The Algarve: Europe's best value is irresistible for many reasons
By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.
First time visitors to Portugal's beautiful Algarve Coast are always immediately impressed by the idyllic climate, no matter what time of year they arrive. This is a land of eternal sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures. The coolest days of December never drop below the low 60's and even during July and August, the peak of summer, seldom creep much above 80 degrees. Perhaps it's this perfect year round climate that gives the locals their wonderfully warm disposition.
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No less impressive is the beauty of this 90-mile or so stretch of picture-postcard, Atlantic coastline, which justifiably lays claim to being the prettiest in all Europe. It's a never-ending network of small bays, coves and inlets, bordered by pristine sandy beaches, constantly washed by the Atlantic surf. Often totally deserted, even during the annual invasion by northern European sun-worshippers during July and August, The Algarve is a true vacation paradise where the pace of life is relaxed, informality the order of the day and the only schedule, whatever you decide - or put off to decide later.
There's no more perfect setting for golf that exists in this world, so it should be no surprise to learn that The Algarve is also home to one of the finest collections of top quality golf courses to be found anywhere. There are over 30 courses in all with not a mediocre layout among them and 15 ranked alongside the best on Continental Europe. Golfers can be forgiven for feeling like a glutton at a banquet, with so many layouts calling out to be played and never enough time to play all that demand attention.
As mouthwatering as the golf may be, it's only one allure among the many. Golfers can be forgiven for thinking of this as one huge golf resort, but there is as much justification to consider The Algarve as a perfect beach destination, or an ideal escape for history buffs, or culture vultures, gourmets and wine connoisseurs, shoppers, explorers and nature lovers. The Algarve just might be the perfect escape for everyone, regardless of their interests, including those who prefer to do absolutely nothing at all but relax, hang out and watch the world go by.
To travel to Portugal's southernmost coastline and not experience as much of this enchanting region as time allows, would be a terrible waste. From its rich history and culture to the sheer natural beauty and the outstanding Algarvean cuisine, there are many discoveries to be made.
While many choose to stay in and around the central Algarve, where the heaviest concentration of courses is located, it's little more than an hour's drive to reach Continental Europe's southwestern-most point at Cape St. Vincent. For centuries this marked the limits of geographic certainty for Western mariners and for the Romans, a sacred spot where the sun sank into the Ocean each evening -- this was the very edge of the world. The cape remains a hauntingly evocative place, surrounded by 200-foot cliffs and a lighthouse built into the ruins of a 16th century fortress. The views, especially at sunset, are truly spectacular.
Nearby is the town of Sagres where, in the 14th century, Prince Henry the Navigator created a school of navigation that would launch the Age of Discovery and the beginnings of Portugal's far flung empire.
Only 20 miles along the coast is the resort town of Lagos, originally founded by the Phoenicians more than 2,000 years ago. Many of the great African voyages of discovery set out from the town's harbor that provided one of Prince Henry the Navigator's main maritime bases. A visit to the charming old quarter with its ancient town walls and fort is well worthwhile.
Drive inland to the historic, medieval town of Silves, which almost 1,000 yeas ago was the Moorish capital of al-Garbh (The Algarve) its cultural and architectural magnificence reputed to exceed that of Lisbon itself. Pillaged by 12th century crusaders in one of the most notorious and bloody sieges in Portuguese history, the town was stripped of much of its grandeur. Still standing are the tremendous town walls and the dominant old Moorish castle, which provide a dramatically imposing sight as you approach the town. This is a pleasurable town to explore, having retained much of its original medieval flavor and a good place to start is the Museo Arqueologico to first gain a better idea of Silves' intriguing history.
A little further inland brings you to the Monchique Mountains and another side of The Algarve, rising like a cool, wooded backdrop to the warm coast. The lush vegetation is especially spectacular during the spring months when a profusion of mimosa, rhododendron and other wild flowers blankets the hillsides.
But on this western end of The Algarve, golf is not forgotten with a selection of excellent courses. From Henry Cotton's stunning layout at Penina, The Algarve's very first course to neighboring Alto Golf, another Cotton design, containing the monster 16th, a 661 yard par 5 laying claim to be the longest hole in Europe. There's the variety filled Boavista Golf Club and Palmares, arguably one of the most beautiful layouts on the Iberian Peninsula and another intriguing test of golf at Parque da Floresta.
Drive east from the central Algarve and an entirely different world is revealed. It's barely 30 miles along the coast to the Spanish border, but the scenery changes dramatically as Mother Nature shines brilliantly, but in an entirely different way. This is the undeveloped Algarve, where the red sandstone cliffs of the west give way to salt marshes, massive expanses of glistening golden sand beaches, barrier islands, peaceful lagoons, impressive National Parks, flocks of brilliant pink flamingoes and small fishing villages, totally untouched by time.
One of the Eastern Algarve's many understated attractions is the, not to be missed, ancient coastal town of Tavira, considered the most attractive of The Algarve Coast. Standing here since Roman times, this is a fascinating old town of over 30 historic churches, a maze of palaces, and mansion houses - it's simply a wealth of architectural beauty, all guarded by Castelo do Mouros, a Moorish Castle that was once part of a coastal defense network of over 46 maritime fortresses There's a special delight in exploring Tavira's narrow winding streets, where 4,000 years of history lie tucked away in every nook and cranny. Invest a few hours of vacation time enjoying a leisurely lunch at one of the outdoor, waterside restaurants, renowned for their fresh from the Atlantic fish dishes, accompanied of course by a bottle of crisp Portuguese white wine. And as always, golf is never far away.
Located just a couple of miles from the heart of enchanting Tavira, Benamor Golf Club is an especially delightful experience and deserving of attention from every golfer. Unpretentious and with a particularly warm welcome for visitors, this was the very final design of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and perhaps one of his most player-friendly layouts. Spend an entire day here, including a sampling of local wines and a leisurely lunch at one of the best clubhouse restaurants along the coast and you will quickly learn what genuine Algarvean hospitality is all about.
Only a few more miles along the coast toward the Spanish border and more world-class golf awaits, including the remarkable Seve Ballesteros design at Quinta do Vale and the testy challenge at Castro Marim.
The variety of not only golf, but also so many other intriguing discoveries, to be made along this sun-blessed, 90-miles of spectacular coastline, is nothing less than amazing and quite unique. The Algarve holds an irresistible appeal to literally everyone who learns of its existence, whether golf is among their interests or not - and the more you learn, the more enticing it all becomes.
All of this may sound too good to be true, but I can assure you, it's the reality -- and there is more. Portugal and The Algarve have always offered one of the best values for money to be found anywhere in Europe, a situation that has only become even better during recent times. Our US Dollar has gained more than 20% in value versus The Euro over the past six months, making this southwestern corner of Europe a simply outstanding value. The question you should be asking yourself is, can you can afford not to experience the many attractions of Portugal and The Algarve?
Want more proof? How about 7 nights, living in the lap of luxury at a beachfront, 5 star hotel, with 5 rounds of top quality golf, a car rental for the week, breakfast each morning and a very special dinner and show at the world renowned, Algarve Casino, all for less than $1,800 a person? Values have never been better, just contact Golf International for details on this very special offer, which must be booked before January 1st 2009 for any trip completed by May 31st 2009 -- this is real value, spelled with a capital V!
For more ideas on how to include Europe's fascinating, best value, in your travel plans, click here.
©2008 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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