Over the years, I have often witnessed the marketing of international golf destinations get ahead of the reality on the ground.
As a visitor to Portugal for over 50 years, I have personally witnessed it evolve over many decades with the addition of golf courses, hotels and the infrastructure to support them.
For many years, Portugal, and more specifically the Algarve region on the southern shoreline has catered to the European golfer and their expectations. By that I mean, golfers who judged the quality of their golf trip by the heat of the sun as compared to the speed of the greens.
After a recent trip through Portugal; from the Algarve to Porto in the north, I am convinced it has become an excellent destination that can cater to the wishes and service expectations of the American golfer. Let me explain why…
The selection of courses in each region is more than sufficient and growing as additional projects come to fruition. One thing I have learnt over the years is that calendars serve an advisory role and are far from definitive…”read there is a relaxed pace to business”. For the moment you can break Portuguese golf into three distinct regions. Due to the size of the country, there is an opportunity to overlap regions for day trips in some instances.
The latest addition to the Portuguese golf scene is Terras da Comporta – Dunas Course. Designed by David McLay Kidd it is the first of several new courses on the coast, near the midpoint between Lisbon and the Algarve.
Aside from the golf options, there are numerous hotel choices to serve the needs of every golfer. The elegant and peaceful Hotel Quinta do Lago (Algarve) to the busier and more strategically placed lodging close to the marina and nightlife/dining options of the Domes Vilamoura. As our Golf Travel Experts design custom trips for our clients, the key shall be to match up individual client needs and expectations with the realities on the ground. The choices and permutations are extensive.
As you would expect in a European country with a fascinating history, the sightseeing options are as varied as the accommodations. The Lisbon region and to the north have the most extensive historical landmarks, including the charming medieval walled settlement of Obidos, that can trace its lineage to pre-Roman times.
While the Algarve is known for its extensive beaches it is also home to Silves, that similarly can be traced back before the Roman Empire occupied Portugal and any number of quaint fishing villages, dotted along the coastline.
I recently saw an article declaring “Portugal, the Florida of Europe”. In many respects that is true, but it does not paint the full picture. Imagine “Florida” with a Napa Valley….and an embedded societal passion for great food!
The recent CNBC article confirms much of the above and reasons why Americans find Portugal a great option for retirement. If it is this good, surely it is worthy of a visit?
