Print this page  |  Close Window

By David Brice
Golf International, Inc.

December is here once again, there's a chill in the air, winter is on the way and it's that time of the year when thoughts start turning to next year's vacation. Traditionally the Holiday season is when friends and families get together and start tossing around ideas of possible destinations for next years vacation escape.

Lisbon is one of Europe's most charming capitals and golf is close by.

Being together with those we care for, whether friends or family, or perhaps both, continues to be an increasingly important aspect of the American vacation and with more people involved, deciding where to go and keep everyone happy, has become an ever more complex task.

Is it to be a beach vacation, a city vacation or why not a combination of the two? Should we stay in the USA or is it time to do something very special and venture internationally? How do we keep the wives happy? What about the kids? And please don't forget about good old dad. After all, he's probably footing the bill and deserves a vacation as much as anyone - shouldn't he have the chance to include at least some golf? Oh, and a rather important question, how much is this all going to cost?

Obidos - A chance to discover Portugal's history after golf

There are a million and one questions to be addressed and it's going to be a sometimes frustrating experience, finding that perfect spot where compromises do not have to be made and everyone is going to be happy and enjoy one of the best vacations ever. Dads take hope - these places exist.

After 40 years in the vacation business, I have learned a thing or two, including what works and what may not work quite as well. I have also found a few of those perfect destinations where it's not only possible to please practically any family or group of friends, but a successful trip is virtually guaranteed. No matter how wide the range of ages, nor how diversified the interests, nor the likes and dislikes of the group, these places are out there. Coincidentally, excellent golf is also there for those who want, with a myriad of other distractions for those who do not.

Sintra's Pena Palace is one of many attractions in this fairytale town, minutes from Lisbon.

At the very top of my list are the two countries that share The Iberian Peninsula - Spain and Portugal. Two of Europe's oldest nation states and probably the most under-appreciated vacation destinations (at least from this side of the Atlantic) both contain more of the things that make a country appealing to visitors, than just about any other. Only adding to the reasons why Spain and Portugal are so enticing, your US dollars will go further here than any other European country -- the Iberian Peninsula remains an excellent value for money.

Each country has a long, proud history and a rich culture; both have fascinating ancient cities, towns and villages to be discovered and explored. The food is exceptional, the wines, nothing less and for those who must have nightlife, it's here in abundance with nightclubs, casinos and to catch some local flavor, Fado clubs in Portugal and Flamenco shows in Spain. There is excellent shopping, wonderful sightseeing, and for the beach lovers, Spain and Portugal boast not only some of the best beaches in all Europe, but an idyllic climate to enjoy them year round. With excellent golf courses always close by, golf is also a 12-month a year pursuit.

Traditional fishing boats on The Algarve - a golf Mecca

There's nothing about Portugal and Spain that isn't special, but when it comes to golf, the superlatives need to be cranked up a few notches. These two countries have each developed a golfing infrastructure that sets new standards and is the envy of the rest of Europe.

Mixing historic cities with beaches and golf is easily done in Portugal where the charming capital of Lisbon is surrounded by a banquet of quality golf courses, some ranked among the very best in Europe and they are all within a half hour drive of the city center. Drive a further 30 minutes north along the coast and you can spend the morning playing the fabulous links at Praia d'El Rey, ranked one of Portugal's best, then take a leisurely lunch and afternoon sightseeing tour around the nearby medieval town of Obidos. This is one of Portugal's best-preserved ancient towns and provides a wonderful insight into the Portugal of yesteryear.

The Algarve Coastline appeals to sun-worshippers and golfers alike.

Lisbon is a captivating city, filled with fascinating history and can be explored very conveniently, jumping on and off the bright yellow tramcars that scurry around every nook and cranny of the city. Be sure to visit the Alfama, the city's old quarter and perhaps its most atmospheric part. Nearby, Lisbon's dramatically located Castle dates back to Roman times and offers breathtaking city panoramas, over roof-tops and across the mighty River Tagus.

Don't miss the waterfront suburb of Belem, the departure point for Portugal's great discoverers of the 15th and 16th centuries. The impressive Mosteiro (Monastery) dos Jeronimos must be seen, as must the Maritime Museum, the Coach Museum, the Folk art Museum and the Torre de Belem, all essential Lisbon sights, thoughtfully clustered together.

Seville - everyone's favorite Spanish city

One of the most tempting excursions to be taken from Lisbon lies in the mountains, only a half hour from the city. Sintra was used as a summer retreat by Portuguese Royalty and nobility since at least the 15th century and their sumptuous palaces and mansions are open for the public to view. The Palacio Nacional da Pena, the Palacio Nacional de Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira are three of the best to get started with.

When you have had your fill of city excitement, transport yourself into another world with a 2 hour drive south to Portugal's Algarve region, a 100 mile coastline of glorious beaches, chic resorts, enchanting fishing villages and another 30 excellent golf courses, all close at hand.

Seviile is the home of flamenco.

Combining city pleasures with golf and sunny coastlines is just as easily done in Spain, especially in Andalucia, the southernmost region that extends from the Portuguese border, past Gibraltar and a further 170 miles along The Mediterranean shore. The region's capital is Seville, an intriguing city that manages to capture every visitor's heart. Literally brimming over with history, it would take a week to explore and see all that must be seen, and that won't leave enough time for golf and the wonderful courses that are close by, But make the time and at least play the Royal Seville Golf Club, one of Spain's very best.

Don't miss the amazing Andalucian horses in Jerez de la Frontera.

RELATED

For a few ideas on how to incorporate Spain and/or Portugal into your golf vacation, click  here. Or call Golf International at 800.328.9898.

Head south from Seville toward the coast, taking time to stop en route at Jerez de la Frontera, the sherry capital of the world and a wonderful slice of the real Spain. Calling in at a few Sherry bodegas to sample the local product is an essential visitor activity. If time permits also include a visit to the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art and see the choreographed show of horsemanship, even a rehearsal performance, is an amazing experience.

It's only a further hour's drive to reach the Costa del Sol, Spain's golf Mecca, aptly tagged the Costa del Golf. This is home to Europe's top ranked layout and Ryder Cup host, Valderrama. Base yourself in the chic resort town of Marbella and everything will be at your door-step, from the dizzying selection of top-drawer golf courses, to shopping, the best restaurants, nightlife (including a casino) and some fascinating sightseeing. Marbella's Old town, the ancient fortressed, mountain town of Ronda (a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway), the English outpost of Gibraltar and the city of Malaga, are all mandatory excursions. If you must take a little beach time, The Mediterranean Sea is right here.

Marbella's Old Town is a fascinating place to explore before or after golf.

But this is where you should invite the ladies to do some shopping and perhaps be pampered with a few spa treatments, while you allow golf to get the upper hand for a few days. There are almost 60 courses located within 30 minutes of Marbella, so you might need the help of your golf travel company to select the best for you.

Keeping a group of friends or family with diverse interests, happy on vacation, will never be an easy project, but Spain and Portugal make it as easy as it will ever be and at an affordable price. If you are only planning on a weeklong trip, the best idea is to focus on just one of the two countries, dividing your time equally between two areas. Lisbon and The Algarve offer two wonderfully contrasting sides of Portugal and the combination of Seville and Marbella does the same for Spain.

Ronda, one of Andalucia's historic Pueblos Blancos, was a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway.

But the best solution is to make this your main vacation, taking two weeks and combine both Spain and Portugal and all four regions on a spectacular, Grand Iberia trip -- you won't regret it, that I can promise. For more ideas and suggestions on how to experience the best golf and many other attractions of Spain and Portugal, click here.

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

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