Portugal, a world apart
Discover the best golf & sightseeing destinations in Portugal
Portugal is one of the best countries to explore in Europe on so many levels. The country is bathed in history and has protected its cultural heritage as well as any. With some of the best-preserved castles, monasteries, and cathedrals on the planet. The culinary scene is distinctively Portuguese, oftentimes allowing the beautiful natural ingredients to speak for themselves.
The Lisbon and Central Region
Steeped in history, Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. There you can visit the many monuments like the Jeronimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and walk the beautiful boulevards and charming winding streets through the Alfama neighborhood. Take in a dinner with a beautiful Fado performance (traditional Portuguese musical style). Or just stroll along the river’s edge and enjoy a traditional treat, a Pasteis de Belém. Another can’t miss visit is the nearby Sintra Palaces, also the ancient Moorish Castle, offering spectacular views, and Quinta da Regaleira. To the north of the city are architectural masterpieces like Batalha Monastery and the Templar stronghold of Convent of Christ in Tomar.
The golf in this area is varied and good fun. Just outside of Lisbon lies Oitavos Dunes, a rambunctious routing over seaside terrain. To the direct south, across the river is Troia, a fun course designed by Robert Trent Jones, sitting right on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. Also the recently opened Comporta Dunes, designed by David McClay Kidd. To the north of the city lies several wonderful courses including Praia d’el Rey, Royal Obidos (which lies near the lovely walled city of Obidos), and the Cynthia Dye-designed West Cliffs.
Sample Itinerary in Lisbon
- Day 1: Fly US – Lisbon
- Day 2: Private Lisbon City Tour with tastings
- Day 3: Private Tage River Cruise
- Day 4: Play Comporta Dunes
- Day 5: Play Troia
- Day 6: Explore Beaches Play – Afternoon Private Sintra Palaces Tour
- Day 7: Play Oitavos Dunes
- Day 8: Play Penha Longa
- Day 9: Play Praia del Rei – Private Obidos Tour
- Day 10: Private Day Trip to the Golden Triangle
- Day 11: Play West Cliffs
- Day 12: Fly Lisbon – US
The Algarve
Probably the most famous region for tourism in Portugal, with its beautiful beaches and great weather. The Algarve is full of warm weather activities including; fishing, various watersports, or simply enjoying a day at the beach. The coast is littered with spectacular beaches like Dona Ana, Três Irmãos, and Cordoama, to name only a few. If you’re looking to people-watch or find a quiet place to enjoy the sun and waves, you can find it here. The entire region is a seafood lovers’ dream, with a wide variety of wonderful restaurants in unique settings, you can’t miss. If seafood isn’t your thing, a visit to anywhere in Portugal is incomplete without tasting the Porco Preto, a type of pork that only thrives on the Iberian Peninsula. Fresh fruit and veggies seem to grow wild here as well.
Much like the Costa del Sol, in Spain, there is a plethora of quality golf courses to choose from here. The top billing goes to Monte Rei, a Nicklaus signature design. It is always in top condition and is a fun challenge while also being among the more beautiful settings. There are several other charming resorts with multiple course offerings such as Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura. San Lorenzo and Vale do Lobo also offer spectacular settings. Vilamoura (Victoria) hosts an annual DP World Tour event known as the Portugal Masters, designed by Arnold Palmer.
Sample Itinerary in the Algarve
- Day 1: Fly US – Faro
- Day 2: Explore Faro
- Day 3: Play Quinta do Lago
- Day 4: Play Vale do Lobo
- Day 5: Private Ria Formosa Boat Trip
- Day 6: Play Monte Rei
- Day 7: Transfer to Carvoeiro, en-route Play Vilamoura (Old)
- Day 8: Play Palmares – Afternoon Private Kayaking Excursion
- Day 9: Private Sagres and Cabo São Vicente Tour with wine tastings
- Day 10: Fly Faro – US
The Northern Region
Famous for its fortified wines, beautiful scenery and history, the northern region of Portugal is full of amazing activities. Porto is truly one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal as well as the namesake of the famous Port wine. A cruise up the Douro valley is one of the more memorable boat cruises you can do anywhere with vineyards climbing the valley walls as far as you can see. Taste the many wines at any one of the famous houses on the shores in Vila Nova de Gaia, with great views across the river to Porto. Braga is another beautiful city with a long history. Guimaraes is considered to be the birthplace of Portugal and has many ancient structures helping it to gain Unesco World Heritage status.
Although there are only a few golf courses to speak of in this region, they will interest the links lover. Oporto is one of the oldest clubs in continental Europe and has a true linksy feel to it as the turf plays firm and fast. Estela is another of these, sitting on a great piece of land situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Vidago Palace is a little further afield but has a serene setting with an original Philip Mackenzie Ross design, recently updated to accommodate the modern game.
Great food, wine, culture and golf all make this region an excellent vacation, that we cannot recommend more highly!
Sample Itinerary in Northern Portugal
- Day 1: Fly US – Porto
- Day 2: Private Porto City Highlights Tour
- Day 3: Play Estela
- Day 4: Visit Port Wine Factories
- Day 5: Private Braga and Guimaraes Day Trip
- Day 6: Explore Douro Valley
- Day 7: Play Vidago Palace
- Day 8: Private Douro Valley River Cruise
- Day 9: Fly Porto – US
Azores and Madeira
In both the Azores and Madeira, natural beauty dominates the landscape. With lush sub-tropical rainforests and striking beaches abound, Madeira is often referred to as “The land of eternal springtime”. You can hike, and take in the many beautiful waterfalls and beaches. Don’t forget to sample the delicious wines and the famous Poncha, the island’s delicious tropical drink. The Azores are unique as well, with their own style and culture, it is often referred to as “the Hawaii of Europe”. Hike around an extinct volcano or bathe in the thermal pools.
Madeira is home to three breathtaking golf courses; Porto Santo, Santo de Serra, and Palheiro. Each is well worth a visit, even if only for the amazing views!
While the Azores is home to two renowned courses; Batalha and Furnas, the latter designed by Philip Mackenzie Ross, Furnas has long been well regarded by visiting golfers.
Sample Itinerary in the Açores
- Day 1: Fly US – Ponta Delgada
- Day 2: Explore Ponta Delgada
- Day 3: Private Island Highlights day trip
- Day 4: Play Batalha
- Day 5: Explore Furnas and natural springs
- Day 6: Play Furnas
- Day 7: Private Dolphin and Vila Franca do Campo Island Boat Trip
- Day 8: Explore beaches
- Day 9: Fly Ponta-Delgada – US
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