Europe?s Best Value Golf Destinations

If you're looking for a golfing holiday, where great value is as important as great golf, then fly to Faro International Airport, rent a car, and drive to southern Portugal and nearby Spain. Some of the best value golfing destinations can be found in Eastern Algarve in Portugal, and in the Spanish regions of Costa de la Luz and Costa del Sol.

A budget golf holiday in Eastern Algarve If you're on a budget and looking for a quiet holiday that combines golf and nature, then head for this region. Here you'll find well-planned courses, national parks and a range of budget hotels with seven-night prices from around ?299 per person.

Some of the best value rooms with a sea view can be found at Eurotel Altura, only a 40-minute drive from Faro Airport. The hotel is set right on the beach, close to the Castro Marim golf course, and just three miles from Quinta da Ria Golf Course. In fact, there are four reasonably priced golf courses close by the hotel. Don't be deceived by the sixties exterior ? the refurbished rooms are well decorated and comfortable. Best of all, you have the option of eating in the hotel restaurant, with its fine sea views and buffet service, or you can head into the village of Altura with its many dining choices. The Fernando Restaurant, known for its local cuisine and especially fresh fish, is within walking distance of the hotel.

Costa de la Luz; the Spanish golfing alternative It's also worthwhile flying into Faro for transfer by rental car to Spanish golfing region of Costa de la Luz. On clearing the airport, it's just a 50-minute drive from to the bridge at Ayamonte and across into Spain. There are many good value hotels and, of course, the golfing options are equal to any in Europe. Best of all, green fee rates are 20 per cent lower.

Riu Atlantico is the place to stay ? holidaymakers travelling with golf holiday specialists Longshotgolf recently voted the hotel "No 1 value for money". This is an exceptional four-star hotel, with friendly, helpful staff who make you feel welcome. It has spacious rooms with a fully stocked minibar and air conditioning, and the buffet restaurant offers on-the-spot cooking. The hotel's large conservatory area has fascinating water features and the promenade running along the front of the hotel makes an enjoyable evening walk. Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima courses are only a short drive away.

Costa de la Sol is a golfer?s paradise Nicknamed ?Costa del Golf?, popular and bustling Costa del Sol offers plenty of golf holiday accommodation options for budget travellers. And with 20 new courses opened in the past 20 years, competition keeps prices down. The mild winters and perfect spring and autumn days make ideal weather for golf or just sunning yourself around the resort pool or on the beach. Off the green, time can also be spent exploring the picturesque yacht harbours, up-market shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Marbella, one of the world?s most glamorous resort destinations, has a casino, and the backstreets of the old town offer bargain brand-name clothing and souvenirs. Nearby Aloha Golf, Las Brisas and Los Naranjos are all recommended golf courses.

At Pueto Banus, further west, you?ll find the budget-priced PYR Puerto Banus, popular with golfing groups. Staying in a basic, self-catering studio apartment allows you to save on meal costs. When you decide to head out to eat, it?s just a three-minute walk to the marina, where you can dine with a great view of the yachts. For a nightcap, the hotel Golf Bar is perfect and it stays open until 3:30am.

Rod Ritchie writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. http://www.billgoff.com and http://www.longshotgolf.co.uk offer great value golfing breaks to many European and worldwide destinations.