Situated in the northern tip of Portugal, Vidago Palace is a unique golfing venue. It is the only place for golf in the area, with the nearest course to Vidago Palace sitting more than an hour away. Add that to the palace, which has been converted into a hotel, the thermal baths and spa, and the location of the resort, and you have something very special indeed.

The Palace has been around for more than a century. In the 19th Century, King D. Carlos wanted a luxury therapeutic spa built, one that would receive international acclaim. The Vidago waters were already considered to be of national interest at the time, and so after a lengthy building process, the Vidago Palace Hotel was inaugurated in 1910.

The Palace has now been transformed into a sophisticated, luxury hotel in the heart of the Vidago Thermal Park. Close to 70 glorious rooms are available, all with mod-cons and with amazing views of both the mountains and the forests of the park. The hotel is also the home to a Thermal Spa, where the thermal waters are used to help guests relax and unwind, while using the healing and therapeutic powers of the waters.

Vidago Palace is also the home to a stunning golf course, which was originally designed by Mackenzie Ross around a quarter of a century after the Palace was inaugurated. A recent redesign from Cameron & Powell has brought the course up to USGA specifications, and the new design flows between the trees and the stone walls, which have been a part of the land for more than a century.

 

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The Vidago Palace Golf Course has a unique feel. The course was originally designed by Mackenzie Ross prior to the start of the Second World War, with a redesign by Cameron & Powell bringing the course up to USGA specifications. 

The Par 72 course has its own little quirks and challenges, one of which is the stone walls that support all the tees, each of which was made from local stone. The Cameron & Powell redesign maintained the identity of the course, with centuries-old trees being preserved.

Holes are played both within and on top of the Centenary Park at Vidago, while the middle run of the course was built from scratch in the Oura Valley. The last few holes sit higher than the rest of the course, and have breathtaking views of the hills and the villages in the distance.

A stream runs through the course, and comes into play on several holes. The stream runs down the right side of the 2nd, before cutting across the short par-3 3rd hole. It is then also in play on the 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th on the front nine, with the stream cutting through the middle of the 8th fairway. 

Alongside the championship golf course lies the Vidago Palace Golf Academy. The academy is the home to a 340m long driving range, which features both covered and matted bays, and grass tees to the side. There is also a short game area, which includes two putting greens and a chipping area.

Lessons are provided by Head Professional Paulo Ferreira, who will take all ages and abilities under his tutelage. Both individual and group lessons are on offer from the Academy, as well as on course tuition.

The Vidago Palace has been converted into a luxury hotel. Housed in the century-old palace in the Vidago Thermal Park, the 5-star hotel offers its guests a glorious stay. Surrounded by the mountains and the forest, the palace was initially known for its thermal baths, due to the excellence of its waters. 

Every room is elegant and sophisticated, with stunning decor. In total, there are just shy of 70 rooms in the Vidago Palace Hotel. Those range from the Classic Room, which is the Vidago Palace’s standard offering, all the way up to Grand Suites, the most luxurious of places to rest your head. 

The Classic Rooms are cosy, with double or twin beds. The bathrooms have a bath or shower and most benefit from natural light, giving even more life to the whole space. Each room also has a 43" LED flat screen TV,  iPhone docking station, Nespresso coffee machine and Molton Brown amenities in the bathroom.

The Themral Spa at the Vidago Palace Hotel is just another reason to stay at this stunning location. The power of the thermal waters, which are collected directly from deep wells in granite rock, along with the gorgeous architecture of the building, are all brought together to create a wonderful atmosphere.

The Vidago Palace Thermal Spa provides a glorious experience, with the aim of allowing its guests to relax, unwind and de-stress in a number of ways.

The aforementioned thermal water has both therapeutic and healing properties, with benefits on numerous parts of the body, including the skin, the cardiovascular system, the digestive system and the musculoskeletal system.

Where is Vidago Palace located?
Vidago Palace is one of Portugal’s finest golf courses, but it is not on the Algarve or near Lisbon. In fact, Vidago Palace is located at the northern tip of the country, near the towns of Oura and Arcosso. The nearest major city is Braga, which is more than 100km to the west.

What is the nearest airport to Vidago Palace?
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is the nearest major airport, which services the city of Porto. From Vidago Palace, it is approximately 135km by road. It is the second busiest airport in the country, operating several flights daily to the majority of European countries.

What golf facilities does Vidago Palace offer?
Along with the golf course, there is also a 340m driving range, ideal for beginners and for those who need to practise their swing. There is also a short game area, with a chipping green and two putting greens. Buggies, trolleys, electric trolleys and club hire are available at the Club House.

The Club House, also reborn as a new project by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, is the result of the restoration of an old stone building dating from 1886, where you will find a restaurant, a bar and a shop.

Does Vidago Palace offer golf lessons?
The Vidago Palace Golf Academy provides lessons from the driving range, with Head Professional Paulo Ferreira being the man to help with tuition. Individual lessons, group clinics and courses for juniors, the Golf Academy at Vidago Palace provides tuition for all ages and abilities.

What are the green fees at Vidago Palace?
Compared to the majority of golfing venues on the NCG Top 100 European Golf Resorts list, to play at Vidago Palace is relatively cheap. Throughout the year, the most expensive price for a green fee is just €70.

Is Vidago Palace suitable for families?
The Vidago Palace Hotel is the home to the Kids Club Jeronimo, which is the ideal place for children to be inspired and encouraged to grow. Games, educational and recreational activities are provided by a team of qualified individuals to allow the children to enjoy themselves, and to be whoever they want to be.

What accommodation is on offer at Vidago Palace?
The Vidago Palace Hotel is a stunning place to stay. Surrounded by mountains and forest in the Vidago Thermal Park, the 5-star hotel provides stunning luxury with all the mod-cons. From Classic Rooms to the Grand Suites, there is something for every guest at the Vidago Palace. Families and even pets are welcomed at Vidago Palace.

What other resorts and courses are nearby?
There are no other golf courses within an hour of Vidago Palace, with it being based in a remote area of northern Portugal. The nearest golfing venue is Amarante, which is situated around 55 miles to the southwest from Vidago Palace.

 

Book your trip to Vidago Palace with Golfbreaks now.

Visit Vidago Palace’s website here.

Go Back To NCG's Top 100s Homepage.