Set in a dramatic and beautiful steep-sided valley off the EN125 near Salema, Parque da Floresta is currently the only course west of Lagos.
Designed by former Spanish amateur champion Pepe Gancedo and architect of the well-known Torrequebrada course near Malaga, the 18-hole championship course is arguably the most difficult in the Algarve, with steep gradients and unforgivingly narrow fairways.
Parque da Floresta has benefited from substantial investment over recent years to widen the fairways and to reposition the resort as a family destination with a broad range of sports and leisure amenities, but the golf course remains a challenge.
The memorable par-3 fifteenth is played over a valley with a small lake. Another lake comes into play on the par-3 11th and par-4 16th and 17th holes.
The course has a variety of interesting and unusual holes, starting with a long sloping par-4 requiring an approach shot where a large hollow on the left comes into play. On the short fifth, only 88 metres from the yellow tees, played from an exposed hill-top to the green on the crown of a hillock, club selection can vary widely in the fickle winds.
The Algarve is extremely well-equipped with a variety of clubs and courts offering a full range of tennis facilities to all from those wanting a casual knock-about to those seeking full professional coaching.
Parque da Floresta, for example, has its own resident professional and a tennis centre that includes 4 quality artificial surface year-round courts. Furthermore, the Algarve´s mild climate makes it possible to play year-round.
Parque da Floresta's resident Tennis Professional, Grant Woodgate, is contactable on 00351 965 396 127 and 00351 282 998 367.
Thinking tennis holidays - Think Algarve!
Diving There are several companies offering facilities for diving along the Algarve coast. These include:
Sea Sports Centre, Praia da Luz: Offering wreck and night dives, PADI, VIT, CMAS and FPAS courses, equipment rental, compressor. Year-round service.
Ilhas Martinhal, Sagres Dives off Sagres: Diving courses to all levels.
Blue Ocean Divers, Lagos: Cave, wreck, night dives. PADI, VIT, CMAS and FPAS courses.
The boat operators in Lagos (see fishing) also offer 2 hour snorkelling excursions with all equipment included for around € 20,00.
