europe can be found here in Portugal.

Less Good Points
Sunshine golf is what you expect here, but at any time of year (especially winter) the Atlantic can bring in some weather of an altogether different variety. There is a lot of pressure on the courses with large numbers of foreign visitors wanting to play - booking by fax is essential and slow rounds are all too common. June is a great month to avoid these problems.

Golf - Booking
Always phone ahead to check for a tee-time. Always follow this up with a confirmation fax - your phone call is no gaurantee of appearing on the starter's list !

Weather
With a mediterranean climate Portugal is, at least weatherwise, Europe's answer to California. Year-round golf with hot dry summers, tempered by sea breezes, and moderate winters. The Atlantic weather systems bring their fair share of rain in the winter months, and occasional rain the rest of the year. Spring (March - May) and autumn (Sept - November) are favourite months for visiting golfers.

Getting around
Travelling around the golf areas is no problem at all, with good roads (now also in the Algarve). Signposting may be an issue, so plan a bit longer for finding your destination course. Like Spain, there are too many would-be Michael Schumakers on the road, so be very careful and take extra care at junctions.

Accomodation
Spain has its Paradors, the equivalent in Portugal are Pousadas - superb convertions of historic buildings into excellent hotels (if you are golfing south of Lisbon try the one at Palmela !!). .

Currency
Euro

Language
Portuguese. English is spoken quite widely, but not everywhere nor by everyone.

Visit our Golf Course Guide for ratings, reviews and contact information for ?s main golf courses.

Useful Links


 On-line accommodation guide to Portugal's historic pousadas.
 On-line accommodation finder service for Portugal