Tee Off in Style with Luxury Golf Holidays in Salema
Where better to tee off your round of golf than on the coast of the stunning western Algarve, against a backdrop of the azure sea? If you’re looking to plan luxury golf holidays in Portugal, we’re lucky that our beautiful villas are located close to a number of excellent and famous golf courses in the Algarve. Away from the golf, our villas with pools are close to the beach in the charming fishing village of Salema. So, whether you’re organising a golfing break with friends, or fancy escaping for a cheeky round during a family villa holiday, our stylish Algarve villas are perfect for all your golf needs. Plus, with all-year-round fine weather in the Algarve, you can play golf in Portugal whenever you want, with the best times being winter, spring and autumn. It’s definitely worth thinking ‘western Algarve’ for your golf break away.
Championship Golf Course – just minutes from Salema, Algarve
Without a doubt, one of the region’s best golf courses is Santo Antonio Golf and Spa Resort, which is located in Budens, less than a five-minute drive from our self-catered villas in Salema. It’s practically on Salema’s doorstep. With an 18-hole golf course, golf academy, driving range, short game area, practice bunkers, clubhouse and restaurants, you’ll find everything you need at this famous Algarve golf course. Surrounded by a verdant valley close to the Costa Vicentina nature reserve, and home to rolling fairways and small lakes, you’ll feel close to nature as you play golf here. Lined with pines and eucalyptus trees, Santo Antonio Golf Course (formally Parque da Floresta) is a fairly demanding course but does cater for all handicaps. For the non-golfers, there’s a fantastic clubhouse with views of the mountains and sea, and a children’s club with fun activities. The onsite spa and pool is an added bonus after a long day on the course. Relax your muscles with a soothing treatment, or enjoy a drink at the poolside bar. Then, head back to your oceanfront Simply Salema villa and enjoy a BBQ or a dip in your private pool with friends or family. We’re sure that golf holidays in the Algarve don’t get better than this in terms of quality courses and luxury accommodation.
Boavista Golf & Spa Resort, Western Algarve
At the 18-hole Boavista course – just 15 minutes from Salema – you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean at nearly every hole. Located between Luz and Lagos, this diverse course is split into two sections, and its fairways are lined with pines, fig, blossoming almond, palm and olive trees. At Boavista Golf, you can relax on the sun terrace at the clubhouse and soak up the views of the sparkling bay of Lagos. There’s also a fantastic driving range and a short game practice area, as well as a golf shop. If you’re on a golf holiday in Salema, we definitely recommend you play both Santo Antonio (formally Parque da Floresta) and Boavista.
Eco-Friendly Golf Holidays in the western Algarve, Portugal
If you’re a golf-lover who cares about nature, you’ll love the unique Espiche Golf Course, found on the way to Lagos and a 20-minute drive from Salema. This 18-hole par 72 course was built within a nature reserve, and has been designed to blend in with its natural surroundings, without invading them. Lakes, streams and indigenous planting initiatives enhance the local ecosystem, and you’ll enjoy stunning views overlooking vineyards, fields and the Monchique mountains. Designed by South African architect Peter Sauerman, the Espiche golf course weaves in and out of olive, fig and almond trees. It is suitable for all handicaps, and no two holes are alike. Its innovative design and eco-friendly ethos has helped it receive multiple awards. Even the clubhouse was built to embrace its natural surroundings, and it boasts a top floor with glass windows allowing 360-degree views of the Portuguese countryside. The Gecko restaurant serves delicious food using fresh, season local produce, and it has a strong farm to table approach. Espiche Golf Course is our 3rd choice during you Salema golf holiday and you should play here if there’s time.
The wide variety of golf courses in the western Algarve
What’s great about basing your Algarve golf holiday at one of our beachfront villas in Salema, is that you’re close to a selection of diverse golf courses that run along the Algarve. That’s if you need more than Santo Antonio, Boavista and Espiche! To mention a few within an easy drive of Salema…
At the modern Alto Golf Course, near the fishing village of Alvor, you’ll catch glimpses of the bobbing fishing boats from the fairways. There are elevated greens, so you can enjoy the views, and if you’re feeling confident, try the 600-meter par 5, known as the “Sir Henry challenge”. A great challenge on your Algarve golf holiday.
The large 27-hole Palmares Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and boasts magnificent views of Meia-Praia beach (Lagos) and Ria de Alvor lagoon (Alvor). Split into three 9-hole loop sections which all return to the clubhouse, you’ll play amid sand dune, lakes and parklands. Because it’s so close to the sea, Palmares is arguably the most spectacular golf course in the Algarve.
A little further East and the Penina Golf Course near Portimao boasts 360 acres of verdant grassland and landscapes. Penina Golf Resort is home to three golf courses, including the first 18-hole course in the Algarve, the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course. Here, you can play on challenging greens that have hosted 10 Portuguese Opens. If you’re starting out in the golf world, try Penina’s nine-hole course with gentle bunkers and smooth fairways.
Golf Holidays in the Algarve
At a Simply Salema holiday villa, enjoy the privacy of your own sun terrace and pool. You’ll have splendid views of the sea and craggy coastline and just a short walk from the charming village of Salema with its fantastic restaurants, cafes, bars and famous beach. All our contemporary Simply Salema villas are equipped with the mod cons to make your stay stress-free, leaving you with more time to play golf and practice your swing. If you’re planning luxury golf holidays in the Algarve, get in touch with our friendly team now. We’re waiting to help you organise everything from choosing the perfect Algarve golf course, car hire, private transfers amongst everything else. Where better to score a birdie, than on a top course surrounded by Portugal’s natural beauty? We look forward to hosting your Algarve golf holiday soon.
