A round of golf on one of our wonderful coastal courses is as demanding as it is beautiful. One minute you’re teeing off on a cliff top, another and the wind suddenly changes, another and you’re gazing out across the placid, endless ocean.

In the Algarve, hole 16 of the Royal course (Vale do Lobo), is the most photographed hole in Europe. From here, there is an excellent view over the white sand and the blue sea of Falésia beach, with glimpses of the Vilamoura background.

Within a protected area south of Setúbal, Tróia is surrounded by pines, and bordered by the coastal estuaries of the River Sado and the sea.

The architect Robert Trent Jones used the contours of the dunes to make the beach the main obstacle.

The second nine holes of the Praia d'El Rey course run along the coast. Players enjoy magnificent views of Berlengas Island, against a backdrop of deep blue sea.

And when you’ve finished your round, treat yourself to a meal of fresh fish al fresco.