Start with the Belas course, where the wind forces you to rethink the natural trajectory of your stroke. Designed by William Rocky Roquemore, two holes merit particular mention: hole 2, christened ‘Augusta’ in homage to hole 13 of the course where the US Masters is played, and hole 18, a memorable par 4 called ‘Big Hole’, where the second stroke of your ball will have to travel 180 metres to the green, well protected by a daunting lake.

Part of a luxury tourist resort, formerly a convent, near the Serra de Sintra mountains, the Atlântico da Penha Longa course has already been the scene of several European Tour competitions. This hilly course offers you broad magnificent views over the countryside that surrounds you with the mountains and the sea.

The Quinta da Marinha Oitavos course, the newest in the region, designed by the famous American architect Arthur Hills, is the first course in Europe and the second in the world to have the Audubon International ‘Certified Signature Sanctuary/Gold’. With excellent views over the Palácio da Pena and Cabo da Roca, the main challenge of this course of long, wide fairways lies in the rolling greens that require precise putts.

But the most difficult challenge is leaving this charming region, which will make you want to return.