In recent years it has become ever more popular to play golf in Portugal.
With its temperate climate and stunning landscape Portugal is the ideal location to combine a great holiday and playing golf. Below we look at 5 of the top places to play golf in Portugal.
Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Resort
The luxury Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort is set amongst the stunning natural scenery of The Algarve and is one of the most sought after places to play golf in Portugal having won many awards. Located in Quinta do Logo the resort enjoys exclusive access to the renowned 18 hole San Lorenzo Golf Course. The course opened in 1988 and was designed by Joseph Lee, the legendary golf course architect.
Set in the beautiful Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, the San Lorenzo golf course is beautifully maintained with perfectly manicured lawns. A large part of the course meanders through undulating greens, lakes, freshwater lagoons and pine forest with the rest of the course providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and mountains in the distance.
Le Meridien Penina Golf Resort 5*
Le Meridien Penina Golf and Resort is another great place to play golf in Portugal Located between Portimão and Lagos in the Algarve, the resort is a true gem for any active person featuring, golf and tennis courts, a football pitch and running track alongside the hotel.
The 18 hole Championship Course at the resort was originally called The Penina and was designed by English professional golfer Sir Henry Cotton and is considered to be his masterpiece with it’s outstanding views and tranquil setting. Set in lush natural surroundings this was the first resort course of its’ kind to be built in Portugal. It has hosted the Portuguese Open on several occasions, most recently in 2006. There resort also boasts two 9 hole courses, called the Academy Course and the Resort Course.
Formosa Park Hotel & Apartments
The Formosa Park Hotel & Apartments makes another fantastic venue for playing golf in Portugal. If you stay here you have the choice of playing at several spectacular golf courses in The Algarve. These include San Lorenzo, Pinheiros Altos, The Vale do Lobo Ocean & Royal Courses, Quinta do Lago North, South & Laranjal and many more.
Pinheiros Altos is ideal for all levels of golfers and is set amongst stunning natural lakes and trees. Originally an 18 hole course designed by American architect Ronald Fream, an additional 9 holes were created by the Portuguese golf architect George Santana da Silva. Opening in 2007 the 27 hole course is presented in three contrasting nine hole formats known as The Pines, The Corks and The Olives.
The Royal and the Ocean courses at the Vale de Lobo are two challenging courses set amongst pine and fig trees with views out towards the Ocean.
Developed by the American golf architect Rocky Roquemore, these courses have hosted the Portuguese Open twice and are stunning locations in which to play golf in Portugal.
Vilamoura
There are several places to play golf in Vilamoura including, Laguna Millennium, The Old Course, Pinhal, Victoria and Vila Sol.
The 18 hole Laguna Course was designed by Joseph Lee and is an open course on level ground with few trees. The Old Course, with its affectionate name, is the second oldest course in The Algarve and a great place to play golf in Portugal. The holes run through a lush pine forest and the course presents an interesting challenge for the keen golfer. The Victoria Clube de Golfe Course is currently the longest 18 hole golf course in Portugal, laid out over some 90 hectares it covers virtually flat terrain. A beautiful series of waterfalls and lakes provide a stunning natural backdrop to a course that is gaining a growing reputation.
CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel 5*
At the CS Sao Rafael Suite Hotel the Herdade dos Salgados Golf course is just 5 minutes away from the hotel and the Morgado or Álamos Golf courses 25 minutes away. All guests at the hotel benefit from a discount on the green fees.
The Herdade dos Salgados Golf provides a challenge to those who want to play golf in Portugal. Located near Gale beach, between Albufeira and Pera, the
18 hole course is laid out among wetlands and features 14 water hazards. The Morgado course is one of the Algarve’s newest golf courses. Located near Portimao in stunning countryside this long but enjoyable course is set on a large tranquil estate. The Alamos course is the sister course to the Morgado and is set within the same sizeable estate.
Tags: Golf, Resort
Going on holidays is an ideal way to unwind as this provides the opportunity and time for people to get close with each other and have fun. For many, the ideal place for a stress free vacation would be a beach resort where they can just roam around under the sun during the day time. Or else, they may just take a stroll in the beach under the moonlight. If you are on the look-out for a fantastic luxury beach vacation you would do well to be aware of some of the biggest mistakes people make when they plan their luxury beach vacations. These mistakes include not planning well in advance wisely and in the appropriate manner apart from incurring unnecessary expenses. Luxury beach vacation is a growing leisure segment and has been gaining popularity in the last few years.
Beach vacations are in great demand as they offer a different sort of experience to the holiday lovers. When deciding on a beach vacation, some points need to be kept in mind. If the vacation destination is in the tropics, then the winter months would be the best time since the warmth of the sun will not be felt much as there will be a chill in the air. For the colder continents, early summer months are suggested as the ice would have melted and the weather would be sunny and bright. Beach vacations are all about rejuvenating your body and having fun.
There are a number of things people need to mull over before embarking on their luxury beach vacation. Do make plans for your kids and by consulting with them. Many couples try to enjoy themselves on beach vacations, but end up getting frustrated because their kids would be acting up. Parents need to realize that their children may not necessarily like sitting out in the sun. So one needs to plan well ahead regarding what you can do with your children. Another thing is that if you wait too long to get a reservation, you are likely to run into a brick wall. The hotels and other accommodation might be overbooked, or else you might have to pay higher rates, considering the demand. This is particularly true while booking flight tickets. So, once you have the destination and everything in place, don’t wait too long; or else, your luxury beach vacation might just get ruined.
One is left with various options when planning one’s luxury beach vacation. If you can do the arrangements all by yourself, you might save some money, but it is more likely to slow you down than you have been anticipating. Secondly, you may talk to a travel agent, but then you’re on the way to wasting more money than you had previously planned. The best option that one can resort to is to book one’s trip on-line through an established tour and travels Company. Not only will this arrangement make things comfortable and easier for you, but also will save you some hard earned money. Sometimes they will offer you the opportunity to break the high costs associated with a luxury beach vacation into several monthly payments. And you would be able to relish a luxury beach vacation by shelling out a reasonable amount.
Tags: Beach, Destination, Holiday, Resort, Travel
Surfers Paradise is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Gold Coast, Australia. As the name suggests, it is a paradise for surfers with many golden beaches and excellent surf breaks. The perfect blend of golden beaches and modern infrastructure of this city leaves every tourist mesmerized. This place is an admirable holiday destination with a number of places to visit and a number of things to do for the tourists. With Surfers Paradise car hire at their disposal, tourists get the freedom to make the most out of their holiday in the minimum time and get an experience that lasts for a lifetime.
The golden sand beaches of Surfers Paradise extend a warm welcome to every tourist to get into the warm waters, not only at the day time, but during the night time as well. The tanned surfers riding through the waves and the spectators happily supporting them fill the beaches with a lively atmosphere during the day time. A holiday in this region is a unique one as the tourists do not have to move out of the city to have a true and exciting beach experience. Moreover, it is a place which never sleeps and offers entertainment to the tourists both day and night.
While holidaying in this place, you will never get bored. Besides spending your day by the beachfront, you can drive down to the popular restaurants and cafes spread across the city in your hire car and taste some of the local delicacies. You can also choose to visit the malls and shopping centers for a fun filled shopping experience or get yourself involved in different activities going on in the city both day and night.
To experience the nightlife of this place, you can drive down to the different colorful and lively nightclubs and dance bars. Here you can enjoy performances by local artists, as well as, dance to the rocking beats till daybreak.
Surfers Paradise being a popular tourist destination has numerous accommodation options available to suit the budgets of all tourists. If you are planning to visit this place for a day or two, then you can opt to stay in a hotel or a resort and if you are visiting this place on a long vacation, then you can take up an apartment on rent.
Besides hospitable and comfortable accommodation options, there is a range of convenient and affordable car hire services to enhance the holiday experience of tourists.
For more information regarding Sufers Paradise car hire, please visit the Cut Price Car Rentals website.
Tags: Car, Resort, Travel
There are many types of African safaris. I always thought of a safari as something you did with John Wayne and chased big rhinos, or hunted elephants and lions. Not so.
Certainly there are hunting safaris, but there are many other types, too. If you are planning on going on an African safari, you will want to familiarize yourself with your options so that you may have a more enjoyable experience.
Drive Safari
East African and Central African drive safaris are usually done in a mini-van, while drive safaris in South Africa are mostly done in open 4 x 4 vehicles, which help you to better see the scenery and wildlife. South Africa also offers self-drive safaris which allow you to use their well developed road systems to go off on your own tour.
Walking Safari
Some African countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania, offer walking safaris. On these you will generally hike 5 to 8 miles per day, with plenty of breaks to admire the wildlife and landscape. Being on foot allows you to access more remote and untouched areas that hold plenty of wildlife such as elephant, lion, buffalo and rhino.
Mobile Tent and Camping Safaris
This would be a combination of the drive and walking safaris. Usually, in a mobile tent trip, you will stay at a lodge or similar accommodation each night. In a true camping safari, also called cross-country safari, you are roughing it with tents and normal camping chores and activities. These trips can last for several days.
Canoe Safari
Paddle your way down one of the great rivers in Africa, such as the Zambezi River which divides Zimbabwe and Zambia. This will give you a whole different perspective of the plant and animal life.
Elephant, Horseback and Camelback Safari
Elephant back, horseback and camelback safaris bring you into being one with nature. There are tours that offer the use of these well trained animals which can really enhance your experience. Imagine spending the day with an elephant, enjoying its company, feeding and eating with it and becoming good friends!
Rail Safari
In Southern Africa, you can take the tour by train. This kind of safari might be more enjoyed by those who enjoy a little more comfort and class in their trip.
Sailing and Houseboat Safaris
Do you really want to go in style Enjoy your safari from a yacht! This is great way to see some of the wildlife that to stay closer to the water like hippos and crocodiles. Choose the houseboat safari and do little fishing while you are enjoying the view.
Tracking Safari
Tracking safaris are a great way to see amazing animals that are rare and hard to find, and enjoy them in their own natural habitat. There are African safaris that track gorillas, chimpanzees, and tree climbing lions.
Bird Watching Safari
Big game not your thing? Bird watchers can still get their thrills on a bird watching safari. But, pay attention, you will probably still see plenty of big game.
Tags: Africa, Safari