Altura is a purpose-built beach resort on the east coast of Portugal’s Algarve near to the Roman town of Tavira and the busy resort of Monte Gordo. The eastern side of the Algarve is less developed and unspoilt than the other parts, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing holiday in Portugal. The coastline of Altura falls within the 37 mile coastline of the Parque natural da Ria Formosa which is

Altura beach

protected from overdevelopment. This lagoon area is a haven for numerous species of birds that make it home, a place to shelter in the winter or as a migration stopover. Most of the accommodation in Altura, including hotels, villas, apartments and seafront properties, is within walking distance of the beautiful sandy beach.

The eastern coastline of the Algarve has some beautiful sandy beaches lapped by clear warm waters, with no less than five Blue Flag beaches between Tavira and Monte Gordo. Altura has a long, wide beach with clean sands, a beach bar and restaurant, various water sports on offer and ample parking facilities. The nearby Praia Verde and Manta Rota beaches stretch out for miles and are very popular for their beautiful clean sands and tranquillity.

Parque natural da Ria Formosa

Altura has some beautiful inland countryside which is great for the family to explore by foot, bicycle or car on their holiday packages to the resort. Make a trip to the countryside a day excursion and visit the traditional market town of Tavira with it’s Roman bridge, city walls, fine churches, elegant townhouses and mansions, excellent fish restaurants, fishing harbour and interesting indoor market. Tavira on either side of the River Gilao and is linked by two bridges. Take a trip to Faro with its cobbled streets and squares in the Old Town which are lined with restaurants and cafes and the 13th century Se Cathedral which offers great views over the town. Altura is ideally placed for the family to enjoy a daytrip to Seville as it is just an hour and a half drive from the Spanish border.

The resort is popular with golfing enthusiasts as it has some excellent golf courses all within a 15 minute drive. There are top quality courses, with pro shops, hire facilities and restaurants, designed by Sevy Ballesteros, Sir Henry Cotton, Jack Nicklaus and Rocky Roquemore all offer a variety of challenges. The courses offer some amazing

Tavira

views, with Castro Marim overlooking the River Guadiana and views across to Spain and Quinta da Ria set in a beautiful nature reserve.

The relaxed atmosphere in Altura means that evenings are spent enjoying a quiet meal at one of the resorts top quality restaurants or at the bars which provide some entertainment. However if you are looking for more lively evening entertainment on your late deals to Portugal you will need to take the 10 minute trip to Monte Gordo on the eastern coast of the Algarve. Monte Gordo offers more lively entertainment than Altura including a casino if you want to gamble the night away.

Altura enjoys a Mediterranean climate with gentle sea breezes that makes the temperature feel cooler than it is and helps to moderate the humidity. Temperatures average around 28C in the summer with 12 hours of sunshine a day. The sea here is the warmest in the Algarve reaching around 24C during the summer season.

Because the Algarve has very little rain and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is the ideal location for golfers.

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators voted the Algarve as the best golfing destination.

Vilamoura

The Algarve has more than 30 top class golf courses, including courses designed by Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer and Rocky Roquemore, and is visited by golfers from all over the world. San Lorenzo and the Old Course in Vilamoura are ranked among the best in Europe.

Faro is home to 10 of the top 100 courses ranked by the renowned Golf World magazine.

There are Acadamies at the David Leadbetter in Carvoeiro and at the Grotter, at the Alto Golfe in Portimao and at the Vila Sol at Vilamoura, all of which can help you improve your swing!

Course Locations

Central Algarve – Balaia, Faldo, Laguna, Laranjal, Millenium, Ocean,  O’Connor, Oceanico Academy, Old Course, Pine Cliffs, Pinhal, Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South, Royal, Salgados, San Lorenzo, Victoria, Vila Sol.

Western Algarve – Alamos, Alto Golf, Boavista, Gramacho, Morgado, Palmares, Parque de Floresta, Penina Championship, Penina Academy, Penina Resort, Pinta, Silves Golf, Vale do Milho.

Eastern Algarve – Benamor, Castra Marim, Colina Verde, Monte Rei, Quinta da Ria, Qunita de Cima, Quinta do Vale. 

On your golfing holiday to Portugal you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches, watersports, nightlife, casinos, restaurants, bars and shops.

You can book direct holidays to all of the Algarve’s golfing destinations

Algarve Beach

 through the internet, you just have to experience this wonderful country of Portugal yourself.

With much, much more than just golf on offer here watch out for the great holiday deals that are around at the moment and book that holiday of a lifetime.

For more information on Portugal and to view my latest articles please visit my Portugal Blog.