Top 8 Golf Courses in the Algarve for Those Seeking Exclusivity

 

The Algarve stands as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations, with nearly two million rounds played annually in Portugal. The region combines world-class golf facilities, breathtaking landscapes, and a refined lifestyle embraced by both visiting players and international residents.

Among its most prestigious areas, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo offer some of the finest championship golf courses in Portugal, renowned for their technical excellence, sustainability, and luxurious surroundings.

Below are the eight best golf courses near Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, selected for their exclusivity, design quality, and exceptional playing experience.

 

 

 

Quinta do Lago South Course – An Icon of Algarve Golf

 

 

The first course developed in André Jordan’s visionary 1974 masterplan, the Quinta do Lago South Course remains a favourite among international golfers. It was named Portugal’s Best Golf Course 2022, 2023 and 2024 and has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times.

Designed by William Mitchell, the 18-hole championship layout introduced American-style greens, tees and bunkers to the Algarve. Surrounded by mature umbrella pines and serene lakes overlooking the Ria Formosa, it offers a truly world-class environment.

A major €7 million renovation in 2020 modernised the course with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

 

 

Founded	1974
Length	6488 m
Architect	William Mitchell
Services	Clubhouse  Driving Range  Putting Green  Gold Academy  Golf Shop  Restaurant and Bar

 

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

 

 

 

Quinta do Lago North Course – Championship Precision & Sustainability

 

 

Originally designed by William Mitchell (holes 1–5 & 15–18), with later contributions from Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, the North Course has evolved into a championship-level masterpiece.

A complete renovation in 2014, led by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, rebuilt every aspect of the course — greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation, drainage and cart paths. The project prioritised environmental responsibility through the use of recycled water and solar energy, aligning luxury with ecological efficiency.

The course is supported by elite training facilities, including the Paul McGinley Golf Academy, an advanced Driving Range, and the TaylorMade Performance Centre.

 

 

Founded	1974 / 1989
Length	6126 m
Architects	William Mitchell & Joseph Lee & Rocky Roquemore
Services	Clubhouse  Driving Range  Putting Green  Golf Shop

 

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

 

 

 

San Lorenzo – Exclusive Golf Along the Ria Formosa

 

 

Designed by Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, San Lorenzo is renowned for its elegant Bermuda-grass fairways arranged over a sweeping figure-of-eight layout. Many holes border the tranquil lagoons of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, offering unforgettable views.

In 2025, Arrow Global acquired San Lorenzo from its previous owner, JJW Hotels & Resorts, signaling the start of an exciting new chapter. This strategic takeover sets the stage for renewed investment and innovation, positioning San Lorenzo as one to watch out for in the upcoming years.

 

 

Founded	1988
Length	6247 m
Architects	William Mitchell & Rocky Roquemore
Services	Pro-Shop  Clubhouse with changing room  Driving Range  Putting Green  Practice Bunker  2 Chipping Greens

 

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

 

 

 

Pinheiros Altos – Variety Across Three Distinct Loops

 

 

Located within the Pinheiros Altos Golf Resort, this championship layout features three separate 9-hole loops — The Pines, The Corks, and The Olives.

The first eight holes were designed by Ronald Fream, with an additional nine holes later added by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva. The result is a versatile golf experience balancing challenge, strategy and natural beauty.

 

 

Founded	1992
Length	Oliveiras: 6200 m  Sobreiros: 5800 m  Pinheiros: 5000 m
Architects	Ronald Fream & Jorge Santana da Silva
Services	Driving Range  Putting Green  Chipping and Bunker Practice Area  Pro-Shop  Golf Academy

 

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

 

 

 

Laranjal – Quinta do Lago Most Scenic and Technical Course

 

 

Once a thriving orange grove — reflected in its name — Laranjal is a visually striking and technically demanding course situated in the peaceful Ludo Valley.

It features five lakes and a mix of umbrella pines, cork oaks and orange trees, and was awarded Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards. A permanent clubhouse is planned, while a contemporary temporary facility offers full amenities.

Laranjal Course proudly holds a GEO Certification, a prestigious mark of excellence recognising golf facilities that demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship and a deep commitment to social responsibility.

 

 

Founded	2009
Length	6480 m
Architect	Jorge Santana da Silva
Services	Clubhouse  Chipping Green  Pro-Shop  Putting Green  Restaurant

 

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

 

 

 

Vale do Lobo Ocean Course – The Algarve’s Most Iconic Seaside Golf

 

 

Designed originally by Sir Henry Cotton, the Ocean Course unites the two 9-hole layouts created in 1968 and 1972. The full 18-hole course, opened in 1995, winds gracefully through umbrella pines before descending toward the dramatic orange cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It features some of the most photogenic golf holes in Portugal, including the 11th, 14th and the unforgettable 15th tee beside the golden beach.

 

 

Founded	1968
Length	6122 m
Architect	Sir Henry Cotton
Services	Clubhouse  Driving Range  Putting Green  Chipping Green  Practice Areas  Golf Pro Shop  Golf Academy  Restaurant and Bar

 

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

 

 

 

Vale do Lobo Royal Course – Home to Europe’s Most Photographed Hole

 

 

Inspired by Sir Henry Cotton’s early layouts, the Royal Course was redesigned by Rocky Roquemore. The result is a championship course featuring lakes, pine forests, elevated greens and bold new holes.

Its world-famous 16th hole, perched dramatically atop the cliffs, is one of the most photographed holes in Europe and a symbol of luxury golf in Vale do Lobo.

 

 

Founded	1997
Length	6005 m
Architect	Rocky Roquemore
Services	Clubhouse  Driving Range  Putting Green  Chipping Green  Practice Areas  Golf Pro Shop  Golf Academy  Restaurant and Bar

 

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

 

 

 

Els Club Vilamoura – Signature Design with Tour-Level Playability

 

 

Redesigned and elevated from the former Victoria Golf Course — long celebrated as the home of the Portugal Masters — it now enters a fresh era of distinction.

Designed by former world-number-one and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, this signature golf course just a short drive from the Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo areas, brings a modern, tour-inspired experience to the Algarve. Known for his philosophy of “playing the ball as it lies,” Els created a layout that balances strategy, flow and natural beauty — appealing both to high-performance players and to amateurs who appreciate a thoughtful, forgiving design.

As the newest arrival on the local golfing scene, it stands as Europe’s first Els Club and Portugal’s only private members’ club of its calibre, bringing an exclusive new benchmark to the region.

The course incorporates broad fairways framed by native vegetation, sculpted bunkering and large, undulating greens that encourage creative shot-making. Blending seamlessly into the Algarve’s landscape, it offers a premium golf environment centred on rhythm, visibility and strategic decision-making — hallmarks of Ernie Els’ global design portfolio.

 

 

Founded	2025
Length	White Tees (Male): 6.651 meters  Yellow Tees (Male): 6.094 meters  Red Tees (Female): 4.762 meters
Architect	Ernie Els
Services	Driving Range  Putting Green  Golf Pro Shop  Restaurant and Bar  Clubhouse

 

To book a tee time call +351 289 320 100.

 

 

 

Conclusion – The Algarve Remains Europe’s Luxury Golf Capital

With stunning natural scenery, world-class facilities and a commitment to excellence, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo areas continue to define the pinnacle of luxury golf in Portugal.

For golfers seeking exclusivity, design sophistication and unforgettable landscapes, these seven courses offer the best the Algarve has to offer.