CENTER - Central Nacional do Turismo no Espaço Rural

The Solares de Portugal network has selected golf and horse riding as leisure activities with enormous tourist potential.
Golf is no longer an elitist sport. The number of people enjoying the game in their free time during the weekend or on vacation is rapidly growing. The reasons are not difficult the find. Beautiful surroundings, the benefit of exercise, the high level of concentration necessary and the social interaction that comes with the sport are the most obvious. After playing golf for a while and reaching a good technical level comes the need to try new courses. Most of the golf clubs in Portugal employ professional coaches so anybody can star to learn the game.
Horse riding enthusiasts can now take advantage of the Solares de Portugal great offer to learn the equestrian art through its national network.

Golf
The Ponte de Lima Golf Course is located a few miles from the sea in an area of great natural beauty. It will entertain both beginners and advanced players. It is designed in two nine-hole loops, with start and finish at the clubhouse.
There are many country houses to stay in Ponte de Lima, but for the golf lovers, the Casa de Anquião has the advantage of being ideally situated overlooking the course. The house has a swimming pool, a chapel and well maintained gardens.
Situated on the road that connects Ponte de Lima to Braga, the Quinta do Baganheiro, was built in the 17th century by a knight of the Order of Malta. The golf course is situated only three miles away. Away from the golf course you can rest in the gardens, walk around the estate or use the swimming pool.
The Quinta da Aldeia is near Ponte de Lima in a quiet rural area. It is decorated in rustic style and it has an old Mill and a swimming pool. On warm days the river is just a short-walk away.
On the outskirts of Ponte de Lima is the Casa de Castro, a 17th century house that has been recently refurbished with excellent taste to preserve its secular architecture. Try a stroll to the village at the end of the day or rest in the gardens and arrange for a wine tasting.
We suggest two more golf courses near Ponte de Lima for players to improve their game. The Estela Golf Club in Póvoa de Varzim was established in 1989. In 1993 it received a trophy for “club of the year” and has since been the venue of some great tournaments.
The Quinta da Barca Golf Club in Esposende boasts a versatile nine-hole course surrounded by pleasant landscape that includes a sweet water marina. It is situated on the right bank of the River Cávado, in Barca do Lago, 4 miles from Esposende and despite its simple design demands serious approach. The undulating greens, the well planned bunkers and the three lakes guarantee an interesting challenge amidst the pine forest.
The British introduced golf in Portugal establishing the first course in 1890, The Oporto Golf Club enjoys an enormous prestige that still holds today. The course is a par 71 totalling 5157 yards of magnificent surroundings much appreciated by the players and also an excellent clubhouse. The reputed hospitality of the region allied to the equally famous gastronomy are excellent factors that invite you to visit.
About two miles from Oporto the 18th century Quinta da Granja, in Maia is a excellent place to stay. A library, a chapel, and secular gardens provide peaceful surroundings. Bicycle riding is available.
In Felgueiras you can stay at Casa do Cotto, an ancient house with Brazilian traces originating from the 16th century with well protected gardens and vineyards. There is a chapel, swimming pool and games room.