Northern Portugal is fast emerging as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking to combine their passion for the sport with the region's rich gastronomy, exquisite wines, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. With the Porto Golf Pass, players may experience five outstanding 18-hole golf courses, each offering unique challenges and scenic beauty. Let’s explore what makes Northern Portugal an unparalleled golf destination.

Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima
Set in the picturesque Minho region, Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima offers a blend of mountainous and flat terrain. The course is known for its natural beauty, with many holes providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The varied layout, with its strategic water hazards and tree-lined fairways, ensures a challenging yet enjoyable round for all skill levels.

Estela Golf Club
Located along the beautiful Atlantic coast, Estela Golf Club is renowned for its challenging links-style course. The sea views and the fresh ocean breeze provide a refreshing and invigorating golfing experience. The course’s demanding layout, with its natural sand dunes and strategic bunkers, is complemented by the club’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities.

Vidago Palace Golf Course
Located in the historic Vidago Palace Hotel, this course is a gem of Northern Portugal. Redesigned by renowned golf architect Cameron Powell, it features a blend of parkland and woodland holes. The course is celebrated for its immaculate condition, challenging layout, and the majestic backdrop of the ancient looking palace and surrounding parklands.

Oporto Golf Club
As the second oldest golf club in mainland Europe, Oporto Golf Club offers a historic and traditional golfing experience, since 1890. The course itself is a testament to the sport’s history in Portugal, featuring well-maintained fairways and greens that cater to both novice and seasoned golfers. The club’s historic charm is evident in its clubhouse, which houses a collection of golfing memorabilia.

Golfe de Amarante
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Tâmega and Sousa regions, it is known for its hilly terrain and stunning views. The course is both challenging and scenic, with tight fairways and elevated greens requiring precision and skill. The serene environment and the beautiful vistas to the surrounding mountains make golfing here a truly relaxing experience.

BEYOND GOLF: GASTRONOMY, WINE, CULTURE AND SIGHTSEEING

Northern Portugal offers much more than just golf. After a day on the course, indulge in the region’s renowned gastronomy. From fresh seafood dishes along the coast to the hearty meat and game dishes inland, the culinary experiences are diverse and delight. From the typical and cosy ‘tasca’ to Michelin star restaurants, the range of offer is wide.

Wine lovers will revel in the opportunity to explore the Douro Valley, one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions in the world. Renowned for its Port wine, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. Visitors to the Douro Valley can indulge in a variety of experiences, including touring historic vineyards, partaking in wine tastings, and savouring the stunning scenery of terraced vineyards that cascade down the slopes along the Douro River. Additionally, wine enthusiasts can also enjoy Vinho Verde, a refreshing and slightly effervescent wine from the nearby Minho region. The combination of the Douro Valley's rich winemaking heritage and the unique charm of Vinho Verde makes this area a must-visit destination for any wine connoisseur.

Cultural enthusiasts will find Northern Portugal rich in history and traditions. Porto, the region’s capital, is a vibrant city known for its historic architecture, including the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city’s cultural offerings include the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore, the contemporary art museum Serralves, and numerous historic churches and cathedrals.

For sightseeing, the region offers a wealth of options. Explore the medieval town of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal, or visit Ponte de Lima, the most ancient village in Portugal. The coastal town of Viana do Castelo and the scenic landscapes of the Peneda - Gerês National Park are also must-visit destinations.

Northern Portugal, with its excellent golf courses, rich gastronomy, world-class wines, vibrant culture, and breathtaking sights, provides a holistic and unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts. The Porto Golf Pass unlocks access to five diverse and challenging 18-hole courses, each set amidst the region’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you are putting on the greens or savoring local delicacies and wines, Northern Portugal offers an unparalleled blend of sport and leisure, making it a truly remarkable golf destination.

For more information about Axis Ponte de Lima Golf Resort and to book, email comercial@axisgolfe.com or call +351 967330429.

• Axis Hotéis & Golfe group is a family enterprise established since 1997, with 7 hotels and 1 golf course in Northern Portugal, is a consolidated hotel group in the process of being prepared to expand to other national destinations.
• The facilities stretch from the most beautiful northern beaches of Ofir, Póvoa de Varzim or Viana do Castelo to the verdant countryside of Ponte de Lima, as well as Portugal’s most emblematic cities as Porto and Braga.
• Axis Hotéis & Golfe group presents different concepts, betting in all market segments from MI, Corporate, Leisure, Golf, Health & Wellbeing, Gastronomic and oriented towards product diversity, with the objective to be recognized for excellent quality & price products by customers.
• High-resolution imagery of Axis Hotéis & Golfe group can be downloaded from here.

A Family Group from Northern Portugal to the World!