Portugal's Algarve: Perfect vacation escape for all

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Portugal may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but when it comes to pure charm, the diversity of attractions and simple, visitor appeal, this sparkler is a giant and in a league entirely of its own.

Vale do Lobo's Ocean Course where the Atlantic is never far away.

The Algarve coast is full of amazing rock formations and pristine beaches.

Dominated by its Moorish castle, Silves was once The Algarve's capital.

Cataplana cooking with the freshest Atlantic fish is an Algarvean way of life to be experienced.

San Lorenzo is one of 15 Algarve courses ranked among Europe's best.

Europe's best sport-fishing is off The Algarve Coast.

Tavira's ancient castle overlooks the entire town, considered The Algarve's most beautiful.

Benamor Golf, sits in the shadows of a century old church.

The Algarve's most important remains of the Roman occupation are near Faro.

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One of Europe's oldest nations, few other countries have as rich a history or more colorful culture as Portugal's. Seldom will you find people as warm and genuinely welcoming as the Portuguese, nor such perfect, year-round weather, delectable food and wines and a virtual guarantee of the perfect vacation experience. If this appetizer sounds good, fasten your seat belt - this is only the beginning of an enticing list of reasons why Portugal should be on every traveler's, must visit list.

It's close to impossible to find a vacation destination that truly offers something for everyone, but Portugal succeeds in doing exactly that and all with a distinctive style and flair, envied by other countries many times larger. Anyone who gets to know Portugal will discover a friend for life and for golfers, the friendship is more likely to become a passionate love affair.

Boasting some 90 world-class golf courses, Portugal has developed into one of Europe's premiere golf destinations and nowhere is this more evident than along the handsome shores of its southernmost region - The Algarve.

This gorgeous, 90-mile stretch of sun-drenched, Atlantic coastline, set against a backdrop of impressive mountains and picturesque countryside, contains almost half of Portugal's courses, including many of the very best, not only in the country, but in all of Europe. It's sometimes difficult to convince those unfamiliar with Portugal, just how good the golf really is, so I turn to others to support the claim.

A few years ago, noted American golf journalist, Jeff Barr, published a book entitled, "1001 Golf holes you must play before you die", 21 of the holes described in this fascinating volume are to be found on Portuguese courses, more than any other country on Continental Europe - all except one of these layouts are to be found on The Algarve coast.

There's good reason why The European PGA Tour, regularly schedules important tournaments here and why members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (the professionals of international golf travel) recently voted The Algarve as the Golf Destination of the Year. Everyone agrees, golf on The Algarve is very special, only made more so by the never-ending array of other distractions, certain to appeal to any vacationer, whether golfers or not.

The climate is as close to perfect as can be found in this world, with clear, sunny blue skies shining through for an average, 330 days of the year. In July and August, the warmest months of summer, temperatures rarely reach much above the low 80's. Even during the coolest months of December and January, the lowest temperatures seldom drop below the mid 60's. Golf and other outdoor activities are a year round affair - the stunning golf courses and pristine beaches, are there to be enjoyed all year long.

With more than 30 layouts sharing The Algarve coastline and each one calling out to be played, serious golfers will want to get down to business as quickly as possible, squeezing in as many rounds as they are able. The courses are located conveniently close to each other and for the ambitious, 36-hole days are easily accomplished. But save some time to explore and experience the many other attractions of The Algarve - even the most ardent golfer will discover, they are every bit as enticing as the golf.

The Algarve is synonymous with the good life and an important part of good living is eating and drinking well - nobody knows and enjoys good food and wine as much as Algarveans. Spoiled for restaurants, the dining possibilities along this picture postcard coastline seem endless, ranging from the fanciest of haute cuisine establishments to the far simpler, restaurants, favored by the locals.

This is where some of the most delectable regional dishes can be experienced. There's a never-ending variety of the very freshest of seafood, where sardines, swordfish and tuna take star billing. The acorn fed pork is remarkable, the baby lamb and goat, succulent and creatively cooked into imaginative stews in a Cataplana, the traditional cooking utensil of southern Portugal, which resembles a tightly sealed wok in which the food steams in its own juices. Modest, very reasonably priced and always friendly, it's likely to be in these small restaurants where you will enjoy some of your finest meals and gain the fondest memories of The Algarve.

It may be golf that attracted you to The Algarve, but don't miss the opportunity to discover at least some of the fascinating history and culture of the region that abounds. It's all close to the courses you want to play, so turning a half day golf excursion into a full day of golf and sightseeing is about as easy and convenient as it could possibly be.

If you are playing courses at the western end of The Algarve, such as Palmares, Penina, the layouts at Pestana Carvoeiro, or Margado do Reguengo, don't miss visiting, awe-inspiring, Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) Europe's southwestern most point. Once thought to be the end of the world, this blustery headland of soaring cliffs, spectacular rock formations and superb sandy beaches, was the last piece of home, 15th century Portuguese discoverers saw as they sailed off into the unknown. Nearby is the small town of Sagres where Prince Henry the Navigator founded the first school of navigation in 1419.

Explore the bustling, historic town of Lagos -- conquered by Arabs in the 8th century, the old town, complete with ancient walls and a fort, originally built by the Phoenicians, is fascinating.

For another aspect of The Algarve, venture inland a few miles, to the Serra de Monchique, the impressive mountain range that watches protectively over the western shoreline. The lush vegetation, brilliant flowers, refreshing mountain air and spectacular landscapes are in total contrast to the coast. Dotted with intriguing ancient towns and villages, the Roman spa of Caldas de Monchique and bustling little market town of Monchique, a noted handicraft center, are especially delightful.

The ancient Moorish capital of Silves is a must see for every visitor. Though little remains of the grandeur of Silves' magnificent architecture, once reputed to exceed that of even Lisbon, the surviving city walls and Moorish castle are worth the diversion and easily reached from anywhere along the coast.

If the focus of your golf is on the central and eastern Algarve, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Castro Marim will be among the main golf attractions, but there are also many sightseeing opportunities. Not the least of these is The Algarve capital, Faro, with its fetching harbor area and charming small Old Quarter, both of which invite exploration.

It's only a little further east along the coast, to reach Tavira, considered the most beautiful town in the region. Straddling the River Gilao, a pair of bridges, one dating from Roman times, link the two halves of the town. Filled with palaces, riverside restaurants and no less than 30 churches, Tavira is one of those irresistible places where a few hours spent exploring its nooks and crannies, will be a fascinating experience for all. While in Tavira, golfers should seize the opportunity to experience one of Portugal's most delightful layouts at Benamor Golf Club.

There's an almost magical quality to The Algarve that cannot be fully absorbed in a single visit. The atmosphere, the people, history, culture and pure charm of the region, captivate everyone. Golfers will wallow in the wealth of world-class courses and whether golfer or not, everyone can only be very impressed. Having discovered a perfect vacation spot, most will return -- after all, you can't get enough of a thing this good.

For ideas and suggestions on how to include the best of all The Algarve has to offer, click here.

©2009 David Brice / Golf International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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