Intoxicating Spain & Portugal, where quality golf is only the starter

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Big cities and golf don't always go well together, but on the Iberian Peninsula, Europe's much lauded golf capital, things are often quite different. In both Spain and Portugal the proximity and accessibility of top ranked courses to some of the most impressive cities introduces a very special kind of golf trip with as much appeal to non-golfers as the eager player. The combination of big city pleasures with the convenience of excellent golf nearby, is an intoxicating mixture too tempting for most to resist.

The city of Lisbon is one of Europe's most intriguing capitals.

Seville has a grandeur like no other city.

Lisbon's Alfama district dates from medieval times.

An evening of Fado music is a Lisbon necessity.

Imposing Jeronimos Monastery, Lisbon.

Exploring Lisbon by tram is economical and fun.

Seville is home to one of Spain's grandest cathedrals, dating from the 15th century.

Flamenco is a part of Seville's soul.

Seville - everyone's favorite Spanish city.

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Portugal's enchanting capital of Lisbon and in Spain, historic Seville, seat of the regional government of Andalucia, the quintessential Spain, are just two examples of how golf and other tourist pursuits blend perfectly on the Iberian Peninsula.

You could spend a week in either of these fascinating cities and only have time enough to scratch the surface of all there is to be seen and done - even if there was no golf - but excellent golf is in plentiful supply. The six great courses around Seville and the two dozen within easy striking distance of the heart of Lisbon, means decisions will have to be made -- playing every course that demands your attention will just not be possible.

Lisbon is one of Europe's smallest capitals, yet no other oozes with as much charm and personality. Just like a small puppy, it demands every visitor's love and attention and usually gets it, returning everything ten-fold. It's a city of museums, monuments, excellent shopping, wonderful restaurants and an intriguing history reaching back thousands of years.

Among Lisbon's many, not to be missed attractions is The Alfama, the colorful old quarter of the city, parts of which date back more than 2,000 years. Narrow, cobblestone streets lined with balconied small houses, medieval mansions and Moorish buildings draped with colorful flowers. There are open-air markets, small shops and numerous taverns, many of these the fado clubs for which Lisbon is so famous.

Fado, the nostalgic traditional singing, has been described as the soul of the Portuguese people and no visit to Lisbon would be complete without at least one evening experiencing the emotion of this unique entertainment at one or two of the Alfama's fado clubs.

Overlooking The Alfama is imposing, St. George's Castle, a magnificent 12th century palace, built to house Portuguese Royalty after the Moors had been driven from the country. Nearby is the suburb of Belem, located where the Atlantic Ocean and River Tagus converge. It is from here many of the great Portuguese explorers set out to discover the New World -- Magellan and Vasco da Gama among them.

Visit Jeronimos Monastery, one of Portugal's' most imposing buildings, built in the early 16th century to celebrate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India. Alongside the Belem Royal Palace are the Museum of Folk Art and the National Coach Museum.

But before becoming totally absorbed by Lisbon's wealth of sightseeing attractions, don't forget golf. Within a brief 30 minute drive of the city center, you can be playing some of the very best courses in the country -- Penha Longa, Oitavos Dunes, Troia and Quinta da Marinha and a dozen more. Take an hour's drive north of Lisbon on a day excursion to play the outstanding layout at Prai d'El Rey, then spend the afternoon exploring nearby Obidos, one of the best preserved medieval towns in all Portugal.

Combine the city delights of Lisbon with a few days in the sunny resort atmosphere of The Algarve Coast and you will have another 30 excellent golf courses to choose from. The two are only separated by a short 2-hour drive yet provide totally contrasting surroundings.

To describe any city as irresistible may seem an exaggeration, but it's difficult to find a more appropriate word to describe Spain's third largest city, Seville. Everyone falls in love with this, perhaps the most Spanish of all Spain's cities.

This is the birthplace of Spain's traditional music, Flamenco -- the energizing combination of guitars, singing and foot stomping dance. It was Seville that introduced the world to tapas, the delectable snacks taken with a glass or two of wine before any serious meal can begin. This is the home of bull fighting and some of the finest cuisine in all of Spain. Seville is a city of art and magnificent architecture, ornate churches and cathedrals, imposing palaces and lush gardens and parks, hidden plazas and flower decked patios.

Seville's old Jewish Quarter, the Barrio de Santa Cruz, is an impressive maze of white alleyways and one of the most picturesque corners of this beautiful city -- it's also a good place to discover a few of the better, Flamenco Tablao's or small clubs where flamenco performances are held.

Whether you have a taste for bull fighting or not, a visit to the Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza to see Seville's 18th century bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, is very worthwhile. Seville is also home to Spain's fashion industry and if shopping sounds more appealing, then head for Calle de las Sierpes, the main shopping street.

Seville will keep the most ardent sightseer more than busy and for the golfer, the quality of nearby golf is equally attractive. Topping the list of courses is Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, located only a few miles from the city center, a superb design from Jose Maria Olazabal, which hosted the World Cup matches in 2004. Gary Player's Club Zaudin is no further and another excellent layout.

Take a full day excursion to the Sherry capital of Jerez de la Frontera and combine a round of golf on past Volvo Masters host, Montecastillo Golf Club with more fascinating sightseeing in the historic town of Jerez. If a two-center trip seems more appealing, the perfect combination is Seville and The Costa del Sol with a cornucopia of golf choices that call the Mediterranean coastline home.

If all of this sounds just a little too rich for your blood, think again -- Spain and Portugal have always offered a very good value for money, especially when compared to the other golf destinations of Northern Europe. With the steady strengthening of the US dollar we have seen over the past few months, the value has only become even better. Take advantage and make the Iberian Peninsula a part of your vacation plans

Whichever country you choose, whether it's Spain or Portugal or a combination of both, intriguing historic cities combine well with top quality golf to produce a trip with an irresistible appeal to everyone, golfer or not.

For more ideas on experiencing the golf and many other attractions of Spain and Portugal, click here.

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

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