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By David Brice
Golf International, Inc.

As the old adage goes, precious things come in small packages and Portugal, one of Europe's smallest and most under-rated countries is proof positive of the wisdom contained in these few words - and for golfers, especially so. Nowhere else in this world will you find so much quality golf concentrated into such a small area.

Vilamoura's Old Course, just one of 5 championship layouts.

Making a good thing even better, delightful Portugal, with a total population only slightly larger than New York City, has an appeal that extends far beyond golf, with a wealth of other attractions to not only tempt first time visitors, but keep them coming back for more, year after year. Be warned, once smitten by this charmer, you are going to be into a love affair, likely to last a lifetime.

No part of the country is quite as alluring as the southernmost coastal region, known as The Algarve. Blessed with an idyllic year round climate, where the sun shines practically every day and the life-style is laid back and easy going, this is a place to unwind, relax and soak up life's pleasures, forgetting about time and schedules. It's a place to enjoy a real vacation, putting every day pressures behind you; to kick back and savor living once again -- and there is much to savor.

Vale do Lobo's Royal Course offers a spectacular cliff top setting.

The Algarve occupies one of Europe's most handsome coastlines, a 90-mile stretch of golden sand beaches, constantly washed by the Atlantic surf and filled with small bays, coves, deserted grottoes and impressive rock formations, it's picture perfect. Crowded during the months of July and August, with European sun-worshippers, taking their traditional summer holidays, the beaches obligingly clear of all but the locals for the remainder of the year, leaving any visitor willing to tolerate temperatures in the high 70's and 80's, in total command -- it's the perfect script.

But that is typical of The Algarve, where there is so much of all we want to escape to and golfers are certainly not forgotten. Almost half of Portugal's entire inventory of golf courses call this sun drenched coast, where golf is a year round pursuit, home. They include championship layouts that are not only ranked among Portugal's best, but the best in all of Europe.

Quinta do Lago has hosted the Portuguese Open.

The European Tour's latest addition to their permanent tournament schedule, The Portugal Masters, will take place in a couple of weeks time at the famous Vilamoura golf complex, situated in the heart of The Algarve. Vilamoura's Victoria Club, an outstanding design from Arnold Palmer has been selected as the venue.

But Victoria is only one of Vilamoura's five championship courses, each of which is well worth playing, but if time is limited, together with Victoria, make sure to at least include the original, Vilamoura's Old Course, considered one of the great Frank Pennink's, best design efforts.

Henry Cotton's Penina still ranked as one of the best.

Literally minutes from Vilamoura is Quinta do Lago, a spectacular luxury resort with another pair of stunning layouts, The North and South Courses, where The Portuguese Open has been held in the past. Nearby, Vale do Lobo also boasts two championship layouts, the Ocean and Royal Courses. The handiwork of British Open champion and respected designer, Sir Henry Cotton, both offer spectacular views and a stern challenge for even the most accomplished player. The 27 holes at Vila Sol, located immediately adjacent to Vilamoura and designed by Donald Steel should also be a part of any must play list.

This central portion of The Algarve is awash with excellent golf courses and to play all that call out to be played is likely to take longer than your vacation time allows and this is still only the tip of The Algarve's iceberg of golf courses.

Palmares is one of the most scenice layouts on the coast.

Head west along the coast and more courses await, including the original pioneer of golf on The Algarve, Sir Henry Cotton's ever popular, Penina, still regarded as one of the top courses on the coast. There is another Frank Pennink layout at Palmares and even further west, an impressive layout at Parque da Floresta.

Travel east from Vilamoura toward the Spanish border and experience some of the more recent golf development taking place on The Algarve. Seve Ballesteros has created a masterpiece at Quinta do Vale, virtually assured of becoming yet another Algarve champion. Then there is the plush Castro Marim Golf & Country Club, near the Spanish border, where the Atlantic Course has already impressed Portugal's golfing intelligentsia.

Parque da Floresta - Hilly and tough, but with spectacular views.

It seems everyone wants to be a part of The Algarve's golf success story and ever-growing numbers of the game's most famous names are being attracted to the region, eager to leave their own mark, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Christy O'Connor Jr., among them. There is no question that Portugal is a major player when it comes to European golf and The Algarve has not only established itself as the heart and soul of Portuguese golf, but continues to solidify that position.

A wonderful year round climate, picturesque surroundings and an abundance of world class golf, may seem to be enough to put The Algarve at the very top of a list of the world's most desirable golf destinations, but this charmer insists on giving more.

The new Atlantic Course at Castro Marim.

RELATED

• For a few ideas on how to Plan your Portugal trip,  click here.  Or Call Golf International at 800-328-9898.

Filled with centuries of fascinating history and a rich culture, The Algarve offers a wide and diverse selection of sightseeing opportunities for those non-golfing hours. Portuguese food and wines are among the best to be found in Europe and along this southerly coast, the range of dining possibilities extends from haute cuisine to simple, but thoroughly delectable restaurants specializing in regional dishes. This is where the locals eat and they know their food, so be sure to include as many as you can.

The choice of hotels extends from the most luxurious 5 star palaces and resort hotels to more modest, character filled accommodations with just a handful of rooms. Best of all, today Portugal and The Algarve offer one of the best values to be found in all of Europe.

So if you are looking for the perfect vacation spot, where you can relax in beautiful surroundings, play as much world-class golf as you please, eat and drink well and enjoy exploring the history and culture of this enticing corner of Portugal, The Algarve is for you.

For a few ideas and suggestions on how to get the most of a trip to Portugal's Algarve Coast, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988.