Algarve Golf - Paradise with Fairways

Paradise with fairways... can it really be that nice?

Absolutely yes...   But "Algarve golf" is a strange subject for me, as you're going to discover.  You see, I have to confess that I'm a hopeless golfer.

In humble acceptance of my lack of ability, I rarely venture onto a golf course. (Think of it as taking pity on those who don't like to see a woman suffering).

I console myself with the thought that my husband Nev's no better. Occasionally, we both hack our way around a course in twice the par (or more), and swear that we'll take some lessons from a pro... soon.

It just never seems to happen.

In our defence, I must stress that we're scrupulous about replacing  divots. Our golfing friends insist that you'd hardly even guess we'd been there!

But, the few times I have ventured out onto a golf course in the Algarve, I could appreciate why golfers regard it as a paradise.

The weather's great, as I've mentioned elsewhere...

...but the courses are simply sumptuous.

Those who know about this stuff tell me that the choice of different types of course is what puts the icing on the Algarve golf cake.

Lots of people choose a golf holiday in Algarve, and with good reason.   I'm told that, whatever your standard, there's a beautiful Algarve golf course that's got your name on it.

There are plenty to choose from, and they're all within easy driving (no pun) distance from just about anywhere in the Algarve.

So, not only will your golf be enjoyable, but you could enjoy a beautiful, scenic drive to and from your choice of the Algarve golf courses, as a free bonus!

And, to confirm those statements above, Algarve regularly tops polls conducted among travel operators (who ought to know) as the numero uno golf destination in the world!

Flash News!
There will soon be a new 36-hole Algarve golf complex at Alcantarilha. Watch this space for news.

I've listed the Algarve's golf courses in order from west to east, and indicated their numbers (as per the list) on the map below.

To help you choose, I've also listed basic details like number of holes, the course length and its par.   (And included brief comments on what friends who are mad-keen on Algarve golf think of a particular course. They don't all agree, naturally, but I think I've selected a "golfers' consensus"!)

Let me know your thoughts on a favourite Algarve golf course, and I'll include the best comments (with suitable attribution, of course).
 

Algarve Golf Map 

Hover over any number or group to see course name(s). Click to see course details. To return to this map, click a 'back to map' link below. This nifty idea was suggested by Algarve Beach Life reader Luke Canavan, from London. (Thanks for the nudge, Luke).

Algarve Golf Courses

Pricing:

I've indicated the price of a round by using one of three 'bands': Bargain, Competitive or Exclusive. There's not much in the way of cheap golf in the Algarve, since it's so popular, but... 

What do those bands mean? Well, last time I checked, the cost per round would be:

I should also point out that there are organisations, like 'Golf for Greys' that offer substantial discounts to members; up to 50% in some cases. Well worth investigating!

So, here we go with the course listing...

Sagres (Vila do Bispo district)

1. Parque da Floresta - Budens

Tel. (+351) 282 690 054
18 holes, 5587 metre course, par 72
(A 'difficult' course, not for beginners - so I've never been there).
A la carte restaurant and a terrace bar that overlooks the 18th hole.

Pricing per round: Competitive.

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Lagos

2. Palmares - Meia Praia

Tel. (+351) 282 790 500
18 holes, 5961 metre course, par 72
(Spectacular scenery; 5 'links' holes).
Great views from clubhouse. Light meals and snacks served.

Pricing per round: Competitive and upward.


3. Boa Vista

Tel. (+351) 282 000 111
18 holes, 5751 metre course, par 72
(Moderately difficult, scenery as good as the name suggests).
Light meals and snacks served.

Pricing per round: Competitive.

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Portimão

4. Alto Golf - Alvor

Tel. (+351) 282 460 870
18 holes, 6125 metre course, par 73
(Undulating terrain, fine sea and hill views).

Pricing per round: Competitive.


5. Penina

Tel. (+351) 282 420 200
Academy Course
9 holes, 2035 metre course, par 30 

Pricing per round: Bargain.


Resort Course
9 holes, 2987 metre course, par 35

Pricing per round: Competitive.


Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course
18 holes, 6273 metre course, par 73
(Flat course, tricky water hazards).

Pricing per round: Exclusive.

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Portimao

6. Morgado do Reguengo

Tel. (+351) 282 402 150

Morgado Course

Length: 6399 metre course, par 73

'Easy' first 9, then a trickier return, as the contours of the foothill land take over.

Alamos Course

Another 18-holer, with a great variety of fairway types. The scenery alone makes it hard to concentrate on that little ball! The last 9 holes offer lots of water-based trickiness.

New clubhouse with restaurant, bar and large terrace, from which to enjoy the great views.

Pricing per round: Competitive.

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Silves

7. Silves

Tel. (+351) 282 440 131
Great mountain views; lots of bunkers and good variety between holes. Some challenging greens.

Bar and restaurant with large terrace offering relaxing views.

Pricing per round: Competitive.

Carvoeiro (Lagoa district)

8. Quinta do Gramacho

Tel. (+351) 282 340 900
9 fairways with 18 different tees and 18 different greens
length: 5505 metre course, par 71
Some testing holes; clever variation of nine holes. Comfortable clubhouse with bar, restaurant and outside terrace.

Pricing per round: Competitive.

9. Vale de Pinta

Tel. (+351) 282 340 900
18 holes, 5679 metre course, par 72
(Undulating. Pristine new clubhouse offers restaurant, bar, terrace - even a massage salon!)

Pricing per round: Competitive.

10. Vale do Milho - Praia do Carvoeiro

Tel. (+351) 282 358 502
9 holes, 926 metre course, par 27
(Two sets of tees for 18-hole round; beginner's course with longest hole 164 metres. Great views from terrace. Restaurant and bar both spacious.)
Pricing per round: Bargain.

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Albufeira

11. Sheraton Pine Cliffs - Pinhal do Concelho

Tel. (+351) 289 500 100
9 holes, 2274 metre course, par 33
(Exclusive cliff-top resort above Falésia beach; holiday-standard course).
Pricing per round: Exclusive.

12. Salgados Golf Club - Vale do Rabelho

Tel. (+351) 289 583 030
18 holes, 6080 metre course, par 72
(Restaurant and bar, with service on terrace).
Pricing per round: Competitive. 

13. Balaia Golf Village

Tel. (+351) 289 570 442
9 holes, 984 metre course
(Very pretty; imposing clubhouse; reasonable degree of difficulty for small course).
Pricing per round: Competitive. 

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Vilamoura (Loulé district)

14. Oceánico Old Course

18 holes, 6254 metre course, par 73
(Narrow fairways with umbrella pines - good test of accuracy).
Pricing per round: Exclusive (in high season). 

15. Oceánico Pinhal

18 holes, 6353 metre course, par 72
(Pine-lined fairways in rolling countryside; small greens requiring accuracy of approach).
Pricing per round: Competitive. 

16. Oceánico Laguna

18 holes, 6121 metre course, par 72
(Flat, with 'interesting' water hazards).
Pricing per round: Competitive. 

17. Oceánico Millénnium

18 holes, 6157 metre course, par 72
(Revamped first nine holes in rolling parkland, back nine in umbrella pines).

Pricing per round: Competitive.

18. Oceánico Victoria

18 holes, 6560 metre course, par 72
(Championship standard course with several man-made lakes, designed by Arnold Palmer).

Pricing per round: Exclusive. 

Telephone no. for all five courses is: (+351) 289 310 333


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Quarteira (Loulé district)

19. Vila Sol - Alto do Semino

Tel. (+351) 289 300 505
27 holes, 6100+ metre course, each 9 holes par 36
Immaculate course, with good test of accuracy. Nice clubhouse with large terrace.
Pricing per round: Competitive, rising in September. 

Almancil (Loulé district)

20. Ocean Course - Vale do Lobo

Tel. (+351) 289 353 535
2 x 18 holes, 5815 metre course, (par 71-ish)
(Mainly undulating with narrow fairways and some surrounding pines).
Pricing per round: Exclusive. 

21. Royal Course - Vale do Lobo

Tel. (+351) 289 353 535
2 x 18 holes, 6059 metre course, par 72
(Rolling, pine-covered terrain).
Pricing per round: Exclusive. 

22. Quinta do Lago North- Quinta do Lago

Tel. (+351) 289 390 700

18 holes, 6205 metre course, par 72
Lots of dog-leg holes that test accuracy. Roomy clubhouse with restaurant, bar and open terrace.
Pricing per round: Exclusive.

23. Quinta do Lago North - Quinta do Lago

Tel. (+351) 289 390 700

18 holes, 6648 metre course, par 72
(8-time host to Portuguese Open Championships; yet suits players of all standards).
Pricing per round: Exclusive.

24. Pinheiros Altos - Quinta do Lago

Tel. (+351) 289 359 900
18 holes, 6186 metre course, par 72
Part of exclusive estate next to nature reserve; 1st nine undulating, back nine beside lake. Choice of bars and restaurants, with terrace overlooking 18th hole.

Pricing per round: Exclusive. 

25. São Lourenço (San Lorenzo) - Quinta do Lago

Tel. (+351) 289 396 522/34
Three 9-hole loops. 6238 metre course, par 72
Deemed one of the very best courses in Europe. Traditional clubhouse with restaurant. On-course snacks and bar from buggy. 

Pricing per round: Exclusive.

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Tavira

26. Quinta da Cima - Vila Nova da Cacela

Tel. (+351) 289 950 580
18 holes, 6256 metre course, par 72.
Virtual championship course, with lakes interconnected by a stream. Bordered to north and south by roads, so accuracy is essential!

Pricing per round: Exclusive.

27. Quinta da Ria - Vila Nova da Cacela

Tel. (+351) 289 950 580
18 holes, 6110 metre course, par 72.
Two 9-hole loops adjacent to the Ria Formosa Natural Parkland, with stunning sea views, and surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Flattish course, with greens protected by strategic bunkers.

Pricing per round: Exclusive.

28. Benamor Golf - Conceição

Tel. (+351) 281 320 880
18 holes, 5497 metre course, par 71
Oldest course east of Faro; stunning views, magnificent trees. Clubhouse with bar/restaurant and large terrace.
Pricing per round: Competitive.

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Castro Marim

29. Castro Marim

Tel. (+351) 281 510 330
18 holes, 5265 metre course, par 72
Overlooks river estuary; part of Golf/Country Club; challenging course using natural terrain and water features. Bar/restaurant with terrace offering rewarding views.
Pricing per round: Competitive.

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Wow; that's some list! I hope you find this Algarve golf information useful.

We regularly meet many people who visit the Algarve only for the golf. Lots of them search for Algarve golfing holidays and book in at one of the golf centres for their entire stay.

So if that's your idea of a great holiday, then what are you waiting for? Either telephone direct or contact your travel agent. Who knows?... there might even be a special offer discount Algarve golf vacation available right now that's just perfect for you...
 

Things to note:

(With apologies to seasoned golfers)

You should be aware that before you get to play some Algarve golf, you might be asked to produce a handicap certificate. (A small but vital detail that restricts the number of venues at which I'm allowed to swing an iron).

Also, many Algarve golf courses have dress codes, so if you turn up in sandals, 'cargo' pants and string vest, they might not be as welcoming as you'd hoped!   It's always best to telephone first and find out.   (And don't forget to write down your 'tee times', since golf in the Algarve is a very popular sport).
 

Summing up...

I hope you enjoy your Algarve golf experiences, and do let me have your comments - use the Your Algarve Best form - about any Algarve golf courses you've tried (unless you're complaining about any of my loose divots that you found).

Meanwhile, do stay in touch with developments to this site by...

...subscribing to my monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News. Just click on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about the new information I have added about this wonderful region.
 

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