Portugal
Portugal is the most popular golf destination in Europe with over 30 courses on a beautiful 85 mile stretch of coastline including the new courses on the Eastern Algarve with the recently opened Quinta de Cima now ranked in the top 25 in Europe.
Portugal is still Europe’s favourite golf destination for British golfers thanks to a lovely mild climate for all year round golf. Along with the usual favourites such as Penina, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago the Algarve now offers exciting new developments towards towards the Spanish border such as Quinta de Cima and Quinta de Ria. The former is already rated number 22 in Europe despite only opening in 2002.
In the Algarve the golf courses are constantly improving with new layouts such as Quinta da Ria, Quinta da Cima and Morgado providing reason enough for revisiting this golf-rich coastline. In addition, the classic favourites of San Lorenzo, Quinta do Lago, Vilasol and Vilamoura continue to delight and, with hundreds of kilometres of superb sandy beaches and a wonderful choice of restaurants, the Algarve offers more than just golf. The Algarve has everything a golfer can want.
Algarve Courses
Step off your low cost Jet2.com flight in Faro and head straight for one of these great golf courses...
Alto
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6700 yards
- par 72
Designed by the great Henry Cotton. An underrated course with the longest par five in Europe, well worth playing if you are staying at the Western Algarve.
Carvoeiro GC - Pinta
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6400 yards
- par 72
A great course, well designed with pine and water the main hazards, however the hilly terrain can also lead to some tough hanging lies. Buggy recommended.
Carvoeiro GC - Gramacho
Stats
- 9 holes
- 3259 yards
- par 36
Gramacho has a complete course layout, thanks to its double tees and greens. The beautiful surrounding vegetation blends perfectly with a number of artificial lakes and gently sloping fairways.
Laguna
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6439 yards
- par 72
Florida style course, open in parts with many water hazards, has improved dramatically over the last couple of years.
The Millenium
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6950 yards
- par 72
Took a while to settle down but now looking like an excellent course, with a combination of holes cut through a pine forest and some more open ones.
Palmeres
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6175 yards
- par 72
An enjoyable course, combining links and parkland golf, breathtaking views and almond orchards. A very enjoyable round of golf.
Park Da Floresta
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6570 yards
- par 72
Hilly and some say a bit gimmicky. But if you enjoy target golf, you’ll love this. Well maintained with spectacular views.
Pine Cliffs
Stats
- 9 holes
- 2540 yards
- par 35
Known for the impeccable condition in which is it kept, Pine Cliffs is a 9 hole course which runs along impressive cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Pinhal
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6841 yards
- par 72
Pinhal golf course, built in the middle of a pinewood, brings together two very different architectural concepts - British and American.
Pinheiros Altos
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6400 yards
- par 72
Not the longest of courses but a tree lined first nine and a second nine by the sea which has a links feel to it make it a very interesting test of golf.
Penina
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6937 yards
- par 73
Regarded by the pro's, as the best test of golf on The Algarve, hosted the Portuguese Open in 1998, 1999 & 2000. Long but flat the course is a pleasure to play for players of all abilities.
Quinta De Cima
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6652 yards
- par 72
Already rated 22 in Europe this magnificent new layout is set to be a big favourite in years to come and it's only a matter of time before a big championship is held here. A stunning situation, it has expansive views of the coast and the inland hills of the Sierra do Caldeirao.
Quinta De Ria
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6543 yards
- par 72
The Quinta da Ria course was designed by Rocky Roquemore and is set in a spectacular location, the Ria Formosa Natural Park, in eastern Algarve.
Quinta Do Lago
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6834 yards
- par 72
Host to the 2001 Algarve Open, the king of Algarve courses, undulating through pines, brilliant design and in excellent condition.
Ria Formosa
Stats
- 18 holes
- 7074 yards
- par 72
Queen of The Algarve courses, supposedly inferior to Quinta but similar in design and condition to make it a joy to play.
Salgados
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6600 yards
- par 72
Flat with bags of water. Keep it straight and you will score well on the perfect greens. Spray it around and you will be back to the clubhouse after 9 for more balls!
San Lorenzo
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6838 yards
- par 72
Ranked in the top five courses in Europe. We rate it as the best matchplay course we feature, with it’s own Amen Corner at 6, 7 and 8. For guests of Le Meridien Dona Filipa and Penina Hotels only.
Vale Do Lobo - Ocean Course
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6010 yards
- par 71
The old green and orange nine, incorporating the ocean front holes. Winds through umbrella pines and rather lavish villas.
Vale Do Lobo - Royal Course
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6753 yards
- par 71
Super course combining the best of the old Vale do Lobo (including the cliff top par 3) and a newer nine characterised by pine, water and large waste bunkers.
Vilamoura - Old Course
Stats
- 18 holes
- 6924 yards
- par 73
The premier course in Vilamoura, cut through pine so quite tight, but since trees were thinned out it’s a lot easier to play.
Vila Sol
Stats
- 27 holes
- 6826 yards
- par 72
One of the premier courses on the coast, now 27 holes. Pine lined fairways and strategic water hazards dominate a tough course.
