Elsa Honecker's golf blog

Winter escape to the sunny Algarve Part I

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The Algarve's mild, sunny climate often reaches a pleasant 18 to 22 degrees even in January - perfect for a few rounds of golf on the much-vaunted 32 courses. From as early as February, blossoming almond trees transform the landscape into a delicate white, while the aromatic scent of herbs wafts through the air and turns every outdoor sport into a sensual experience, whether with the family or as a single person. In our search for suitable accommodation, we found what we were looking for in Carvoeiro, Loulé and Vilamoura and discovered something suitable for both families and passionate golfers.

The fascinating diversity of the Algarve

Many people know Portugal's southern coast as the epitome of a carefree beach and beach vacation - with hidden bays between glowing red rocks and azure blue water. In addition, a fresh breeze from the Atlantic makes the temperatures in midsummer seem pleasant. Guests with an affinity for art will still find lasting traces of Moorish influence in the architecture and language. The small town of Carvoeiro near Silves, the former capital of Portugal, is best known for the Algar Seco Park and Boardwalk, which runs right by the sea through spectacular rock and cave landscapes. You start directly in the town and walk along the sea on a wooden walkway - particularly beautiful at sunset. Another idyllic spot is Praia de Carvoeiro, a small, very atmospheric town beach with golden sand, white houses in the background and fishing boats offering tours. There are also some nice fish restaurants here with moderate prices. The white apartments of the "Seven Collection" - the Casas de Carvoeiro - are located on one of the hills above the town, just a 10-minute walk from the town center. Whether apartment or studio with communal pool or private pool - everyone will find their own special highlight here, be it the sea view, the roof terrace or the outdoor barbecue. The authentic Portuguese ambience is created by natural wooden materials, spiced up by design elements in the spacious kitchen, dining room and bedrooms, which are located in the basement. Perfect for a vacation with family or friends. For golfers, whether beginners or professionals, there are two options: The 9-hole Vale des MIlho course overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and ideally suited for a family round of golf or the 18-hole championship course, right next to Gramacho, more for the sporty vacationer.

www.sevencollection.de

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Where art meets great wines

Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar, not far from Portimão, was founded in 1989 and taken over by the German-born artist and wine enthusiast Karl Heinz Stock in 2006. No wonder it feels more like an open-air museum than a quinta. Huge sculptures - sometimes voluptuous female bodies, sometimes flying elephants, sometimes colorful bears - dominate the scene. And yet no one should underestimate the quality of the wines produced here, as the Quinta dos Vales has been awarded the title of "Best Wine of the Algarve" five times alone. Around 20 hectares are planted with 15 different grape varieties, including typical Portuguese varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonês, Verdelho and Alvarinho, as well as international varieties such as Alicante Bouschet, Syrah, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon. Around 150,000 bottles are produced from these grapes each year - some of them single-varietal and some as cuvées. Those who want to delve deeper into the art of winemaking can book the "Winemaker Experience" and become the owner of a small vineyard plot within the winery. Each plot is sized to produce around one barrel (225 liters) of wine per year, which you can then call your own.

www.quintadosvales.pt.en