Head to Vilamoura's Oceanico Old Course for a top golf break

Thursday, 18 August 2011 7:51 AM

If you're seeking truly unforgettable golf holidays to Portugal, you will not want to miss out on the chance to visit one of the best facilities in the world - the Oceanico Old Course in Vilamoura, which was founded in 1969.

One of the area's oldest golf courses, this particular 18-hole, par 73 site was designed by the renowned Dutch architect Frank Pennink and is known by players and fans around the globe as the Grande Dame of Algarve golfing facilities.

The Oceanico Old Course stretches over 6,254 metres of smooth, undulating terrain that is broken up by clutches of pine trees - and as you can imagine, this makes for a particularly attractive place to tee off while basking in the Portuguese sunshine.

You will find the fourth hole - a medium-length par 3 - is especially scenic, as it results in play taking place over the course's only pond, with an umbrella pine and frontal bunker posing potential obstacles for golfers to navigate on their way to the green. The sixth hole, meanwhile, is perfect for taking in some magnificent ocean views.

Some of the facilities you can find at the Oceanico Old Course include a golf shop, clubhouse, driving range, putting green, bar and restaurant, so you should have everything you need close by when spending short breaks at the site.

The course is ideally situated around 20 minutes from Faro Airport, so you shouldn't find it too difficult to get there from wherever you may be staying.

Oceanico also manages golf facilities in other parts of the Algarve, including four in Silves and four others in Vilamoura, so once you've played through the Old Course you might want to check out some of the other sites to make your break a truly golf-filled one.

If you're keen to indulge in a variety of other pursuits while on villa holidays in the Algarve, you won't be disappointed by what's on offer.

One of the largest tourist complexes in Europe, this part of Portugal has facilities for a host of activities, including horse-riding, tennis, windsurfing, shooting, fishing and sailing, with the local marina providing services such as small craft hire.

The marina is the biggest in the country and has space for 1,300 boats, as well as offering fantastic ocean views and plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy once you've finished your pursuits for the day and are looking for some night-time fun.

If you're wondering what kind of accommodation you can choose from for your stay in Vilamoura, there are many options to consider depending on the size of your travelling party and personal preferences.

You can select self-catering villas that sleep between two and eight people and have a choice of apartments and houses, although you will likely find that there are many more of the former than the latter available.

Both three and four-star properties can be hired in Vilamoura - with many including access to pool facilities for a touch of luxury - so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding accommodation to suit your tastes and budget.

Vilamoura truly is a fantastic destination for golf breaks and other activity-filled holidays, so start looking at getaways to this part of Algarve today if you want an overseas jaunt that offers more than simply the chance to top up your tan.

Best golf courses in Faro

If you're a keen golfer who is looking to combine your passion for the sport with a holiday abroad, it's worth taking a break in the Algarve. Not only does this sun-drenched part of Portugal feature some world-class courses, but its fantastic year-round weather enables you to develop a lovely tan as you play. Visit Faro, the region's capital, and you'll discover numerous facilities that provide the opportunity to enjoy fantastic golf.