Portugal’s a fair way to go for some of Europe’s best golf courses
- UK has over 4 million golfers (BGIA)
- Golf properties some of most in demand Portuguese homes (Ideal Homes Portugal)
- Quinta do Lago home to 2 award-winning courses (World Golf Awards)
Portugal has long been a top holiday hotspot for those seeking beautiful beaches, challenging walking breaks or just plentiful sunshine. The low cost of living makes Portugal a popular destination for family holidays, while the balmy climate attracts everyone from young couples to those enjoying their golden years.
Now, the Airmiles Value Tracker from Totally Money has revealed that Portugal’s Algarve is one of the top five best value golfing destinations in the world. The Algarve boasts an impressive number of golf courses, which range in quality and formality in order to provide something for both the amateur golfer and the wannabe pro.
The twin jewels in the Algarve’s golfing crown are the resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Both offer championship-quality courses that have been carefully designed to blend challenging holes with the area’s natural beauty, including stunning sea views.
Vale do Lobo has two outstanding courses, the Royal and the Ocean, both based on the concepts of Sir Henry Cotton. The courses have hosted the Portuguese Open on two occasions, so players can know they are playing the same holes as the greatest golf players of our day. The resort also benefits from the Royal Spa wellness centre, which is perfect for relieving the strain of a hard day on the fairway.
Property at Vale do Lobo is considerably more expensive than in less well known areas of the Algarve, but bargains can still be found. This three bedroom, two bathroom villa, for example, set in a tranquil area and with private garden and approval for a pool, has recently been reduced from €495,000 to €395,000.
Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,
“Golf properties are some of the most popular homes that our buyers are looking for. From permanent residences to luxury second homes in the sun, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago offer discerning buyers some of the Algarve’s most beautiful contemporary properties.”
As one of the Algarve’s most exclusive resorts, Vale do Lobo has attracted a number of celebrity buyers over the years, with former Dragon Duncan Bannatyne the most recent high profile purchaser. Indeed, celebrity-spotting at the swanky Monty’s bar has become something of a trend on a local level.
The prestigious resort of Quinta do Lago is also popular with celebrities. Another stunning golf resort, it has the proud claim of receiving a World Golf Award 2014 for its North Course, which was voted Europe’s Best New Golf Course. Meanwhile, Quinta do Lago’s South Course was voted Portugal’s Best Golf Course.
Property at Quinta do Lago is understandably pricey, with some stunning properties available. This six bedroom villa with generously proportioned pool is available for €3.3 million. More affordable properties in the area are also available, such as this spacious and well-designed two bedroom apartment for €315,000.
With just over 4 million golfers in Britain (according to the British Golf Industry Association) and 29 million in the US (based on figures from the National Golf Foundation and US Census Bureau), Portugal’s top level courses are guaranteed to remain popular with holidaymakers from both sides of the pond, whether on an occasional basis or thanks to a second home purchase in one of these delightful resorts.
For further details of properties currently available in Portugal, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.