Algarve golf holidays are rightly famous, and the region’s abundance of luxury resorts guarantee you will have myriad choices. With so many options, it would be easy to get overwhelmed. To help you make the best choice for your break, read on for our list of tips and tricks …
Planning
This may sound obvious, but the most important thing is to do a lot of research and to do it early. Algarve golf holidays are extremely popular, and the resort can be busy year-round. The busiest period happens in the summer, so if you prefer to avoid crowds and the very high temperatures then you should not book your break during these months. With highs of 48C, many might find it difficult to actually get out on the green and play. Book off-season for a cheaper, milder break, and avoid the crowds as an added bonus.
Equipment and Preparation
Another obvious tip, but one that bears repeating: before you head out for your Algarve golf holidays, make sure you have the right equipment for your resort of choice. All courses have different restrictions, and all can be quite strict – the last thing you want is to have to scramble for gear on arrival. Most, for instance, require soft-spike shoes, and any golfer knows the importance of having their own shoes.
Similarly, if you’re travelling by plane, you should make sure you’re familiar with any restrictions on hold or carry-on luggage well before you set off. It’s every traveller’s nightmare to have to repack at check-in – or, worse, to be forced to choose between leaving something behind or paying fees for extra luggage.
Off the Course
When you hear the word ‘Algarve’, ‘golf holidays’ likely come to mind first – and rightly so. But there’s a lot more to the region than fairways, rough and greens. Alongside standard tourist fare like beaches and music, there are many luxury hotels and an abundance of excellent restaurants, many of which even have Michelin stars. What’s more, many of the courses are notable landmarks in their own right, and well worth seeing, even if you don’t play them all.
Check out other activities and events to ensure the whole family gets the most out of your break. Note the variety of children’s programmes run by major resorts over the summer, and research thoroughly for the most luxurious options in pampering and wellness.
Getting There
Faro Airport is 2.5 miles out of Algarve’s capital city of Faro, and most major airlines run regular flights there from London. Hire cars are available, and there are plenty of shuttle options for onward travel. For those who prefer a more scenic route, there’s also a slow train from Lagos. Make sure you plan in advance and book the journey that’s right for you.
Steve Frewin is the Managing Director of A Golfing Experience, a company with more than 29 years experience organising bespoke golf holidays and escapes throughout Europe for individuals, societies and groups. If you're looking to explore the possibilities in the Algarve, golf holidays to this beautiful region are just one of our specialties. We also operate in all the other major European golf destinations and, if you'd like to consider options further afield, we can arrange holidays to the world's greatest golf courses in The Caribbean, Mauritius, Bermuda and USA.
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