Undiscovered Portugal

The popular golfing country has plenty more fascinating courses to the north of its Algarve and Lisbon strongholds

- Rob Smith

While there is much to be said for Portugal's most famous golf resorts and courses around the capital and on the south coast, there is a different story to tell if you decide to venture off-piste and centre a tour around Porto in the north. This enchanting and romantic city sprawls along a hillside flanking the Douro river as it makes its way out into the Atlantic.

It is the nation's second-largest city and the ideal start, end or both for a golfing trip to the region. It is packed with remarkable buildings, superb restaurants and enough attractions to warrant a visit in its own right.

On the southern outskirts of the city is Oporto Golf Club, which dates back to 1890 and is the oldest on the Iberian peninsula. It is a traditional links along flat ground with a clubhouse that oozes history and bygone times. The opening holes lie closest to the shore, but the back nine is the stronger of the two, especially the closing four, where water comes more dramatically into play. Also close to the city centre, Miramar is a fun nine-holer that was founded in 1932.