Golf in Troia. Most dificult in Europe

The region of Setubal is the perfect place in Portugal for some Golf holidays. We have 7 excellent golf courses.  Know a bit more about one in Troia:

Troia Golf Course
Considered to be Portugal’s most difficult golf course, Troia is a major challenge to any golfer. It is one of the links designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1982. Its principal obstacle is sand which borders the whole course, where pine trees and wild plants are also found in abundance. Naturally Jones has utilised his trademark bold bunkering, raised greens and some doglegs, which sweep between pine trees. 




The 368-metre par four 3^rd is one of the finest sea holes in Portugal and there are numerous other outstanding holes on this lovely course.
Wedged between the Atlantic Ocean, the Sado Estuary and the Serra da Arrabida the setting of this Golf course is a truly magical inspiration for any golfer that appreciates the surroundings while playing Golf.

Curiosity: When the Portuguese Open came to Troia in 1983, Sam Torrance was the only player to better par for the championship, which is a testament to Troia’s challenge. In 2010 Troia will host the Troia International Golf Cup in August.




DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO FIND THE COURSE:
Drive south on the A2 (IC3) to Setubal. When in Setubal follow the direction signs to the Troia Ferry. After crossing on the Ferry drive south on the EN 253 in the direction of Comporta. You will see on this road directional signs for the course.
COURSE FACILITIES:
Driving Range · Putting Green(2) · Pro Shop · Short Game Practice Area · Restaurant & Bar


REVIEWS:

“I played the course in June 2009 as part of our annual Golf trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day. This course is one of the best I have played in Portugal so far. We will certainly be back!”
Scott Londsdale, UK
We invite you spend some of your vacations and holidays time visiting Arrábida Hills. We invite you to visit Setubal and to visit  Portugal.

If need to book, more information, please contact us. www.portugaldreamcoast.com

Loving Setúbal, Loving Golf

Each year more and more people around the world come to Portugal and to the Setúbal region to play Golf and this happens for a reason. With some stunning Golf courses and breathtaking views, it has everything you need for the perfect Golf holidays, including one course designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones.

Know more about it here: Golf in Tróia

Tróia International Golf Cup 2010 - in August!

Between the 26th and 28th August it will take place in the region of Setúbal the Tróia International Golf Cup, one of the most important Golf events taking place in the summer time in Portugal.

If you're a Golf lover you simply cannot afford to miss this event. It will take place at the Tróia Golf Championship Course, considered amongst Golf players to be one of the best top golf courses of the world and was considered by “Golf World” magazine to be one of the best 100 Golf courses of Europe. Robert Trent Jones Senior designed the course and it opened for play in 1980.

The 368-metre par four 3rd is one of the finest sea holes in Portugal but there are more stunning holes in this course. The holes are laid out on the dunes whilst magnificent pinewoods line most of the fairways on the inland side. The course is challenging but whilst playing the player has charming views across the sand to the magnificent blue Atlantic.

This is a magnificent time of the year to visit Tróia not only to see this event but also because of the stunning climate and everything the region has to offer in terms of travel holidays.

Why not combine your Golf passion with a visit to the stunning Tróia white sandy beaches and enjoy the wonderful Portuguese food available? Contact us if you with to know more.

Curious? See for yourself:

Comporta chosen to receive Golf Ryder Cup 2018

Amongst several locations applying in Portugal, Herdade da Comporta with its project Comporta Dunes in the Setúbal region was chosen to host the Ryder Cup in 2018.

An invitation to submit an application was addressed to the Portuguese Golf Federation for over a year, and Comporta will be competing with Spain, France, Germany, Holland and Sweden. The European Tour and the final decision will be taken in the first quarter of 2011.

The Ryder Cup is the third largest sports event worldwide media coverage, with 1.1 billion (tele) spectators, after the Olympic Games 3.7 and 3.4 of the World Cup.

Just for 2018, the Ryder Cup Europe has embarked on a process of applying highly professional and demanding, like other big events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup or America.

This is a wonderful event for this region since Golf is one of its main attractions and this comes to emphasize the professional and high level of Golf courses in the Setúbal region.

The good news is you don't have to wait until 2018 to enjoy it. Many other Golf events take place in this region, so why not come and play as well?

Take a look at the video below with stunning Golf images of the region:

Prada postcard sunglasses from Setubal

The luxury fashion house Prada is launching by the end of March a limited edition summer collection of sunglasses that represents 6 cities across the world that are a holiday resort and on Prada’s city trip list.

And one of the destinies is Setubal.

Part of the collection "Postcards Sunglasses" with 6 six different sunglasses, the Setubal ones are totally in mat black with a retro design and tinted lenses in vogue this season.

Prada explains why it choose Setubal:

"Setubal has one of the most beautiful bays in the world. And recently they found more then 200 sea species at Arrabida. Setubal is bright yellow facades and balconies jutting out, welcoming. The famous old Mosteiro de Jesus topped with lace patterned stone and the great, colored ships in the port look, from a distance, like bobbing toys.

To celebrate the new Postcards line, Prada unveils a new short audio-tale by long-time collaborator Steven Meisel accompanied by this delightfully quirky fashion prose:

"We were at the seaside

Water the color of a cloudy bottle.
Maybe Forte dei Marmi or Montauk,
Biarritz or Setùbal.
A faded postcard is my sacred relic.
In lavender ink and her loopy hand:

Wish we were here."

Your holidays in Setubal

Commemorations of João Vaz's work in Setubal

On the 27th February at Casa da Baia is going to take place the exhibition and conference "João Vaz and Setubal", to commemorate the work of the deceased João Vaz, a well-known painting artist from Setubal.

If you're visiting Setubal and want to know more about this region this is an excellent opportunity, since the strong bond between this artist and Setubal is present in all of his works. Most of his beautiful paintings are landscapes of the region of Setubal: the salt marsh, the bay, Arrabida, but he also has some more urban paintings of the city as well.

João Vaz (1859-1931) had a very distinct technique and was one of the first painting artists using photographs. Surely an event not to miss.

Portugal Atlantic Tour 2010 - Equestrian Event

Herdade da Comporta near Setubal is helding from the 17th February and until the 22nd March the most important equestrian event in Portugal, named the "Atlantic Tour", on its 4th edition.

For five weeks this “equestrian city" brings together 350 riders from 26 countries, 750 horses and, all told, an estimated total of roughly 5000 visitors and participants. The 8 competitions being held will all count to the world ranking.

The region has been steadily attracting more and more horse riders and visitors from all over the world. This year’s event will also have two entirely new sections, Dressage and Horseball.

Amongst the world famous riders that have their participation confirmed, are Kevin Staut (France), Penelope Leprevost, winner of the 2009 edition, Michael Whitaker (UK) and the leader of the Portuguese ranking Luis Gonçalves.

Spectators can watch the events from close up or, if they prefer, from one of the two restaurants made available to visitors.

You still have time to visit this region and watch this fantastic event at Comporta! Let us know if you have any questions and/or need help with your stay. We can also inform you about daily results from the competitions. Just email us on joaolcabral@netcabo.pt. And don't forget to check our tips about Setubal! :)

Setubal photos, from Jose Canelas

"Mourisca"

Jose Canelas photos

Sports during your holidays

The region of Setubal and Troia is well-known because of the possibility of practicing several sports, like:

Water sports: These include surf, swimming, scuba-diving, sailing, fishing and windsurf. There is a sailing school and a scuba-diving school where you can rent a sailing boat and equipment and also have lessons , with a range of classes for varying abilities.
If you chose scuba diving, a popular activity, there is many diverse types of fish and underwater sea life to see. Water sports here are a truly unique experience since is where the river meets the sea.

Troia was the host of the 2009 ISAF World Sailing Troia Portugal Match Cup.

Golf: The Troia Golf course is considered amongst Golf players to be one of the best top golf courses of the world and was considered by “Golf World” magazine to be one of the best 100 Golf courses of Europe. Robert Trent Jones Senior designed the course and it opened for play in 1980.

The 368-metre par four 3rd is one of the finest sea holes in Portugal but there are more stunning holes in this course. The holes are laid out on the dunes whilst magnificent pinewoods line most of the fairways on the inland side. The course is challenging but whilst playing the player has charming views across the sand to the magnificent blue Atlantic. There are also Golf lessons available.

Nature: Mountain biking and nature walks are good options if you like being surrounded by nature. And with Arrabida near, it will be a real pleasure. The Arrabida Mountain range soon will be considered world heritage due to its beautiful nature reserve.This location is perfect if you’re looking for the tranquility and peace that only the contact with nature offers. If you want to know a bit of history as well, you can also visit the 16th Century Roman ruins in Troia. Whatever your choice don’t forget to take your water bottle and your camera with you!

Football: Being the homeland of Jose Mourinho, this place couldn’t miss having football fields. There are 3 in Troia for you to play and why not making a visit to the local football team “Vitoria de Setubal”, where Mourinho started his career as a football coach?

Beach sports: Running and beach volley are only two of the sports you can practice in the more than 40km of white sandy beaches in the Troia region. Contrary to the Algarve, the beaches are not crowded so you can truly enjoy your activities.

Tennis: There is a tennis academy in Troia with 10 green courts for you to play day and night. They also offer tennis lessons if you want to learn a new sport while on holidays!

Bowling: There are 6 bowling lanes in Troia and its combination of fun, facilities, staff and service makes the bowling a good choice when it comes to choosing a leisure activity for a great time out during your holidays.The difference is striking!