The International Association of Golf Tour Operators named the Lisbon Silver Coast as the “Golf Destination of the Year” in 2007, ahead of the Algarve and Andalucia and with half a dozen quality courses, it’s easy to see why.

But there’s more to the Silver Coast than just golf. Less than two hours’ flying time from Mancheser, the Oeste region is rarely as crowded as the Algarve and there seems a lot more to see and do with enchanting towns such as Obidos, Peniche and Torres Vedras, much stunning coastline and beaches, wonderful restaurants and wineries to visit and excellent hotels – and the golf is generally cheaper as well.

There’s accommodation to suit every pocket with top of the range hotels such as Marriott Praia D’El Rey and the Westin CampoReal, who both have their own top-quality golf courses, and plenty of other activities to keep the golfing widow happy while he’s playing golf.

There’s also plenty for the kids to do as well and if you don’t fancy staying in the hotel, there are good townhouse and villa options at both Marriott Praia D’El Rey and the Westin CampoReal.

And coming on stream soon is the revamped Golden Eagle complex and the new Bom Sucesso lay-out – both of which also boast quality golf courses are fine additions to a list that includes Quinta da Marinha Oitavos and Clube de Golfe da Quinta da Marinha (Cascai), Penha Longa, Belas Clube de Campo, Botada, Vimeiro and Lisbon Sports Cub.

The stunningly picturesque layout at Praia D’El Rey with contrasting loops set in pine forest and among undulating dunes with spectacular views over the Atlantic is a real challenge.

The hotel is genuinely five star and there are many options for golfers and families including the townhouses in Praia D’El Rey Village which can accommodate groups in some style and at much less cost than hotel rates.

The 600-acre hotel and village resort enjoys an enviable location near the picturesque medieval walled town of Obidos with its winding narrow streets and elegant whitewashed buildings.

Centrepiece

A 10-minute drive away is the famous Obidos Lagoon, where windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are available.

Tuition and rental of boards can be found at the sailing club on the far side of the lagoon and a ferry service for the club operates during the season.

Then there’s surfing at Baleal and Peniche, also only 10 minutes away and Peniche is Portugal’s largest fishing port and a great place to eat with a string of excellent restaurants and there is plenty of shopping at Caldas de Rainha, 20 minutes’ drive, but if you’d rather say on the complex and in self catering, there is a resort grocery store and there are shops in the nearby village of Serra del Rei.

In addition to the golf course, the resort also has seven all-weather tennis courts and an academy, horseriding and there is good bar/restaurant and games room in the golf clubhouse plus a health club and two restaurants in the hotel which has stunning walks and views of the coast.

During the summer and half term holidays Club Adventura offers supervised activities for children from 6–16 years. Activities range from paint balling to surfing.

Golden Eagle Residence and Golf Resort was awarded the title of Best Golf Destination in the World by IAGTO in 2006. Designed by Rocky Roquemore, the course meanders through rolling hills and pine trees with nine lakes, thanks to a recent revamp.

On-site facilities include a restaurant, pro shop and academy, driving range, short game area and future developments include a second course which will open for play in 2011 and a five-star hotel.

Bom Sucesso is said to be Donald Steel’s swansong and the course is the centrepiece of a massive development and boats a spectacular finish – the drive at 17, a 530-metre dogleg par five is simply awesome.

Standing on the tee reveals the whole vista of the surrounding area, the lagoon of Obidos and the distant mountains to the east, the resort to the north and the sea to the west and forest to the south.

The course is at the centre of more than 1,000 uniquely designed properties, five star hotel and spa. It is no ordinary development as the villas and townhouses have been designed by some of the world’s best contemporary architects.

Charming

The villas are also no more than one or two storeys, most of them with grassed roofs which help them blend into the natural scenery.

The resort will have varied options - to buy or rent - and from next year it will be possible to enjoy a stay at Bom Sucesso in one of the specially designed townhouses, villas or apartments with the hotel option also coming on stream soon.

The Westin CampoReal Golf Resort and Spa boasts a truly magnificent five-star hotel and it’s just 30 minutes from Lisbon.

There are plenty dining options including an excellent restaurant as well as an all-day dining room. There is also a top-class spa with fitness studio, swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms.

It also boasts a Donald Steel course and is a real test of your driving ability on some holes.

The Westin CampoReal Golf Resort and Spa boasts a truly magnificent five –star hotel and it’s just 30 minutes from Lisbon.

There are plenty dining options including an excellent restaurant as well as an all-day dining room. There is also a top-class spa with fitness studio, swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms.

The Westin CampoReal resort also an equestrian centre, not surprising as the resort occupies land formerly used by the Portuguese royal family as hunting ground.

The nearest village, Turcifal, has a charming old quarter and nearby is Torres Vedras, the region’s lively commercial centre, famous for its hilltop fortresses - the Lines of Torres - built by the Duke of Wellington to defend against Napoleon’s troops.

The hotel also has an extra-large outdoor pool with adjoining Jacuzzi and kids’ pool, plus an indoor option and a Weston Kids Club. There’s also a gym and tennis centre.

The Oeste region is a cultural delight with monasteries, convents, castles, churches, and museums and is also home to famous traditions in porcelain and crystal, food and some great wines and there is always the opportunity of a day trip to Lisbon, one of the world’s great cities.

Factfile

Alan flew to Lisbon with KLM via Amsterdam, but there are other routes with other airlines. Praia D’El Rey Golf and Beach Resort, Vale de Janelas, 2514-999 Obidos. Tel: +351 262 905 005; Fax: +351 262 905 009; Email:  Website: 

Golden Eagle Residence and Golf Resort, Quinta do Brincal, E.N. 1, Km 63/64, Asseiceira 2040 - 481 - Rio Maior. Tel: +351 243 940 040; Fax: +351 243 940; E-Mail: golf@goldeneagle-golfresort.com

Westin CampoReal Golf Resort and Spa, Rua do Campo - 2565 - 770 Turcifal/Torres Vedras. Tel: +351 261 960 200; Email: golf.reservations@westin.com

Golfe do Bom Sucesso, Bom Sucesso, Vau-Obidos, 2510-663 Vau–Obidos. Tel: + 351 262 968 562; + 351 262 968 805, +351 262 969 470; Email: golf@bomsucesso.net;
Cenario Oeste - Portugal Silver Coast Properties.