The Algarve coast, with its 150 km of white-sand beaches, is one of Europe's great golfing destinations. The abundance of world-class courses, along with southern Portugal's superb climate and stunning scenery, guarantee that a golfing holiday in the Algarve is always sure to please. Add to this the prospect of visiting charming towns and villages, enjoying the vibrant restaurant scene, based on Portuguese cuisine, and plenty of nightlife, and you have a holiday to remember.

While many will disagree about which courses make the top five, here is a selection for your consideration.

BENAMOR

With stunning views southward across the Atlantic, and to hills of the Serra do Caldeir'o in the north, the 18-hole, Par 71 Benamor has holes to suit all playing levels. It includes a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a restaurant and bar, and a well stocked pro-shop.

From the challenging first hole, with its Par 4 dogleg terminating in an elevated green guarded by bunkers, to the final hole, a 512-metre, Par 5 with it lovely Algarvean church as its backdrop, Benamor tests your golf skills and pleases your eye. But the holes have varying degrees of challenge, and the main obstacle is not a plethora of bunkers, but the need to negotiate the many mature tress that were retained when the course was founded in 2000.

BOAVISTA

Opened 2002, this 18-hole, Par 71 championship course, in the Western Algarve, just 200 yards from the Atlantic, has marvellous views of the Atlantic and a layout well incorporated into its natural surroundings. There are water obstacles on five holes, and the course offers a wide variety of challenges.

The spectacular 7th, a Par 4, with the ocean as a backdrop, is typical of the scenic distractions that make this course both exciting to play and a pleasure to be on.

PALMARES

The 18-hole, Par 71 course, overlooking the coastline, with views of the old town and bay of Lagos, is one of Algarve's most picturesque courses. Flowering shrubs, stately acacias, and almonds, and five holes set beside Meia Praia sand dunes, provide plenty of distractions, apart from the inevitable golfing challenges.

To mitigate the latter and prepare yourself for the 5,961-yard course, start at the practice driving range and putting areas. The most challenging hole is the 550-metre fifth, with its narrow fairway. You can hire clubs, trolleys, and buggies and there is a restaurant and bar.

QUINTA DA RIA

This spectacular Par 72 course, with its mountain and sea aspect, counts five lakes, and over 300 olive and carob trees among its hazards. The back nine holes run around the perimeter, and include a tough 14th hole, with a 90-degree dogleg and an extensive lake. The clubhouse has a bar and there is a golf academy, a putting green, and a driving range.

VALE DO LOBO

Designed by the famed Sir Henry Cotton, Vale do Lobo consists of two 18-hole courses, The Royal and The Ocean. Near the sea, and set among umbrella pines, orange, olive, and eucalyptus trees, the Par 3, 16th hole of the Royal course is one of the most photographed golfing holes in Europe.

The 18-hole, Par 71 Ocean course was named in Golf Digest as one of Portugal's top 3. Facilities include a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a practice net, a pro shop, and a swimming pool.