Golf in Portugal: Northern Portugal and Minho Golf Courses
Northern Portugal is not the first place many people would think of for a golf holiday, but it certainly has plenty to recommend itself. It doesn't always guarantee sun, but with wines, scenery and some excellent golf courses it will definitely make a trip worthwhile.
Foremost among the courses of Northern Portugal is Oporto Golf Club (Par 71 5668m), which is one of the oldest and most highly rated courses in Europe. It is a relatively short links located 17km south of Porto. Porto (Oporto) is home to the Skeffington Cup, which began in 1891 and is the oldest golf competition to have been run without interruption.
Just a short drive from Oporto GC is the 9-hole Miramar course (Par 34 2579m). This is another course with a long history and ocean views.
Further inland, east of Porto, you will find the hilly Amarante (Par 68 5085m), with views over the town. This is a very enjoyable course, but a buggy is recommended for all but the most sprightly.
Further up the north coast near the town of Esposende, you find Estela (Par 72 6129m) and Quinta da Barca (Par 31 1927m). Estela is a sandy links which has hosted various events on the European Tour and will punish inaccurate drives. Quinta da Barca, also known as Barca do Lago, is a short 9-hole course which, with undulating greens, three lakes and strategically placed bunkers, makes a fine test of precision golf.
North-East of these two is Ponte de Lima (Par 71 6005m), another hilly course set in scenery typical of the region near the riverside town of Ponte de Lima. Nine holes are set among mature oaks, cork and chestnut trees, while the second nine rolls through cornfields and vineyards. At 622 metres the par 5 third hole is the longest in Portugal.
Much further inland is the 9-hole Vidago (Par 33 2370m) course. It is a pleasant course for any level of player, and the Vidago Spa is well worth a visit for anyone who gets fed up with golf.
Monte Belo (Par 72 6317m) near Vileu, winds its way through pine and oak trees and heather, with views of the mountains of Estrela and Caramulo. This is another course where some players may appreciate buggies.
Telephone Details for Featured Courses
Oporto Golf Club 227 346 895
Miramar 227 622 067
Amarante 255 446 060
Estela 252 601 814/567
Quinta da Barca 253 966 273
Ponte de Lima 258 713 414
Vidago 276 990 900
Monte Belo 232 856 464
Algarve Golf Courses
Lisbon & Estoril Coast Golf Courses