YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PORTUGAL
For obvious reasons, we have largely shied away from producing rankings on foreign destinations at the start of our new series of Top 100s.
But with some light at the end of the tunnel, we felt the time was right to bring some sunshine into our lives with this ranking of the best of Portugal.
It’s a country I am fortunate enough to have extensive experience of, and there are few better outside Great Britain and Ireland in my opinion.
There are several reasons I say this. First, and most importantly, there are the courses. Where Portugal really excels is in its variety; unlike other continental countries, it offers more than parkland courses, with seaside experiences in all three key golf areas of the country.
What’s more, the standard is exceptionally high, with as many as 21 of its courses having been in our Continental European Top 100 at some stage. It is inconceivable a handful of them won’t be in the top 25 of the 2021 continental list we release in the autumn.
Another reason it is so appealing for a golf holiday is that its three main areas – Algarve, Porto and Lisbon – all offer something a little different on and off the course. Lisbon has the allure of a city break, multiple seaside options and exceptional value on the lower-profile courses. Porto boasts experiences steeped in history and elegance as well as its own linksy courses. The Algarve offers quantity (as nowhere else in Continental Europe can), quality and so many attractions for the non-golfer.
The weather, the easy access to all three areas, the food, the beer, the people and the natural beauty of the country give further reason to study this ranking with a view to planning a break there later this year.
Our panel of readers and industry experts have, as ever, marked all the courses in the usual categories – which are now available on the brand-new Top 100 section of the website – www.todaysgolfer.co.uk. This Portugal ranking will soon be available there, with full reviews of each course and resort. We intend for it to become the must-visit resource for golfers seeking objective and informed views on the best places to play all over the world.
But before you head off online to see what we are building, I hope you enjoy and take inspiration from our first ever ranking of the best of Portugal.