The Azores Islands, a lush Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands, were voted by the International Golf Travel Market as one of the best undiscovered golfing destinations in the world in 2006 and property developers Oceanico has just unveiled plans for the 300 million euro first phase of the Azalea golf course and Portuguese island property development.

Scheduled to start in September 2007, it will see the creation of the five-star Azalea Golf & Leisure Resort, the first luxury golf resort to be developed on the Portuguese island.

Located on the 27-hole Azalea course, the new 120-hectare Portuguese island property development will include 176 apartments, 10 luxury villas, 20 semi-detached villas, 72 lock off units and a condominium spa hotel comprising 80 rooms and neighbouring apartments, a five-star spa, a conference centre and a broad variety of sport and leisure facilities, including swimming pools and tennis courts.

"There has been growing European interest in the Azores over the last 12 months, not least because of the stunning scenery and fantastic golf courses," says Simon Burgess, director of Oceânico Group. "And with direct flights from the UK the Azores are becoming increasingly accessible, this is a key time in the development of the area."

He continues: "As one of the first developers in the area we are looking forward to setting the standard for the overseas property market on the islands, with our intention being to create one of the most stunning golf resorts in the world. Alongside world-class golf facilities will sit luxury villa and apartment developments containing leisure facilities of the highest standard."

For non-golfers the islands offer a wide choice of activities, including whale and dolphin watching, walking, cycling, horse riding, sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing, plus a variety of beaches.

Future plans in the Azores include the second phase of the Azalea development and the creation of a third golf course on the island of Faial, together with a fourth course to be built at a location to be confirmed.  The overall development of Azores Golf Islands is expected to be concluded by 2016.

Other Portuguese island property proving to be popular with overseas buyers is on Madeira and Porto Santo.

Property prices on the most popular Portuguese tourist island, Madeira, have recently been growing at around 10 per cent per annum. As two thirds of the island, known as 'flower island', is protected land, this level of growth is expected to increase in the medium term. The island has traditionally attracted a wide range of foreign investors as sea-view properties on Madeira remain considerably cheaper than on the Algarve coast.

Sixty-five kilometres north-east of Madeira, Portuguese island property on Porto Santo is as yet not as popular with foreign tourists. However, the local government has a strategy in place to encourage investment in the island. Porto Santo is already modern and progressive and new infrastructure is being built, including Columbo Resort, an £85-million development near a new PGA golf course.

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Article first published 20 June 2007