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By David Brice, Golf International, Inc.

It comes as no surprise to see Europe flying high atop the popularity charts again this year, firmly ensconced in its position as America's favorite vacation destination. The magnet that draws so many of us across the Atlantic year after year, to experience the centuries of history and culture, the food and wines, art, shopping, museums and so much more, is simply irresistible. No matter which country, no matter what city, this is the European magic we all love and it's the cities of Europe -- those treasure troves of all we travel for -- that are the main attraction.

Portugal's enchanting capital of Lisbon, perhaps the most under-rated city in all of Europe.

While city magic is fine for the majority, the traveling golfer is not always as easily satisfied. Whether planning to play a lot of golf or just a couple of rounds, private golf clubs close to many European cities, are often less than accommodating and the clubs boasting the very best courses, frequently don't permit visitors at all

That of course is a generalization and there are a few exceptions here and there, unless you have selected Spain or Portugal, where practically every golf club within driving distance of every city, no matter how private, greets visitors with open arms.

There's something about golf on The Iberian Peninsula that is pleasingly different to the rest of Continental Europe and the welcome awaiting all visitors is an important part of the difference. Combine this with the large concentrations of world-class layouts to be found in both Portugal and Spain and you understand why The Iberian Peninsula has become the heart and soul of European golf.

Stay in Portugal's enchanting capital of Lisbon, perhaps the most under-rated city in all of Europe and you have every city pleasure imaginable with more than a dozen excellent golf courses, all located within a half hour of the city center. Included among these are some of Portugal's very best and the good news, each welcomes visitors with that thoroughly genuine hospitality for which the Portuguese are so famous.

Oitavos Golfe is situated close to the charming seaside resort town of Cascais and is a stunning layout that took Portugal's golf world by storm when it opened in 2001. Already ranked # 3 in the country and still rising, this is a must play and only a half hour from Lisbon's city center.

It's only a brief 10-minute drive inland to the historic small town of Sintra, with its proud display of centuries old palaces and nearby, the golf resort of Penha Longa, operated by Ritz Carlton. Of the two courses here, The Atlantic Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. is the star and considered one of Portugal's most challenging, listed among Europe's Top 100.

Crossing the Tagus River and driving a half hour south of Lisbon, more quality golf is waiting to be discovered along the Costa Azul where the prize catch is Trioa Golfe, located on the scenic Setubal Peninsula. An intriguing links design from Robert Trent Jones, the course has been considered as one of the best on the Iberian Peninsula ever since it first opened some 25 years ago -- but it's a toughie and a stiff challenge for even low handicappers. For a less testing day of golf, try nearby Quinta do Peru or the thoroughly enjoyable, Aroeira

If you're looking for a day excursion of fascinating sightseeing and the chance to play Praia d'El Rey, Portugal's very best, take the one hour drive north of Lisbon to the perfectly preserved, medieval village of Obidos. You will need at least a couple of hours to explore this National Monument, more if you want to have a leisurely lunch in the village. Then it's on to nearby Praia d'El Rey, an imaginative combination of links, cliff-top and parkland, dramatically spread out along a gorgeously pristine, Atlantic beach.

Penha Longa golf resort features two courses, including The Atlantic Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

This wild and wonderful stunner, ranked # 16 among Europe's Top 100, is a beauty not to be missed. I guarantee, by the 18th hole, you'll be wanting to play Praia d'El Rey again and again. And this is still only a taste of Portugal's combination of big city delights and glorious golf. Oporto, the country's second largest city and center of the Port Wine industry, offers more of the same, including Oporto Golf Club, Portugal's oldest course, dating from 1890. Along The Algarve Coast, the southernmost part of The Portuguese mainland, the picture is just as enticing, where the old city of Faro is surrounded by another 30 crackerjack courses.

There's a very similar situation in Spain, where some of the most delightful Spanish cities have a wealth of top-flight golf courses close by and they are all readily accessible to visitors. They stretch all the way along the Mediterranean coast from Barcelona and the Costa Brava in the northeast, to Valencia, with its fabled course at El Saler. Continuing on to Alicante, then Malaga and the Costa del Sol, home to Europe's # 1 course at Valderrama, plus 50 more, the golf choices are mind boggling.

Wherever the Spanish coast goes, so goes golf and as the Mediterranean Sea winds its way past Gibraltar, turning into the Atlantic Ocean, golf follows. The ancient city of Cadiz and the Costa de la Luz, stretching all the way to the Portuguese border is yet another golfing center. But perhaps one of the most delightful of Spanish cities, always with a warm welcome for golfers, sits just 40 miles inland from Cadiz.

Seville, the capital of the region of Andalucia, is about as special as any city can be and in many ways, a microcosm of every image Spain brings to mind. This is the birthplace of bullfighting, the home of flamenco and the city that gave Spain those delectable savory treats called tapas. Seville is a laid back lifestyle where the enjoyment of life comes before everything.

Many consider Valderrama, site of the 1997 Ryder Cup, one of Europe's finest courses.

Filled with narrow winding, cobblestone streets, impressive, centuries old palaces, churches, a massive cathedral, and innumerable historic monuments, there is more history in this picture postcard city than you can shake a stick at. Understandably, every visitor immediately falls in love with the place, golfers included. There may not be a profusion of courses around, but the 3 in the immediate area each offers an enjoyable round amid extremely pleasant surroundings.

Real Club Pineda de Sevilla, dating from 1939, sits on the outskirts of Seville, about 15 minutes from the city center. This is the city's long established country club and a thoroughly enjoyable course and a chance to experience the Andalucian lifestyle for a day. Club Zaudin is a more challenging layout and a testy design by Gary Player, with some wonderful views across the city, but it's the third of Seville's courses you must play.

Real Club de Golf de Sevilla is the shining star in these parts and a stunning piece of golf architecture from Jose Maria Olazabal. As might be expected, Olazabal has placed an emphasis on the short game and all of the shrewdly placed bunkers and water hazards are very much in play, making strategy key to a good round. Host to the World Cup in 2004, this is a course every good golfer is going to appreciate and from the front tees, even the high handicappers will have fun.

Built in 1968 by the internationally recognized "architect of Spanish golf," Javier Arana, El Saler hugs the shores of the Mediterranean sea .

Golfers take heart, it is possible to enjoy a real European city vacation, savoring the history, culture, gastronomy and wealth of other experiences they provide and still find the welcome mat at nearby, world-class golf courses. Spain and Portugal are unique, not only their ability to provide this rare combination, but to do so in such grand style.

The Iberian Peninsula contains some wonderfully intriguing cities and offers perhaps one of the most genuine travel experiences remaining in Europe today. And when it comes to high quality of golf, Portugal and Spain, are in a league of their own. So it's time to make a decision, which of the two should be your chosen destination?

Each country has its own individual appeal and although they share similarities, in many ways, they are quite different. Fortunately, as immediate neighbors, combining both Spain and Portugal together in one trip makes a lot of sense -- just make sure you allow at least 10 to 14 days for the trip and you will not only have the chance to play a sampling of Europe's top ranked courses, but also enjoy two of the world's most fascinating cultures. For a few ideas on how, click here.

© 2007 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Golf International -- Providers of quality golf travel arrangements since 1988.

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