The Algarve, from the Arabic meaning "the west" is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. It has an area of 5,412km² and approximately 400,000 permanent inhabitants, encompassing sixteen municipalities. The region coincides with the Faro District and has as its administrative centre the city of Faro, the location of the Faro-Algarve International Airport. Tourism and related activities are wide-ranging and make up the majority of the summer economy. The Algarve is one of the most fashionable Portuguese destinations with holiday-makers, who swell its population to over 1 million in the peak tourist season. A hilly region, criss-crossed by lush valleys, its highest point, at 902m (2,960 feet) is the peak of Fóia in the Monchique mountain range. The region is also the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 170 km² and a "stopping off" point for hundreds of different bird species.
Golf "arrived" in the Algarve with the opening of the Penina course, at Alvor in the heart of the region, in 1966. Englishman Sir Henry Cotton transformed former paddy fields into a golf course to challenge the strongest players. Given its flat terrain, Cotton placed water hazards at strategic points, along with planting nearly half a million trees and shrubs in the conversion. Penina has subsequently evolved into a par-73 Championship course, nearly 7,000 yards in length, accompanied by a luxury hotel and resort. There was already a thriving British community in the Algarve and, as with many expatriots, had taken golf with them. With the Algarve beginning to attract tourists, golf courses appeared at Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura. The former offers 2 courses; The Royal and The Ocean, both outstanding and stern tests for any golfer. Also based on Sir Henry Cotton`s original ideas, both courses have been redeveloped by famous US architect Rocky Roquemore and have twice hosted the Portuguese Open. The courses lead golfers along tree-lined fairways; The Royal along the cliffs and The Ocean sweeping down to the beach. The links / parkland combination provides thoroughly enjoyable golf for players of all abilities. A few years later, another fine course was built; the first golf course at Quinta do Lago, designed by late American architect, William Mitchell. Some 20km from Faro-Algarve International Airport, the tree-lined course measures in excess of 7,000 yards. Its tees and greens are one aspect of its rating as one of the finest courses in Europe. The nearby Hotel Quinta do Lago is situated next to the Ria Formosa (see above) and the sea, in the very heart of the Ria Formosa Nature Park. The construction of golf courses flourished to such an extent that more than half of Portugal`s courses are in the Algarve region. Their excellent design and maintenance sees them ranked amongst the top worldwide courses.
By far the easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane, with many airlines offering budget flights to Faro-Algarve International Airport. The most common method by which tourists get around the Algarve is by rental car, collected at the airport on arrival. Generally, the speed limit is 90 km per hour (56 m.p.h.), with faster speeds on motorways and slower speeds in built-up areas. Alternatively, the privately-run bus system, offering various routes through the Algarve is reportedly efficient.
The Algarve offers plenty of holiday accommodation for golf holidays, to suit all budgets. This ranges from luxury villas, family apartments, hotels and guest houses near the golf courses, by the sea, in the countryside or in town.
Those that get pleasure from the Algarve may also enjoy cheap holidays in Benidorm, on the Spanish Costa Blanca.