Looking For An Authentic Golfing Holiday?

As far as choice and quality of golf courses go, when it comes to golf destinations the Algarve region in Portugal is a must-visit for every golfing enthusiast.

If you're currently searching for your next golf adventure, you'll likely be aware of this world-renowned golfing hotspot with the Algarve being home to some of the finest golf courses and accommodation on offer in Europe.

Our good friend Fabian Sixt from GoodSundays recently visited the region to sample all that's on offer to the avid golfer at NAU Hotels and Resorts. Staying at two of the most impressive hotels in NAU's catalogue he also got the chance to play three magnificent golf courses along the way.

Given that Portugal is the place where we hang our own proverbial hats, read on below for our very own focus on the two NAU golfing resorts in question.

Morgado Golf & Country Club, in Portimão

The hotel at Morgado Golf & Country Club is a popular resort for golf lovers given its location and the stunning backdrop of the Monchique Mountains. Flanked by two separate golf courses and with Portimão centre a mere short drive away, it has everything the golfing enthusiast would need.

After your day on the fairways, you can sample the local cuisine and relaxed ambience in the many restaurants, cafes and bars.

Morgado Golf Course itself is a truly challenging test of golf and most famous for being the home of the Open de Portugal.

At 6,998 yards it is one of the longest golf courses in the Algarve and its par-73 layout includes five par-5 holes, nine par-4s and four par-3s. With lakes and strategically placed sand traps in play throughout, you'll need to bring your A-game to play to your handicap.

When you've sampled Morgado there's no time to rest on your laurels as Álamos Golf Course awaits and it's equally delightful.

As one of the newer golf courses in the Algarve, it plays to a shorter length than Morgado. As golfers know only too well, shorter doesn't always mean easier so you can be sure Álamos will provide another stiff test with its 18 holes combining to ask many questions of your golf game. This is a golf course that will surely exploit any weakness in your golfing arsenal.

Salgados Palace, in Guia, Albufeira

Salgados Palace is one of the Algarve's premier hotels allowing you and your golfing mates to soak up the Portuguese sun in a laid-back setting both pre and post-round. Just a stone's throw from the mightily impressive Salgados beach and a taxi ride from Albufeira, the hotel is perfectly located to help cater for all the demands of your group.

Salgados Golf Course perfectly displays the stunning natural beauty of Albufeira. The imaginative 18-hole layout lies within a coastal nature reserve that is home to a lake and the many exotic birds can make it a golfing twitcher's paradise.

Despite its extremely flat terrain, Salgados ensures a thorough examination of every golfer's game as palm-lined fairways and intelligent bunkering put a premium on accuracy. If you can avoid the water hazards which seem to be in play on every hole, you'll be in good shape to score well at this beautifully picturesque facility.

If you're looking for a true golfing challenge then Salgados Golf Course at Salgados Palace could be a prime destination for your next adventure in the Algarve.

As you consider your next golfing holiday, remember to check out all that the Algarve has to offer and you'll quickly realise that this region of Portugal is a true jewel in the crown of European golfing destinations.