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By: David Brice
Golf International, Inc.

The old town of Tavira invites exploration

There isn't a country in Europe that doesn't compete aggressively for American vacationers, many pouring millions of dollars into advertising themselves and the attractions each believes their country holds. Take a look at the Travel Section of your Sunday newspaper, the glossy travel magazines - even radio and television, it can be a confusing muddle of often contradictory advertising claims, as they all chase after your vacation dollars.

All of this promotion peaks during the winter months, the key period when most of next year's vacation planning takes place. Many consumers will be influenced, simply selecting whichever destination is shouting loudest, or picking what appears to be the flavor of the month, as they follow the lead of others, picking a destination that seems to be fashionable and in vogue.

Vilamoura - Victoria is a regular host for European Tour events and just one of The Algarve's 30 world-class courses.

What a pity; if only these vacation planners would look beyond the advertising, there are real treasures to be discovered and they are seldom the countries investing huge amounts into self-promotion. Instead, these lower profile countries and regions rely on repeat business and recommendations only very satisfied, previous visitors can bring. It's the best kind of advertising of all.

Heading the list of the most desirable destinations that you won't find cluttering the Sunday Travel Sections is Portugal and the Portuguese region of The Algarve, arguably one of the world's most perfect vacation getaways. Anyone who has ever visited Portugal knows what an absolute charmer this tiny country is. It's a place that generates such a high level of visitor satisfaction; personal word of mouth recommendations are responsible for bringing most visiting Americans to its shores.

Ancient Moorish capital of Silves

About the same size as the state of Maine, with a total population only a little larger than New York City, Portugal is a precious package of all that attracts North Americans to Europe - but don't think any lack of size detracts from the interest and variety contained within its borders. Few other European countries, even those many times the size, can match the diversity, beauty and interest of the gem that is Portugal. And making a good thing even better, this is home to an amazing collection of almost 80 excellent golf courses, many ranked among Europe's very best.

Vale do Lobo's Royal Course takes full advantage of its Algarve setting.

Portugal is filled with wonderful surprises and being small, it's also very manageable with practically any part of the country reachable in just a couple of hours, including the jewel in the crown, The Algarve. This southernmost region, wallowing in an idyllically balmy, year round climate, is a part of the country that simply must not be missed by any visitor. For those with golf in their blood, The Algarve becomes Portugal's main attraction -- this is home to half the country's impressive golf inventory.

The setting is picture perfect -- a 100-mile stretch of one of Europe's most beautiful coastlines, constantly washed by the Atlantic surf. It's a necklace of small coves, bays and inlets, all lined by pristine, golden sand beaches, often with a backdrop of stunning rock formations. The golf courses are plentiful and world-class - even those ranked among Europe's best, are seldom difficult to get onto. But the abundance of quality golf, glorious year round weather and beautiful beaches, is only the beginning of The Algarve's story.

Typical Algarve Chimney - a reminder of a Moorish past

With a history dating back to the beginnings of time, The Algarve is filled with a unique culture, even the name comes from the Arabic, el gharb, meaning the land beyond. It was the Moors from Africa who left their indelible mark during the five hundred years they controlled this land from the 8th until the 13th centuries. This Moorish influence can be seen everywhere from the architecture, latticed chimneys and ancient city walls, to the almond, fig and orange groves they planted. The Algarve also featured prominently during Portugal's, Age of Discovery, in the 15th and 16th centuries and The Algarve port of Lagos was the departure point for many of those voyages of exploration.

Jack Nicklaus is the latest to join The Algarve's crack designers with his impressive layout at Monte Rei.

Travel even a few miles inland from the coast toward the Monchique Mountains and a totally different side of The Algarve is revealed. This is the Portugal of an age gone by, where life is lived much the same as it always has been. Charming small villages with narrow cobblestone streets leading to ancient fortifications and churches; donkeys pulling carts along back roads, old ladies wearing the traditional black bonnets -- it's these vignettes of a slowly disappearing lifestyle that give The Algarve it's unique identity and character.

Spend some time discovering The Algarve's rich past and explore the splendid castle at Silves - the older parts of Faro, Tavira and Lagos, where centuries of history lie waiting to be told, are also well worth visiting. The charm and inherent courtesy of the locals is infectious and the culture absorbing. Regular festivals and religious holidays provide the excuse for processions, vibrant music, singing and colorful folk dancing. Local markets offer fine examples of wood and leathercrafts, needlework and ceramics.

The Algarve Coastline appeals to sun-worshippers and golfers

For those who love their food and wine, The Algarve is a gastronomic delight and from haute cuisine to much simpler fare, Algarvean food is delectable and can only impress. Portuguese wines are firmly ensconced as competing with the world's best and the very best never leave the country, so take full advantage of your stay on The Algarve to sample the cream of the crop.

But for any golfer, the call of the fairways will be too strong to resist and neither should they. With more than 30 excellent courses, all conveniently located, close to the many other attractions, the decision will be just how many can be played in a week or so of vacation. The only solution is to stay on this golf-blessed coast just a little longer and squeeze in as many more rounds as you are able.

Penina - where golf on The Algarve began 40 years ago

RELATED

For a few ideas on how to include the very best of The Algarve in your next vacation, click  here. Or call Golf International at 800.328.9898

The Algarve qualifies as not only one of this world's most desirable golf destinations, but also as a fascinating region with a broad appeal to everyone, whether golf is to be a part of the trip or not. Making a good thing even better, you'll find no better value for money in all Europe. Just listen to anyone who has visited Europe's most charming destination before.

For more ideas and suggestions on how to include the very best of The Algarve in your next vacation, click here.

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

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