Portugal - Lisbon
If you want to combine a city break with some golf and even some beach time, Lisbon is the place to go
GETTING THERE
TAP Portugal (www.flytap.com) flies from Heathrow and Gatwick to Lisbon. EasyJet (www.easyjet.com) flies from Luton to Lisbon.
WHERE TO PLAY
Boasting 22 courses within an hour of the Portuguese capital, the Lisbon Golf Coast offers the best of all worlds. Choose any course in the region and you?ll be blessed with well-kept greens and a warm smile in the clubhouse. But perhaps the region?s finest asset is the variety of layouts on offer. For sea views Oitavos and Quinta da Marinha fit the bill. If it?s parkland you?re after, Estoril is one of the finest courses, offering undulating greens and tight fairways. Penha Longa has dramatically elevated tee boxes and prolific bunkering and is one of those fun courses that you?ll remember fondly for years to come.
To the north-west of Lisbon lies Belas, a tough championship-standard course which winds through the hills. It also has some spectacularly raised tee boxes and water encroaches dangerously on a number of holes.
For more links courses, cross the Tagus to the Costa Azul and discover sleepy little towns and layouts that run right up to the shoreline. Troia is known for its laid-back Scottish style. Aroeira offers two 18 hole layouts and is more American in style, running through a beautiful pine forest.
WHERE TO STAY
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For a hotel in a prime location the Farol Design Hotel in Cascais is a memorable place to stay, with contemporary rooms and suites, some with ceiling to wall windows to maximise the sea views.
OFF COURSE
Beach lovers can soak up the sun, culture vultures can explore the historic streets of the capital and food lovers will adore the fresh fish and local produce.
The wealthy Portuguese flock to their summer houses around the prestigious Quinta da Marinha resort as well as to the charming fishing town of Cascais. A couple of miles down the coast Estoril is larger and livelier and has Europe?s largest casino, where you can enjoy dinner and a show before chancing your luck at roulette or on the one-armed bandits.
CONTACTS BOOK
Golf Passport
Play five courses with the Golf Passport. Choose from Belas, Estoril, Lisbon Sports Club, Penha Longa, Quinta da Beloura and Quinta da Marinha. For details visit www.estorilsintragolf.net
Aroeira
W: www.aroeira.com
Oitavos
W: www.quintadamarinha-oitavosgolfe.pt
Troia
W: www.troiagolf.com
Farol Design Hotel
W: www.farol.com.pt
Further Information
Visit tourism website www.visitportugal.com