The Algarve: a year round golfers delight, also loved by non-golfers
By David Brice, Golf International Inc
Whoever coined the phrase, "Precious things come in small packages", must have just returned from a holiday on The Algarve, the sun-blessed, southerly coast of Portugal, where life is good, golf is even better and the living is easy. To find so many good things in such a tiny corner of Europe, is a discovery worth shouting from the rooftops, but why would anyone want to share such a find?
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It's only a brief 90-miles along the coast from one end of this picture postcard region to the other and for its entire length, one stunning view after another, each more beautiful than the last as Mother Nature shows off her artistry. Combining the grandeur of the pounding Atlantic surf with dramatic rock formations, a never-ending variety of small coves and inlets, picturesque bays and grottoes, all fringed with the pure golden sands of the best beaches in Europe. Add to this, an idyllic, year round climate, where temperatures never climb much above the mid 80's and rarely fall far below the low 70's and you have the perfect vacation spot, no matter what time of year you visit and whatever interests you might have.
Gorgeous beaches, eye dazzling good looks and a perfect year round climate is only the beginning of all that makes the enchanting Algarve so tempting - and for golfers, absolutely irresistible. With over 30 top-drawer golf courses, many ranked among the prestigious listing of Europe's best; The Algarve has earned its well-deserved place among the world's most desirable golf destinations.
But unlike many other golf getaways where golf is the main, if not the only attraction and anyone not totally enamored by the game is lost for something to do while golfers enjoy themselves, chasing that little white ball, The Algarve is quite different. Here golf is only one attraction among many and a wealth of other non-golfing activities and attractions are served up, making The Algarve a perfect escape for golfers and non-golfers alike.
To find any place in this world where non-golfers can find as much to enjoy as even the most ardent golfer is a rare occurrence indeed. If this special place also boasts a naturally friendly local population and offers a value for money, seldom available in today's world, you know you have discovered a gem and The Algarve is precisely that.
Portugal is one of Europe's oldest nations, with a fascinating history that stretches back to the beginnings of time and much of that history is contained within this tiny region called, The Algarve. Over the centuries The Algarve region has been occupied by the Phoenicians, the Romans, The Moors from North Africa, then retaken by Christians, undergoing a couple of hundred years of glory and riches as the country entered its golden period - The Age of Discovery.
It was during these prosperous years that Portuguese explorers set out from the shores of The Algarve to discover half of the then unknown world and the beginnings of the Portuguese Empire began to take form. Africa, Brazil and new trade routes to India were the beginning and Portugal was a world power. Those glory days can be rediscovered throughout The Algarve, together with the multi-cultural inheritance that remains very much in evidence today, only adding to the unique intrigue of this appealing region.
Making a good thing even better, because The Algarve is so small, it's also very manageable. The golf, history, culture, sightseeing, museums, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, entertainment and beaches can all be discovered using one central hotel as your base. No need to waste half your precious vacation time driving for hours on end, checking into and out of hotels, packing and unpacking. Virtually everything you must see and do, will be close to your hotel, it's almost like having more vacation time and an opportunity to really relax, kick back and enjoy everything to the fullest.
But with so much to see and do and no real reason to do anything at all, decisions will have to be made -- how many golf courses will you be able to play and what about the sights that simply must not be missed?
Although you could play 36 holes every day for an entire 2 week vacation and still not have time enough to play every course that demands your attention, that might be going a little overboard. Satisfy yourself with one round a day with perhaps a day or two of no golf, instead just relaxing or enjoying sightseeing. This will enable you to pick the cream of the crop courses and at least discover some of the many other sides of The Algarve.
For a sightseeing sampler, be sure to visit magnificent Cape St. Vincent, Europe's most southwesterly point and the nearby small town of Sagres. It was here in the 15th century that Prince Henry the Navigator established the world's first school of navigation and trained some of Portugal's great explorers including Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan. Beach lovers will appreciate chain of glorious, sweeping beaches in the surrounding area.
It's only a few miles east of here to the bustling ancient town of Lagos, dating from 400 BC. An important port during the middle ages when it also served as capital of The Algarve and was the site of Europe's first African slave market. Explore the 15th century city walls, the remains of the Governors Palace, the 17th century fort and stroll the colorful, narrow cobblestone streets with an endless array of fascinating shopping opportunities.
Head inland from here to historic Silves, once the Moorish capital and still boasting one of the most impressive castles of The Algarve, which has stood here for nine centuries. No longer the wealthy city it once was, everyday life in Silves still continues in much the same way as it has for centuries. Further eastward is the small town of Loule, famous for its handicrafts and vibrant Saturday morning market. Don't miss the chance to visit the workshops of the local artisans, working with lace, leather and copper.
Faro, today's Algarve capital is often overlooked by visitors, making this city one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. The delightful old town is particularly interesting and the pleasures to be found in strolling it's quiet narrow streets, discovering the beauty of Algarvean history and its architecture, complete with imaginative decorations, is totally absorbing. End your stroll at the main town square and picturesque harbor, spending an hour or two in one of the outdoor cafes over a glass of wine, just watching Faro's daily life go by - the rush and stress of life back home will seem a million miles away.
Continue eastward to the town of Tavira, considered the most beautiful on the entire coast. This is a town of historic churches, over 30 in all, and again, the distinctive architecture that makes The Algarve so unique. Tavira is one of those places everyone falls in love with and a few hours exploring the nooks and crannies of a town that has stood here since Roman times, has its own rewards.
Most will find they could spend an entire vacation discovering the many treasures that make their home along this sun-blessed coast, but don't forget the excellent golf courses that tempted you to The Algarve in the first place. More than 30 of them are waiting for you, from Parque da Floresta Golf, sitting not far from Cape St. Vincent in the west, all the way to Quinta do Vale and Castro Marim, overlooking the Spanish border in the east. It's a golfing banquet no golfer should resist and the only way to play all that should be played is to extend your stay in this paradise, just a few days longer.
For more ideas and suggestions on how to get the most out of your golf trip to Portugal's Algarve Coast, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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