Best Golf Courses in the Algarve

In recent years Portugal has arguably become Europe's leading golf destination and is home to one the world's most famous golfing regions; the Algarve. With so many fantastic golf courses just a chip and putt away from each other it is no wonder that golfers of all abilities flock to the area. Some of game's greatest names have left their mark on the Algarve by designing some of the world’s most recognisable courses.

Whether you are looking for a course with stunning views of the coast or one with resort style lakes and bunkers, the Algarve has it all. For any golfer looking for the trip of a lifetime then look no further then Portugal's spectacular south coast.

Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in the Algarve or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in the Algarve >>

Bursting onto the Algarve's golfing scene in 2007, the North Course at the magnificent Monte Rei Resort is designed by 18 time major champion Jack Nicklaus. Employing every bit of his golfing knowledge, Nicklaus has sympathetically merged incredible course design with the region's stunning natural landscape.

The course winds its way through the dramatic valleys creating multiple mini amphitheatres which add to the sense of drama with any drive or approach shot.

More info on Monte Rei (North Course) >>

"Each hole is very individual with it rare to see any of the other holes while playing. It is the 1st golf course we book when we visit The Algarve each year, it gets better and better each time we play it."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

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Established in 1969 the Dom Pedro Old Course is often seen as the 'old father time' of the region. In line with other layouts from that era, the Old Course requires players to think their way round rather than simply blast it off the tee.

The renovation of the clubhouse in 1996 has kept the club up with the modern era and the combination of the new with the old makes it truly spectacular venue to play it.

More info on Dom Pedro Old Course >>

"The front 9 is your best bet at making a score with many challenging holes awaiting on the back 9. It is easy to see why so many play here each year."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

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At the helm of Quinta do Lago's 3 courses is the South which has played host to a number of European Tour Amateur events. The 18 hole championship layout tests all aspects of a players game but with its variety of tee boxes it is accessible by all abilities of golfers.

Overlooking the Ria Formosa National Park, you will be hard pushed to find a course in the Algarve which offers many better inland views that here at Quinta do Lago.

More info on Quinta do Lago (South Course) >>

"The holes around the water on 15, 16 and 17 provide a grandstand finish before heading to the testing 18th before you enjoying a well-earned beer in the 19th with views across the 1st hole and beyond."
Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)

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Taking the title of Dom Pedro's flagship course, golfers are treated to some truly scintillating golf holes throughout a round on the Victoria Course. Designed by the great Arnold Palmer it is no wonder that the course is a regular stop on European Tour playing host to the prestigious Portugal Masters, where winners include the likes of Lee Westwood, Shane Lawry and Padraig Harrington.

Just minutes from the vibrant town of Vilamoura, the course provides you with a fantastic day of golf and leaves you just minutes away from an even better evening.

More info on Dom Pedro Victoria Course >>

"The 17th is a long par-5 stretching well close to 600 yards from the back tees with water in play off the tee and on the approach to the green. With a favourable wind, you can reach this in two but you'll be faced with a high number if you fall short of the green."
Ian (European Team: Handicap 1)

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Designed by one of America's most renowned golf course architects, Vale da Pinta is as challenging as it is beautiful. With greens and fairways lined by shimmering lakes, the course tests golfers ability to hit the ball long and straight.

Being rewarded as a host for a European Tour Seniors Event in 2007 is testament to the quality of the course. Those looking for a truly brilliant golfing venue with equally fantastic views of surrounding area then be sure to make Vale da Pinta a stop on your golf tour of the Algarve.

More info on Vale Da Pinta Course, Carvoeiro >>

"The Pinta Course, despite not being the oldest when compared with local favourites like Penina, is fast becoming one of the most desirable and admired courses to the west of Vilamoura."
Bronagh (European Team: Handicap 2)

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Ranked inside the European top 100 golf courses, San Lorenzo has long been considered one the country’s finest golfing setups. Situated in the heart of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, American architect Joseph Lee has combined superb golf course designed with the beautiful natural landscape to create a true golfing spectacle.

With holes like the stunning par 4, 6th which leaves players hitting out towards the ocean it is easy to see why the course has played host to the Portuguese Open on 7 different occasions.

More info on San Lorenzo >>

"There are countless spectacular holes, like the sixth, a par-4 towards the ocean which gets the juices flowing, before the course builds up to a magnificent crescendo with the closing stretch."
Bronagh (European Team: Handicap 2)

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Since its opening in 1975, Palmares has gone from strength to strength and now features on the PGA Europro circuit. The course offers up spectacular views of Lagos Bay and the Monchique Hills which are good enough to make even your worst round of golf worthwhile.

With 5 of the holes skirting the stunning coastal sand dunes the course is made to feel like a links but with the rest winding its way through tree lined fairways players are treated to the best of both set ups.

More info on Onyria Palmares Golf >>

"Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate's higher ground."
Nick (European Team: Handicap 16)

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Situated in the heart of the Ria Formosa National Park, Quinta de Cima is rapidly becoming one of the most renowned courses in the Eastern Algarve.

The course caters to golfers of all abilities with relatively open fairways, allowing the longer hitters to open their shoulders from the tee. However, distance is not everything round here as a number of strategically placed hazards place an emphasis on hitting the ball straight rather than far.

More info on Quinta de Cima >>

"Quinta de Cima is pretty open, allowing you to open you shoulders from the tee, but distance is not everything; the course is peppered with obstacles that include trees and cavernous bunkers."
Ian (European Team: Handicap 1)

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Arguably Portugal's most renowned golfing estate, there aren't many better places to stay and play than Vale Do Lobo. The Royal Course boasts some of the most dramatic holes in the Algarve culminating with the par 3, 16th which quite literally leaves you on a cliff hanger.

Designed by the great Sir Henry Cotton and revamped by Rocky Roquemore, the stunning golf course will not leave you disappointed and is a must play for anyone heading to the Algarve.

More info on Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course) >>

"The 16th on the Royal Course is an obvious favourite, just don't miss left! It can get windy there so good to practice your knockdown shots before you play here."
Alex (European Team: Handicap 11)

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The Championship Course at the coveted Penina Resort is without doubt one of the jewels in Portugal’s golfing crown. Designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton, the Championship Course is the flagship of the Algarve and has hosted the Portuguese Open numerous times.

The 6,869 yard layout takes golfers through the trees and is reminiscent of the world’s best parkland set ups. The combination of history and quality makes the Championship Course a must play on any Portugal golf tour.

More info on Penina (Championship Course) >>

"I first visited Penina as a child just learning the game and took part in one of their golf clinics which are run by highly trained PGA pros and offer something for everyone with beginner and advanced clinics to cater for everyone. "
Steve (European Team: Handicap 1)

Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Steve about playing this course.

Best Golf Courses in Portugal
Best Golf Courses in Lisbon

Golf Holiday deals in Portugal
Golf Holiday deals in the Algarve
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Handicap: 1
Favourite Course: Sunningdale (Old)
My 'Expert' areas: Algarve, New Zealand, Dubai
Best trip I've done: New Zealand playing Kauri Cliffs & Cape Kidnappers
Where my next trip is to: Valderrama

Give Oliver a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.