The Algarve -- a guaranteed cure for the winter blues
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.
February can be the cruelest of months, at least for residents of the frosty middle and northeastern parts of the country. Autumn departed long ago, the Holiday Season is behind us, winter has settled in and there will be at least another two months of chill before spring even thinks of raising her pretty head.
February is a time when cold weather folks begin to come down with a complaint commonly known as cabin fever or, the winter blues -- that irritability and restlessness, resulting from confinement indoors. The only remedy is a winter sunshine escape -- a vacation to warmer climes, where for a week or so we can forget the rigors of freezing temperatures, shoveling snow and flat car batteries, rejuvenating ourselves under blue skies and balmy temperatures.
But there are choices to be made - where do you go to find that sunshine? You can follow the crowds of other snowbirds who flock to Florida, The Caribbean, Hawaii and Arizona by the hundreds of thousands or, you could be a little more imaginative. Instead of doing the ordinary, you could try someplace different and away from the crowds, yet offering everything to be found in those other winter retreats plus a lot more, including top quality golf. Consider a really international travel experience that will be much more interesting and where you are far less likely to bump into other vacationers from your hometown.
If this sounds a little too rich for your blood, don't believe it, the entire trip could well cost less than heading to those more common destinations, over-run with sun-seeking tourists, where winter is high season and prices are at their peak.
Instead of heading south or west, think Europe and one of the continent's best-kept secrets, the sunny, southern shores of charming Portugal. This is The Algarve, a stunning, 90-mile long coastline of Atlantic washed beaches, coves and inlets, frequented during the winter months by only the privileged few, who jealously keep this secret winter paradise to themselves.
Barely 6-hours from our own east coast, The Algarve is closer to New York than Hawaii by half, about the same travel time as California and only an hour further away from the Big Apple than most Caribbean countries. Making a good thing even better, airfares to Portugal are at their lowest from late summer until late spring, just when flights to those other places are at their most expensive.
Portugal and The Algarve have long been considered as being among Europe's best travel values and visiting The Algarve during the winter months becomes a bargain hunters delight, with accommodations at the best 4 and 5 star hotels during this so called, "off-season", dramatically reduced in price. But with temperatures hovering in the 70's there's nothing off-season about it. This is perfect golfing weather and with a mouthwatering menu of championship courses, some ranked among the best in all of Europe at the doorstep, there is serious golfing to attend to.
Portugal boasts more than 75 courses in all, half of which are located along The Algarve, making this region a Mecca for any with an appreciation for the Royal & Ancient game. Conveniently clustered close together, you can stay in one well chosen hotel for a week and there will be enough of the best layouts within a 20 minute drive (and most even closer) to play 36 holes a day with ease and never see the same course twice.
Top quality golf attracts the best golfers and The Algarve is no exception. It's no coincidence The European Tour makes this sun-blessed part of Portugal a regular stopover. The Portugal Masters will again be held next October at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club, one of five championship layouts on the impressive Vilamoura golf complex, located in the central Algarve. The Portuguese Open has been another Tour event, frequently hosted by Algarve courses -- Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo, Val do Lobo, Vilamoura Old Course and Vila Sol, are all on the list of multi-time, past hosts. The European Seniors Tour as well as the Ladies European Tour, both include The Algarve on their schedules, as do numerous other international events, professional and amateur.
As important as golf is along this picture-postcard coastline, it's only the beginning of all it offers any winter sun-seeker - The Algarve quite literally has something for everyone. With a rich and colorful history reaching back to the beginnings of time and a cultural heritage as intriguing as any to be found in Europe.
There are fascinating ancient towns and villages to explore, with centuries of history to discover. Endless beaches of golden sand, constantly washed by the Atlantic Ocean are practically deserted, providing an irresistible temptation for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike. And for the hint of the gourmet lurking inside us all, an impressive array of dining opportunities ranging from the finest of international cuisines to far simpler cafes and restaurants, specializing in the regional cuisine and local delicacies, this is a foodies delight.
And when the sun goes down, The Algarve's nightlife wakes up and keeps popping well into the wee small hours of the morning. Nightclubs, bars and discos abound or take in a Fado club and experience the true folk music of Portugal. Fancy a date with Lady Luck? The Algarve has a choice selection of lively casinos, complete with bars, restaurants and floorshows. From slot machines for the more wary to roulette and blackjack tables, there are opportunities aplenty to see if the lady is smiling tonight.
The Algarve provides the perfect winter escape for everyone, whether golf is on the agenda or not. It's a truly international experience, in a very appealing part of Europe that welcomes its visitors with a genuine warmth and hospitality, seldom found in today's world. For the golfers the enticements to spend a week or two in this golf paradise are just too much to resist. For a few ideas on how to make it happen, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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