Portugal is often regarded as one of the best golf destinations in the world. For such a small country, it has a huge variety of high-quality golf courses, mainly on the Lisbon Coast and in sunny southern Algarve. Choosing the top 10 is always difficult, however the courses listed here all provide a variety of challenges and are set in magnificent surrounds.
Great greens in sunny Algarve
Central Algarves premier golfing destination, the Quinta do Lago Estate has two of its four excellent 18-hole courses listed among Europes top 25 golf courses. These are bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa nature reserve, there are 72 holes of challenging golf with immaculate greens. Quinta do Lago South, the original championship course, is still regarded as the best.
Just 20 minutes drive from Faro International Airport, the par 73, 18-hole Vilamoura Old Course has a great variety of holes that include some some steep grades. The course, lined with pines and cork trees, deserves its reputation as one of the best in Europe. Facilities include a driving range and putting green.
Vale do Lobo, Portugals biggest luxury golf and beach resort, has three...