Whilst Vilamoura is the more traditional destination for golfers visiting the Algarve for those seeking a livelier Resort then Albufeira would be the place to go. It’s basically divided into two parts the Old Town and the “Strip” and in both there are numerous bars, restaurants and places of entertainment with the “Strip” being one of the liveliest places in the Algarve. During the day there are glorious sandy beaches and quiet areas to relax in and explore and it is a great destination for a golfing break in Portugal.
Albufeira Beach
How To Get There
One of the reasons the Algarve is such a popular destination for a golfing holiday is that it is so easy to get to. There are flights from virtually every UK and Irish Airport into Faro Airport which is about forty minutes from Albufeira with excellent transport links using either private transfers, taxi, bus or train. It’s an all-year-round Resort so even in winter there is no difficulty in finding a flight.
Where To Stay In Albufeira
There is no shortage of accommodation ranging from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels in the centre of town and on the outskirts. The 4-star Vila Gale Atlantico is one of the most popular Hotels to stay. Its centrally located and was renovated in 2014 to provide modern quality accommodation. Another 4-star property is the Paraiso Aparthotel also in the centre of Albufeira. It offers fully equipped studio and one-bedroom apartments, and both the strip and the Old Town are within walking distance or you can use local transport and hop on the little motorised train service that runs past the Hotel.
One of the big advantages of staying in Albufeira is that the 4-star Real Bellavista Hotel as well as being one of the better hotels in the area for groups and offers an all-inclusive package for those who want to know in advance what they will spend whilst on holiday.
Real Bellavista Hotel
If you are happy to stay a little out of the town centre, then there are some fantastic deals available with NAU Hotels at the Salgados Palm Village Suites and Sao Rafael Suites. The all-inclusive packages that these hotels offer is amongst the very best deals currently available and with golf courses on their doorstep, it’s no surprise that they are so popular.
Salgados Palm Village Suites
Golf Courses Near Albufeira
The nearest courses to Albufeira are about 4kms away from the centre and the best course is probably Salgados. It’s a par 72 stretching to 6600 yards from the back tees with several water hazards and as its on a nature reserve there is an abundance of wildlife. It’s a flat course offering sea views on some holes and is a typical parkland layout despite being so close to the sea.
Salgados Golf Course
Alamos, located at Morgado Golf & Country Club is a slightly shorter course with a par of 71 but requires careful plotting round and you shouldn’t be tempted to just reach for the driver off every tee. Scenically it’s a delight with views of the Monchique mountains and an abundance of local fauna and wildlife.
Alamos Golf Course
Morgado Golf is next door to Alamos and has hosted the Open de Portugal in recent years. Its around 7000 yards from the Championship tees but there are a variety of teeing areas so it can be played and enjoyed by players of all standards. The fairways wind through lakes and vineyards along the valleys towards the Monchique Mountains.
Morgado Golf Course
Things To Do In Albufeira
As a popular Resort, Albufeira offers everything you need for a successful golfing holiday. There are numerous bars and restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets. It’s a great place for nightlife and is very popular with groups, especially stag and hen parties. However, there are quieter areas to relax and as you would expect many restaurants specialise in serving local freshly caught fish.
There are many excellent beaches with Falesia Beach being one of the best known and the Marina is an excellent place to view the luxurious vessels in the harbour whilst enjoying a relaxing drink at one of the many bars and restaurants that surround it.
The Old Town itself is full of winding streets and there are many places of interest to visit with some special churches to explore. There are many shops to entice you to part with your money and there is a modern shopping centre.
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