Lisbon: Portugal's charming capital is also a haven for golfers

June 5, 2004 By David Brice

Often overshadowed by and confused with its much larger neighbor, Spain, Portugal has somehow managed to escape the tourism spotlight, at least from this side of the Atlantic. Northern Europeans however, especially the British, have a long standing love affair with this special corner of Europe, and for a wide variety of very good reasons.

High on the long list of attributes Portugal has going for it is wonderful year round climate that makes any time of year a good time to play golf here, and the selection of golf courses is excellent, but more on that later.

With over 500 miles of coastline, all washed by the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. With the climate to match, they are hard to overlook, especially as some of the best beaches are located alongside golf courses.

This is a small country, just a shade larger than the state of Maine, but whatever Portugal may be lacking in size is more than made up for with all that it has to offer the visitor.

For those folks who like big cities, the capital of Lisbon ranks alongside Europe's most enchanting -- elegant, sophisticated and thoroughly intriguing, with something for everyone. Most just do not allow enough time to explore all that should be seen, and although the major sights may not be as well known as an Eiffel Tower or a Buckingham Palace, they are well worth seeing.

Among Lisbon's must see attractions is The Alfama, the colorful old quarter of the city, parts of which date back almost 2,000 years. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with balconied small houses, medieval mansions and Moorish buildings, all draped with colorful flowers.

There are ancient open air markets, numerous taverns and small shops, making this not only a hive of activity at all hours of the day and night, but perhaps one of the most colorful spots to be found in all Europe.

Overlooking The Alfama is impressive St. George's Castle, a magnificent twelfth century palace built to house Portuguese Royalty after the Moors had been driven from the land.

Nearby is the suburb of Belem, located where the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus converge. It is from here the great Portuguese explorers set out to discover the world -- Magellan and Vasco da Gama among them.

Portugal's beaches are some of the finest in Europe.

Here in Belem is the imposing Jeronimos Monastery, built in the early 16th century to celebrate Vasco da Gama's successful voyage to India. There is also the Maritime Museum, The Museum of Folk Art and the National Coach Museum, located alongside the Belem Royal Palace.

But Lisbon's attractions extend far beyond its expansive collection of museums. This is a vibrant city with excellent shopping, art galleries, wonderful restaurants and a nightlife equal to that of any European capital.

For a very special evening and perhaps the quintessential Lisbon experience, explore the city's famous Fado Houses.

Fado, the traditional singing of Portugal is sad, mournful, and usually sung by women dressed in black, lamenting a lost love. The music is a national obsession and best experienced with the impromptu performances that occur at many of the small restaurants, night clubs and taverns, located in the city's Old Quarter.

Above all, Lisbon is a city for the senses and one that should be savored at an easy pace to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Within half an hour's drive of the heart of Lisbon, are some of Portugal's most chic beach resorts that come complete with world class golf courses.

Estoril and Cascais, located just a few miles apart, are two of the most established resorts and they come with a good selection of quality golf layouts, all located within a few minutes of either town. Estoril has the added advantage of also being home to Portugal's most impressive casino.

But to play the very best layout in the region, Penha Longa, drive a few miles farther north to the picturesque hillside town of Sintra, described by the English writer, Lord Byron, as "a glorious Eden."

Captured by the crusaders in the 12th century, beautiful Sintra is one of Portugal's oldest towns and became a summer retreat for Portuguese monarchs and other nobility. Mansions and palaces abound and would be reason enough to visit, but for the golfer, Penha Longa, one of Portugal's premiere courses, lies waiting to test the skills.

Whether you stay in Lisbon and drive out to play golf, or stay in Sintra or Estoril and drive into Lisbon for the big city treats, it'll be a 30-minute drive either way.

Whatever you do, don't miss Lisbon and the superb golf courses that surround the city; just make sure you allow enough time and discover one of Europe's most charming cities.

For a few ideas on combining Lisbon with nearby golf, click here.

© 2004 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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