PORTUGAL

The Algarve is in many ways the perfect getaway for off-season golf from the UK. The weather is good all year round for golf in Portugal and peak season here is Spring and Autumn. There are some cracking deals to be had if you look around as at those times golf is the lifeblood of the area and hotels are keen to get you in to spend money at the bar and in the restaurants so 'stay and play' deals abound. The golf itself is just fine. You won't get the highs of some of the great courses you'll find elsewhere in Europe but you will get well maintained courses and plenty of choice. My travel in Portugal has been pretty limited to date but I have no doubt I will be back!

For those who are up for a bit of more independent travel then the Lisbon area is well worth considering for a break. Within an hour you have several really strong courses - Oitavos Dunes, West Cliffs, Praia D’El Rey and Troia. And the opening of the Dunas Course at Terras de Comporta surely elevates this area to the real ‘must visit’ location. This area provides a less uniform type golf than in the Algarve and more likely to show you some features of architectural interest as well as a more authentic view of the country.

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