When it comes to golf holidays Portugal has the range and quantity of great golf courses to make for an ideal golfing break. This article details the principal golfing regions in the country along with some of the stand-out courses to play.

For a fuss-free golf holiday Algarve has it all. The regions warm climate and history of building great courses has resulted in it being an ideal place to base yourself for a long golf holiday. The town of Vilamoura is a natural draw to the region due to having several Oceanico resorts nearby (the Millenium and Old Course being the best) as well as the excellent Quinta Do Lago and two Vale Do Lobo courses.

In the west of the Algarve, the courses become more windswept and the course designs here are hard to beat. Any one of the regions courses, such as Boavista/Penina Championship Course/Oceanico Faldo would make a highlight for any golf trip. Eastern Algarve has a smaller quantity of courses and a milder climate which has made it a little more elite. Playing the Monte Rei (designed by Jack Nicklaus) being a highlight of the area.

The Oeste region is one of the lesser known golfing areas in Portugal. Its scenic countryside is now playing host to some great golf resorts/courses including those around Sizandro village and the impressive Rainha Golf & Spa.

In winter a great many golfers take the short flight over to the island of Madeira (500 km off the south-west coast of Portugal). The island has three courses embedded into the hills of the dormant volcano with sheer cliffs marking out-of-bounds on many holes. The hot climate provides lush vegetation as the courses manage their way through valleys and coastal stretches.

Finally, golfers who like to mix a little golf with a city break would enjoy Estoril and Lisbon. After flying into Lisbon, you could be on one of dozens of courses within an hour. Day trips out to play Aroeira in Sesimbra, the Rocky Roquemore designed Golden Eagle course or the Penha Longa Championship Course would prove to be a highlight of any golf holiday to the region.