Best Golf Courses in the Algarve

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is celebrated for its dramatic coastline, sun tempered climate, and an extraordinary collection of more than thirty layouts that consistently feature on lists of the Best Golf Courses Algarve visitors can enjoy. Championship venues such as Quinta do Lago South and Dom Pedro Victoria host professional-tour events, while relaxed parkland designs like Gramacho welcome beginners and mixed-ability groups. Elevated tees overlook the Atlantic, inland fairways wind through umbrella pines and orange groves, and most clubs offer modern practice facilities, PGA-qualified coaching, and resort-style accommodation on site. The variety of settings and playing styles ensures that golfers of every handicap can find memorable rounds, making the Algarve a premier year-round destination for dedicated players, corporate groups, and leisure travellers alike.

Below is a selection of the best golf courses Algarve visitors and pros alike consistently rate among the region’s finest:

1. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

  • Location: Near Tavira, Eastern Algarve.
  • Description: Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this par-72 championship course is often regarded as the best in Portugal. It features meticulously maintained fairways and greens, with water hazards on several holes adding to the challenge.
  • Highlight: Known for its exceptional service and pristine conditions, offering a luxurious golfing experience.

2. Quinta do Lago South Course

  • Location: Almancil, Central Algarve.
  • Description: A favorite among European Tour professionals, this course has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. It offers a variety of holes that require strategic play, with several doglegs and well-placed bunkers.
  • Highlight: Renowned for its beautiful setting within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, providing scenic views throughout the round.

3. Vale do Lobo Royal Course

  • Location: Vale do Lobo, Central Algarve.
  • Description: Famous for its iconic 16th hole, which requires a shot over cliffs to reach the green. The course combines challenging play with stunning coastal views.
  • Highlight: The 16th hole is one of the most photographed in Europe, offering a memorable challenge for golfers.

4. Dom Pedro Old Course

  • Location: Vilamoura, Central Algarve.
  • Description: Often referred to as the “Grande Dame” of Algarve courses, it features tree-lined fairways and a classic parkland layout.
  • Highlight: Known for its mature landscape and strategic design, providing a traditional golfing experience.

5. Amendoeira Faldo Course

  • Location: Alcantarilha, Central Algarve.
  • Description: Designed by Sir Nick Faldo, this course emphasizes strategic play with its desert-inspired layout, featuring rocky outcrops and cacti.
  • Highlight: Offers a unique challenge with its emphasis on positioning and course management.

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The Algarve’s mild climate makes it a true year-round golf destination, though the optimal playing windows run from late February through early June and again from September to late November when sunshine, temperatures, and course conditions align. Whether you are planning a solo getaway, a friends-and-fairways break, or a corporate retreat, you will find some of the best golf courses Algarve offers set against dramatic coastline and rolling inland scenery. Contact us any time for personalised recommendations or assistance in arranging tee times, accommodation, and transport for your ideal golf itinerary.

Andrea
Andrea
@AndreaC
We wanted our group trip to be something truly special, and Agustina made it happen! She put together an amazing itinerary that matched everyone’s preferences, making the whole experience effortless and enjoyable. What stood out the most? Her flexibility and local expertise! Every recommendation felt handpicked, and we got to explore the Algarve in a way we never would have on our own. If you’re planning a corporate retreat, a group getaway, or just looking for a unique experience in the Algarve, this is the best way to do it. Can’t recommend it enough!

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