Central Algarve Golf Courses

Price Guide: € = very good value, €€ = mid range, €€€ = expensive

Ocean Course, Vale do Lobo (€€+) FABULOUS VIEWS AWARD An inspiring course. The front nine meanders gently inland with views to the distant hills. The back nine is stunning, with greens set against the backdrop of white sand and the blue sea, and we think this is among the best nines in Portugal. A beautiful, feel-good course, a delight to play. Links and undulating parkland.

Royal Course, Vale do Lobo (€€€) TOP COURSE AWARD An immaculate, tree-lined course, with clever bunkering and tricky greens, and demanding accuracy off the tee. The sixteenth hole, a par 3 carry over a ravine with the beach below, is possibly the most photographed golf hole in Europe. Expensive, but you will treasure that photograph of yourself on the tee at the famous 16th. Undulating parkland and cliff-top terrain.

Quinta do Lago (€€+) TOP COURSE AWARD 8 times host to the Portuguese Open, Quinta do Lago has 36 great holes. The South course is tree-lined but without being particularly tight, as the fairways are reasonably generous and the trees are well spaced. Very fair greens. Visually stunning in places. The North Course is beautiful, with umbrella pines framing it’s many dog-legged fairways. Quality from start to finish.

Vila Sol (€€+) (27 holes) TOP COURSE AWARD We think this is the best course in the Vilamoura area, and 3 times host to the Portuguese Open. It is shaped by attractive umbrella pine trees. It’s beautiful, but a strong test. We particularly like the way there are many interesting elevation changes, while still being reasonably easy to walk.

Faldo (€€€) A serious and spectacular challenge. The length of the course will be quite manageable off the yellow tees for most players. But heavily- defended, sloping greens mean that your approach play and putting needs to be spot-on to make a score. Off the back tees, it is a real challenge for low handicappers. Clearly, this course will be hosting tour events in the future, and is a contender for our top course award.

Laguna (€) Very open with few trees and much-loved by big-hitters, but clever sand and water traps mean your approach play has to be sharp. It is a very popular, good value course. Lightly undulating, open countryside. Easy walking.

Millennium (€+) A varied course: There is a very attractive and challanging tree-lined section. But there are also many holes with open fairways that invite you to get the driver out. And there is some water to spice things up. Easy walking.

Pinhal (€) A challenging woodland course with the trees being well-spaced and the fairways wide enough for most players. It's main defence are some long par fours, where a bogey is a good score for most players. Lightly undulating parkland.

Pinheiros Altos (€€+)
A beautiful course in the Quinta do Lago resort, with 3 very different loops of 9 holes. A high quality golfing experience.

Salgados (€) A unique seaside layout set among saltwater lagoons. A peaceful setting by sand dunes and a nature reserve, but the golf is exciting. The lateral water can mean lost balls for high handicappers, but better players should enjoy this linksy course. Flat, so an easy walk.

San Lorenzo (€€€) FABULOUS VIEWS AWARD Public access is restricted to this famous course, as it is essentially a private club. But we can arrange golf there as part of a 5-star package, please email us for details.

Victoria (€€€+) TOP COURSE AWARD American-style layout with water carries on 8 holes. One of the longest courses in Portugal, it favours big-hitters. Designed by Arnold Palmer. Current host to the Portuguese Masters.

Vilamoura Old Course (€€€) Much-loved woodland course, it does get very busy during the spring and autumn peak season, so tee times need to be booked well in advance. Undulating terrain.