Spain and Portugal: Perfect winter sunshine destinations

text size

It's been an odd summer for most of us in the USA as we have suffered through either unusually wet weather or the other extreme, drought. Some have endured terrible forest fires, while others have suffered flooding and for our southernmost neighbors, this hurricane season is proving to be the worst most can remember. Nobody usually wants to see summer end, but this year could be a first.

Historic Lisbon is Europe's most charming capital and golf is always close by.

Obidos - A chance to discover Portugal's history after golf on Praia d'El Rey.

Oitavos Dunes - pride of The Lisbon Coast.

Allow at least some time to enjoy The Algarve's pristine beaches.

Nothing says Andalucia as clearly as flamenco.

Capture the spirit of Andalucia in Marbella's charming Old Town.

The Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art is a must see between sherry tastings in Jerez.

The Costa Brava's PGA Catalunya is the most demanding on this coast.

BOOK YOUR TRIP

For a other ideas on golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, British Open, Spain & Portugal, click here or call Golf International at 800.328.9898.

As the days get shorter, the leaves start to turn and a chill begins to grip the night air, it's time to start thinking of a winter break, not only for the usual reason of getting away from the cold weather, but also to make up in some small way for the 2008 summer most of us never really saw. Two reasons are better than one and more than enough justification for treating yourself to a very special winter sunshine escape.

Forward thinking golfers have already started planning around Old Man Winter's arrival and setting up some initial defenses to combat Jack Frost with an escape to warmer climes, where golf is a year round affair and they can enjoy it while the folks back home are shoveling snow.

Planning warm weather getaways ahead of winter's onslaught is the prudent thing to do, but after the cruelty of this hurricane season, the decision on where to go needs to expand beyond American shores. Unfortunately, the most popular domestic winter golf retreats, the states of the south and southeast, are also among those most prone to Mother Nature's quirks of weather extremes and Mexico and the Caribbean islands are equally as vulnerable.

The birds may fly south for winter, but nothing says you have to follow them. Informed winter sunshine seekers are instead flying east and across the Atlantic Ocean to southwestern Europe and The Iberian Peninsula, where Spain and Portugal offer the perfect winter retreat. Clear blue skies and balmy temperatures extend from Lisbon's Atlantic shoreline, to Portugal's southern most region of The Algarve then across the border into Spain and colorful Andalucia, the home of flamenco, bull fighting, tapas and an astounding collection of top-drawer golf courses, including Valderrama, Europe's number 1 ranked course for each of the past 15 years.

With more than 300 quality courses in Spain and almost another 90 in much smaller Portugal, the Iberian Peninsula has grown to become Europe's undisputed golf capital, not only due to the quantity of golf, but more importantly, because of the consistently high quality of the courses. Each country has approached the challenge of developing a solid golfing infrastructure on a long-term basis, understanding that only quality and high standards will stand the test of time. In the 40 years or so since Spain and Portugal embarked on their separate plans of golf development, neither has disappointed. This is the heart and soul of the game on Continental Europe, where year round golf is a way of life.

Spain and Portugal, though two quite different countries, share many similarities. Each has a rich history and a proud cultural background; both have regional gastronomies that rank among Europe's best and they each produce excellent wines. No matter whether the choice is Spain, Portugal or perhaps a combination of the two, good golf abounds and there is never a shortage of fascinating things to do and see, away from the golf courses.

One of the most appreciated similarities Portugal and Spain share, is an idyllic climate where golf really is a year round activity. Avoid the peak summer months of July and August when all of Northern Europe flocks to the Iberian Beaches and the rest of the year will be uncrowded with temperatures in the 70's and 80's and all of this while temperatures plummet back home, water pipes freeze and snow drifts get deeper and deeper.

Another important benefit of a golf trip to either Spain or Portugal is that all of the best courses occur in just a few clusters, eliminating the need to constantly change hotels or drive long distances to reach different courses. Very conveniently, the clusters of golf courses are also located close to other cultural attractions -- historic cities, towns and ancient fishing villages, museums and galleries. There are irresistible shopping opportunities, wonderful dining experiences and a nightlife that keeps popping until the wee small hours.

Spend a week in either country, based in one carefully selected hotel and there will be at least a dozen top ranked layouts within less than a half hour's drive. Golf has never been this convenient, or this plentiful. Pick Spain or Portugal as your winter golf escape and you will quickly learn that a golf trip doesn't mean you have to disconnect from civilization and non-golfers .

Choosing whether to take Spain, Portugal or perhaps a combination of the two, is the first decision, now it's a question of where within the country, you should stay. Fortunately each country has just two primary golf regions where the heaviest concentrations of the very better courses are located, so the decision is not difficult

In Portugal consider the Lisbon Coast, the Atlantic washed shoreline extending a short 25 miles to either side of the charming capital. Here you will find more than 20 excellent layouts including the well respected, Penha Longa, Oitavos and Troia, each ranked among the best in the country.

The Algarve, the 90 mile length of Portugal's southernmost coast, is the country's second golf center and home to a further 30 excellent golf courses. This is a true golf heaven including a generous helping of top-notch layouts -- San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago, Penina and the five championship courses at Vilamoura among them.

Spain's main two golf regions are located at either end of its Mediterranean coastline. In the west, the Costa del Sol is the golfing centerpiece, boasting more than 60 superb layouts along the route from Gibraltar to Malaga. They include 1997 Ryder Cup host, Valderrama, Sotogrande, San Roque, and La Cala - and these are only the tip of the iceberg.

Located at the opposite end of Spain's Mediterranean Coast, The Costa Brava does not have the same quantity of courses, but what may be lacking in numbers is more than made up for in the consistently high quality. There are almost 20 golf courses in the region, made all the more appealing by the proximity of Barcelona, everyone's favorite Spanish city. PGA de Catalunya is a stunning layout, as are Emporda and Platja de Pals. Golf around the Costa Brava is all about quality and variety and there is plenty to please everyone, both on the golf courses and off.

So best get ready for the approach of Old Man Winter soon and start planning that cold weather golf escape to the warm, golf friendly, sunny blue skies of the Iberian Peninsula. For a few more ideas on how, click here.

©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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