Golf

Golf is an essential part of life in the Algarve, elected Best Golf Destination 2020 by IGTM. Nearly 2 million rounds are played in Portugal each year, 65% of which are by tourists and 21% by expats residing in Portugal. As an elite golf destination, the Algarve boasts Europe's finest golf facilities using innovative technology to create the ultimate golfing experience for players of all levels.

Here are the top 7 golf courses in the nearby area that attract both professional and amateur golfers worldwide:

 Quinta do Lago South Course

The first golf course built in the area as Jordan’s 1974 masterplan, is one of the most well-known and a favourite amongst international players. The course was awarded Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2019 by the World Golf Awards and has hosted the Portuguese Open on 8 occasions. Golf architect William Mitchell introduced American-standard greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve with this 18 hole course, which is situated among umbrella pines and lakes, with views towards the Ria Formosa Nature Park. In 2020 Quinta do Lago invested in a EUR 7 million renovation project to ensure sustainability and maintain a strict commitment to preserving the environment.

To book a tee time call +351 289 390 700.

 Quinta do Lago North Course

This championship par 72 course was first designed by William Mitchell (holes 1 to 5 and 15 to 18), whilst Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore completed holes 6 to 14 in 1989. It was totally redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley with an investment of over EUR 9 million during which all the greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths were rebuilt to the highest specifications, and further reducing the course’s environmental impact by using recycled water and solar energy.

To book a tee time call +351 289 390 700.

These championship golf courses are complemented with cuttingedge practice facilities including the Paul McGinley Golf Academy (founded in 2011), the Driving Range, and the TaylorMade Performance Centre, all of which are state-of-the-art facilities designed to improve players’ games.

 San Lorenzo

Designed by American golf architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore with Bermuda grass fairways the course is laid out in a figure of 8 and is located in the Southeast corner of Quinta do Lago. The course is an extension of the beautiful Ria Formosa with fairways that run alongside the saltwater lagoons. A clubhouse with a golf pro shop, bar and restaurant is located at the heart of the course. Access is only permitted if you are a member of the club or a guest of the nearby 5-star Dona Filipa Hotel.

To book a tee time call +351 289 396 522.

 Pinheiros Altos

Part of the Pinheiros Altos Golf Resort. Holes 1 to 8 were originally designed by American architect Ronald Fream, with the additional 9 holes created by Portuguese golf architect Jorge Santana da Silva. The course is a combination of 3 9-hole sections named after Portuguese trees - The Pines (Pinheiros), The Corks (Sobreiros) and The Olives (Oliveiras), which start and loop around to finish near the Clubhouse.

To book a tee time call +351 289 359 900.

 Laranjal

As Quinta do Lago's newest addition, Laranjal is a picturesque golf course that was voted Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards. Originally an orange grove, after which it is named, Laranjal is located on the edge of Quinta do Lago in the Ludo Valley. It is a challenging 18-hole course renowned for its 5 lakes, umbrella pines, oaks and orange trees. The only construction outstanding is the clubhouse, designed to be rustic in harmony with surroundings, but offering ultra modern comfort, although there is a fine temporary clubhouse in place.

To book a tee time call +351 289 390 705.

Vale do Lobo Ocean Course

As one of the most well-known golf courses in the Algarve, the Ocean course is composed of the 2 original 9-hole Vale do Lobo golf courses. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton in 1968 and 1972 the two courses were merged into an 18-hole golf course in 1995. Meandering through Vale do Lobo, the course runs alongside pine trees towards the striking orange cliff top, boasting magnificent views towards the Atlantic Ocean, notably from the 11^th and 14^th holes. The memorable 15^th hole runs alongside the golden sandy beach, allowing you to tee off alongside incredible views.  

To book a tee time call +351 289 353 465.

 Vale do Lobo Royal Course

Based upon the original design of Sir Henry Cotton, Vale do Lobo’s Royal Course was redeveloped by golf architect Rocky Roquemore. Set amongst pine trees and lakes this 18-hole course combines several holes from the original Vale do Lobo course with exciting and challenging new holes. As one of the most photographed holes in Europe, the famous 16^th hole is perched on the cliff top and provides spectacular views.

To book a tee time call +351 289 353 465.