The Algarve has already received several international awards as the best golf destination in the world. Quite rightly - here in the south of Portugal you can expect over 40 golf courses, first-class hotels, magnificent landscapes, countless small bars and restaurants and 300 days of sunshine a year.
Look forward to a fantastic golf vacation in the Algarve!
Like a string of pearls, the 40 golf courses in the Algarve are spread along the entire coast. Sometimes with a view of the Atlantic, sometimes situated inland, some flat, others hilly, but always framed with a beautiful natural backdrop and equipped with perfect training facilities. The variety of courses alone guarantees a varied and exciting golf vacation in Portugal's south.
Vale do Lobo is home to two outstanding golfing experiences: the Royal Course and the Ocean Course. Both are inspired by the vision of the legendary Sir Henry Cotton and were brought to life by renowned American golf course architect Rocky Roquemore.
The Royal Course features one of Europe’s most iconic holes – the 16th – a breathtaking par 3 that demands a dramatic shot across the cliffs and is the most photographed hole on the continent.
The Ocean Course, with its distinct links character, stretches along the Atlantic coastline. Rolling, sandy fairways weave through coastal landscapes and natural biotopes, offering golfers stunning panoramic views of the ocean throughout the round.
With its three courses – North, South, and Laranjal – Quinta do Lago ranks among Europe’s most prestigious golf destinations. Situated on the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, the resort offers spectacular challenges, including undulating greens and strategically placed, treacherous bunkers.
The South Course, designed by William Mitchell in 1974, has hosted the Portugal Open several times and is ranked among Europe’s Top 100 courses.
Laranjal, opened in 2009, lies in a former orange grove and easily matches the exceptional quality of its sister courses.
Vilamoura is one of Europe’s most renowned golf destinations, offering five diverse courses that deliver top-level golfing enjoyment. Whether you prefer classic parkland layouts, modern course design, or a links-style challenge – every golfer will find their perfect match here. The resort impresses with its proximity to the Atlantic, immaculate fairways, excellent training facilities, and first-class infrastructure in the heart of the Algarve.
An elegant classic since 1969, originally designed by Frank Pennink and later modernized by Martin Hawtree. This iconic parkland course, known for its towering pine trees and nine par 5 holes, is considered the "Grande Dame" of the Algarve – stylish, refined, and a true test of skill.
Designed in 1976 by Frank Pennink and refined in 1985 by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this 18-hole parkland gem winds through high pines with gentle water hazards – perfect for a relaxed yet strategically demanding round.
A varied and visually striking course with strong links character. Designed by Joseph Lee in 1990, it stretches across coastal terrain with open fairways, frequent water hazards, and prevailing winds – a unique and exciting challenge.
This modern 18-hole course, designed by Michael Hawtree and opened in 2000, features tree-lined fairways, water-rich finishing holes, and a harmonious, natural layout – ideal for golfers seeking both enjoyment and challenge.
Championship pedigree: originally designed by Arnold Palmer in 2004 and host to the Portugal Masters for many years. As of 2025, it will be transformed into a private top-tier club under the direction of Ernie Els. Until then, it remains a key part of Vilamoura’s prestigious golf portfolio.
Also located in Quinta do Lago, the San Lorenzo Golf Club is distinguished by both its natural beauty and the quality of its golfing experience. Towering pine forests typical of the Algarve, breathtaking views of the sea, and a dramatic mountain backdrop create a truly unique setting. A significant portion of the course winds through the protected landscapes of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, adding to both its scenic appeal and ecological significance.
The first Jack Nicklaus-designed signature golf course in Portugal opened at Monte Rei Golf Resort in 2007, with an equally spectacular South Course following in 2022.
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei’s North Course was the country’s inaugural Jack Nicklaus design. The course’s unique and demanding layout features water hazards on eleven of its eighteen holes, adding to the challenge and beauty.
Exclusivity extends beyond the golf courses and resort itself to encompass the exceptional service offered throughout Monte Rei Golf Resort.
Situated between Portimão and Albufeira, the Faldo Amendoeira Golf Course has been captivating golfers worldwide since its opening in 2016. Renowned for demanding strategic play, this course was awarded the World Golf Award as Portugal’s best golf course.
The resort’s second course, designed by Christy O'Connor Jnr., perfectly complements the neighboring Faldo course. Set in a fertile valley, it features lakes and watercourses that stretch across the entire layout, challenging golfers to execute precise shots at every turn.
Palmares Golf offers a unique blend of rolling hills and flat terrain, framed by breathtaking views over the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve. The course’s excellent reputation stems from its near-perfect fusion of two distinct landscapes — combining the challenge of classic links-style holes with the variety of inland fairways. This gem was revitalized and expanded from 18 to 27 holes by Robert Trent Jones Jr., adding fresh brilliance to an already exceptional course.
Located within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the 27 holes of the Pinheiros Altos Course are divided into 3 sets of 9 holes. Oliveiras (olive trees), Pinheiros (pine trees) and Sobreiros (cork oaks) invite you to play and inspire you with all the different characteristics for both professionals and beginners.
The Boavista Golf Course in Lagos blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings. Architect Howard Swan integrated the course into the terrain in 2002 as if it had always been part of the landscape. Pines, almond trees, palms, olive and fig trees line the fairways, which in turn wind around water hazards and carefully constructed bunkers.
The eco-resort Golf Espiche is located about 5 minutes from Lagos, in a nature reserve. The slightly hilly terrain with numerous water hazards was built in 2012 by Peter Sauermann. A unique and authentic golf experience in the western Algarve is offered not only by the beautiful course, but also by the award-winning clubhouse.
Close to the spacious beach of Galé, between Pera and Albufeira, the Salagos Golf Course is located in a nature reserve rich in species. With its flat layout near the beach, it strongly reminds of a links course and because of the proximity to the sea, the golfer’s skills are fully challenged, especially on windy days. Numerous water hazards require precise play, but this is often distracted by the many birds that can be seen in large numbers in the low-lying wetlands.
The golf courses in the Algarve stretch from Lagos in the west over Quarteira / Vilamoura and Faro to the Spanish border. The largest selection of golf courses can be found in the Vilamoura region. And the famous Monte Rei golf resort is close to the Spanish border.
The distance from Lagos to Monte Rei is about 130 km. Golf hotels, small boutique hotels and beautiful beach hotels can be found along the entire coast of the Algarve. We have put together various packages for golf trips to the Algarve.
The tourism authority of the Algarve uses the slogan "Europe's most famous secret" to advertise to guests all over the world. Of course, a trip to the Algarve is not a secret anymore. In the meantime, word has spread amongst golfers not only in the Algarve, but also in Scandinavia and Great Britain, that you can play golf here wonderfully. And not only that. Portugal's southernmost region is also known for its bizarre rock formations on the coastline, fine sand dune beaches, a large selection of hotels, culinary experiences and, of course, more than 40 golf courses.
The mild Atlantic climate offers over 300 days of sunshine, and a golf vacation here is especially popular in early spring and autumn. Famous courses like Monte Rei, Penina, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo or Vilamoura have established the worldwide reputation of the Algarve as one of the leading golf destinations in Europe.
Arriving at the airport in Faro, golfers can put on their golf shoes, hop in a rental car and be on the first tee 15 minutes later. Within an hour's drive from the airport, a golfer could easily play a different course every day for three weeks. A wide variety is guaranteed even for hard-core golfers.
Many small pubs and bars await the guests especially in Faro, Praia da Rocha, Portimao, Galé, Albufeira, Praia da Oura or Vilamoura.
From the sea come the very freshest fish and shellfish, the main ingredients of Algarve cuisine. Add to this vegetables and fruits, to which the sun has given intense flavor, and you have all the ingredients for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Besides golf, there is of course much to see and enjoy. The fantastic landscapes inspire and entice to excursions into nature. The lagoon landscape of the Ria Formosa in the east is a paradise for water birds and spawning ground for numerous marine animals. The wooded Serra de Monchique in the north with the 902m high Foia separates the Algarve from the Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina Nature Park in the west, and is one of the largest of its kind in Portugal.
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