Golfing Region Algarve

Travel information at a glance - Golf in the Algarve

• Why should I travel to the Algarve as a golf destination?
• When should I travel to the Algarve?
• What else should I know about the Algarve?

The Algarve - Why should I go on a golf trip here?

Golf vacations and golf trips to the Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost of Portugal' s seven regions and also the most south-westerly point in Europe. The warm climate, year-round sunshine, the tranquil, agricultural hinterland and, in particular, the unique coastal landscape of rugged cliffs and beautiful sandy beaches have made this region a world-famous vacation destination.

Algarve establishes itself as Europe's leading golf destination with top golf hotels and golf courses

Golf enthusiasts have also long since discovered the Algarve for themselves, as numerous golf courses, some of which are spectacularly situated right next to the cliffs, provide an exceptional playing experience. Golf tourism has existed for several decades, but the region's popularity among golfers has increased significantly in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that it won the World Travel Award in the "Europe's Leading Golf Destination" category in 2006, 2012 and 2013. With high-quality facilities, excellently maintained courses, a unique landscape and over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve has truly earned these awards. Courses such as Penina, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura have led to worldwide recognition of the region as a golf destination among amateur and professional golfers alike. As more and more golf courses are being built in the Eastern Algarve, the number of courses has continued to rise in recent years, so that there are currently 36 different courses to play golf in the Algarve.

The Algarve's scenic beauty already impressed Moors and Romans

Throughout its history, this region can look back on numerous successive conquests by different cultures, making the Algarve a very interesting, multi-faceted place culturally. Phoenicians, Moors and Romans have left their mark both culturally and architecturally. Examples of Moorish architecture can still be found today in cities such as Faro, Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira, while numerous villas or their ruins that have been preserved bear witness to Roman settlement.

The hinterland is hilly and predominantly barren due to the clearances caused by medieval shipbuilding. However, reforestation with pine trees and cork oak cultivation have made hiking and mountain bike tours through pine and cork oak forests popular excursion ideas once again. On walks along the coast, the rugged cliffs and cliffs with their bizarre rock formations of sandstone and limestone are impressive. The sandy Algarve, on the other hand, with its fine sandy beaches in numerous picturesque bays, is completely in the hands of bathing tourism.

When should I travel to the Algarve?

Enjoy the climate in the Algarve all year round

The Mediterranean climate in the Algarve is characterized by dry, hot summers and humid, mild winters. However, it should be noted that a climatic distinction must be made between the hinterland and the coastal strip. Due to its distance from the sea, the climate in the hinterland is more continental and the temperatures are hotter than on the coast. A constant wind blows from the sea, which pleasantly moderates the climate in the coastal area not only in summer but also in winter. Rainfall occurs mainly in winter, with little rain in the Algarve in summer. The months of April/May and September/October are therefore the best time to visit, as the temperatures are pleasantly warm and not too hot at this time and there is very little rainfall. The time change in the Algarve is minus one hour all year round.

What else should I know about the Algarve?

No major changes thanks to the EU

Since the introduction of the euro, the Portuguese Algarve has been spared the inconvenience of currency exchange. Food prices are roughly the same as at home in Germany. Entrance fees to museums, on the other hand, can sometimes be cheaper. It should also be noted that prices in pubs and restaurants are understandably much more expensive in the tourist strongholds on the coast than in the hinterland, which is less frequented by tourists. There are ATMs almost everywhere in the Algarve and you can pay with all major credit and debit cards in restaurants, hotels, museums and other places of interest.

Making phone calls in the Algarve

As far as making phone calls is concerned, card phones are available everywhere and the corresponding cards can be purchased at any kiosk. Cell phone owners can save considerably by using a prepaid card from the host country, as there are no charges for incoming calls. By choosing the cheapest network operator (Vodafone, TMN and Optimus in Portugal), roaming is significantly cheaper. For cell phone calls within Portugal, the area code is 00351, the cost per minute is €0.30 - €1.00, and calls are known to be cheaper at night and at weekends. Also switch off your voicemail, as this causes unnecessarily high costs.

Rules of conduct in Portugal

Important rules of conduct also make it easier to get along with the locals. When visiting a church, legs and shoulders must be covered, so never go to church in shorts or off-the-shoulder tops. It is also good manners for tourists to greet each other in the local language in Portugal. In restaurants, every starter eaten or tasted is charged for, so don't be tempted by the generous offer.

Arrival and traffic in the Algarve

Buses on lines 14 and 16 run every 50 minutes from Faro airport to Faro city center for a reasonable €1.30. It is more convenient, but more expensive, to take a cab or hire a car. When driving on your own, pay attention to the speed limits: max. 50 km/h in urban areas, max. 90 km/h on country roads and max. 120 km/h on highways.