Portugal - Estoril and Sintra
If you like the Algarve you'll love Lisbon. Play championship parkland and links courses, lap up the sunshine on the beaches and visit the royal palaces.
GETTING THERE
TAP Air Portugal (www.tap-airportugal.co.uk) flies direct from Heathrow and Gatwick to Lisbon. Easyjet (www.easyjet.com) flies from Luton to Lisbon. The ?Estoril and Sintra Golf Coast? region is 30 minutes west of the airport.
WHERE TO PLAY
The region stretches from the mouth of the Tagus river along the Atlantic seaboard. The best sea views can be enjoyed at Oitavos and Quinta da Marinha.
Reminiscent of a Scottish links, the fairways at Oitavos look open and inviting off the tee but this layout is tougher than it looks, especially when the wind gets up.
Quinta da Marinha has some challenging par 3s, notably the 15th which plays over a ravine. While the elevated tees at Penha Longa?s Atlantic Course promise a swift ego boost. Belas is so quiet and spacious it?s like playing in a nature park.
Estoril is one of the oldest layouts in the country. It?s by no means the longest course but its treelined fairways make it especially beautiful.
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WHERE TO STAY
Cascais is a popular holiday spot with wealthy Portuguese families and the British are starting to discover it too, attracted by the traditional town and sandy beaches. The hippest hotel is the five-star Farol Design Hotel.
If you prefer a resort with an outdoor pool and golf course on site, Quinta da Marinha may fit the bill. For golfing parties on a budget, the villas work out as a cheaper option. Or you could try the three-star Hotel Londres in the heart of Estoril ? it has been recently renovated.
OFF COURSE
Take a gamble at Europe?s largest casino in Estoril or catch one of the spectacular stage shows.
If you are visiting the capital city of Lisbon it?s easier to take the train in than try to find a parking space. Belém, home to the much photographed tower, is the place from which Portuguese explorers set sail on their journeys of discovery. The statue of Christ with arms outstretched is aligned with the one in Rio de Janeiro. For restaurants and nightlife head to the city?s Bairro Alto district.
Contacts Book
The Golf Passport entitles visitors to play five courses, choosing from Belas, Estoril, Lisbon Sports Club, Penha Longa (Atlantic), Quinta da Beloura and Quinta da Marinha. For info visit www.estorilsintragolf.net
OITAVOS
www.quintadamarinha-oitavosgolfe.pt
QUINTA DA MARINHA
www.quintadamarinha.com
PENHA LONGA
www.penhalonga.com
BELAS
www.belasgolf.com
ESTORIL
www.hotel-estoril-palacio.pt/home/home.htm
FAROL DESIGN HOTEL
www.farol.com.pt
QUINTA DA MARINHA
www.quintadamarinha.com
HOTEL LONDRES
www.hotelondres.com