Welcome to the ultimate guide to golf in Vilamoura! This marina town in the Algarve is perfect for those looking for lush green fairways coupled with high quality golf course design, sunshine and plenty of evening entertainment. Glencor Golf Holiday’s range of Vilamoura golf resorts offer unique experiences for golfers of every handicap. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner who has recently started playing the game, Vilamoura’s championship courses and world-class facilities cater to everyone. But golf is just the beginning. Vilamoura’s lively marina is home to plenty of bars and restaurants, where you can indulge in great food and unwind after a day on the fairways with a few beers or a glass of wine whilst taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Dotted around the town are the renowned Dom Pedro Golf courses, providing even more options for golf enthusiasts. They offer a complimentary golf shuttle service for those looking to stay near the marina which really helps keep the costs down for any group.
From the beautiful fairways of Dom Pedro’s Old Course to the stunning coastal views, Vilamoura promises an unforgettable golfing holiday. Beyond the well-kept greens and fairways, this vibrant coastal town offers a wealth of activities, including water sports, shopping, and cultural explorations. Whether you’re seeking to perfect your swing and a long weekend or organising a society golf trip with plenty of socialising, Vilamoura has it all. Join us as we uncover the charm and allure of this golfing paradise and profile the area’s best golf resorts, courses and packages!
Everything You Need To Know About Vilamoura
- Location: Vilamoura is approximately 30 minutes west along the coast from Faro in Portugal’s Algarve
- Closest Airport: Faro International
- Flight Time: Between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 25 minutes dependent on which UK airport you fly from
- Best Time To Travel: High season for golf is March to May, and mid-September to October
- Climate: March to May is around 16/17 degrees celsius, September to October is around 20 degrees celsius
Best Golf Courses In Vilamoura
Dom Pedro Old Golf Course
With a rich history and timeless allure, the Dom Pedro Old Course stands proudly as one of Vilamoura’s oldest and most revered golf courses. Designed by the legendary Frank Pennink and expertly remodelled by Martin Hawtree, this course has gracefully adapted to the advancements in modern equipment while maintaining its original challenge. Stretching an impressive 6,800 yards from the championship tees and boasting a par of 73, the Old Course has truly stood the test of time. Since its opening in 1969, it has undergone constant updates to ensure it remains a formidable test for golfers of all skill levels.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 73
- Designer: Frank Pennick
- Opened: 1969
Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course
The Dom Pedro Golf Victoria course, designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, is a remarkable gem in Vilamoura, Algarve. As one of mainland Europe’s few Palmer-designed courses, it has quickly become a must-visit destination. Experience Palmer’s visionary layout amidst breathtaking surroundings, as this course seamlessly blends challenge and natural beauty. Prepare for an unforgettable golfing adventure that showcases Palmer’s architectural prowess and the splendour of Vilamoura.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Arnold Palmer
- Opened: 2004
Dom Pedro Millennium Golf Course
Opened in 2000, the Dom Pedro Golf Millennium course underwent an impressive transformation. The back nine, formerly part of the Laguna Course, was refurbished starting in May 1999. This involved a complete rebuilding of tees, greens, and bunkers, with a focus on holes 8 and 9, the only ones with water hazards on this loop. The aim was to simplify the course’s strategy, making it more golfer friendly. The renovated nine holes were seamlessly integrated with a new nine-hole loop, resulting in a distinctive layout with its own character and style. This remarkable project, led by Hawtree & Sons, established the thrilling 18-hole Dom Pedro Golf Millennium course, where meticulous craftsmanship and vision shine through, offering an exciting golfing experience.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Michael Hawtree
- Opened: 2000
Dom Pedro Pinhal Golf Course
Inaugurated in 1976 as Vilamoura’s second golf course, Dom Pedro Golf Pinhal was designed by Frank Pennink, the architect behind the nearby Dom Pedro Golf Old Course. Notable refinements, including enhancements by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985, have shaped the course over the years. Set amidst rolling parkland terrain, the fairways are adorned with beautiful umbrella and Atlantic pines, some even standing out on fairways or near greens, creating a picturesque and unique atmosphere. Dom Pedro Golf Pinhal invites golfers to enjoy a memorable experience amidst the natural beauty of the landscape and the presence of magnificent pines.
Featuring the strategic inclusion of ponds and a meandering stream on five holes, Dom Pedro Golf Pinhal adds a touch of challenge without posing serious threats to above-average golfers. To adapt to the modern technical advancements in clubs and balls, the course has undergone recent lengthening, now measuring 6,353 meters from the white tee markers, offering a par 72 experience. Golfers with lower handicaps will still find Dom Pedro Golf Pinhal to be an engaging test during their Algarve golf holiday.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Frank Pennick (Refined by Robert Trent Jones Sr)
- Opened: 1976
Dom Pedro Laguna Golf Course
Nestled across the low-lying coastal terrain, Dom Pedro Golf Laguna course presents a unique contrast to the other courses in Vilamoura. Abundant water hazards and minimal tree coverage contribute to a distinctive links-style atmosphere on many of its holes. Renowned U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this popular course, which opened in 1990 as part of the former 27-hole Vilamoura III course. Over the years, Dom Pedro Golf Laguna has undergone ongoing improvements, ensuring an enhanced experience for every golfer seeking a memorable golf holiday in the Algarve.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Joseph Lee
- Opened: 1990
Pestana Vila Sol Golf Course
The only course in Vilamoura that isn’t part of the Dom Pedro Golf Collection, Vila Sol golf course is in fact part of the popular Pestana group and is located at the Pestana Vila Sol Golf Resort. This is a five-star hotel that offers some great value packages and well worth considering if you are working towards a budget with your group.
This 27-hole course has been open for thirty years, although for the majority of that time it was 18-holes before an additional 9-holes were created.
- Holes: 27
- Par: 72
- Designer: Donald Steel
- Opened: 1991
Other Things To Do In Vilamoura
Away from the fairways there is plenty to do in Vilamoura – if you want a lazy day on the beach then you have either Praia da Falesia which is 6km long, or you have Praia de Vilamoura. If you fancy being a bit more active, then check out the numerous water parks in central Algarve which are just a short drive away, or you could set sail from the marina on any one of an assortment of boat trips – from cave tours to dolphin hunting to sunset cruises – there is something for everyone.
In the evening, Vilamoura comes alive especially around the marina with its array of bars and restaurants that is popular with both golfers and holidaymakers in general. Most of the resorts here don’t offer all-inclusive because there is so much choice outside and we recommend going for bed & breakfast as your board basis so you can sample some of the excellent cuisine on offer.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Vilamoura Golf Holiday
- Avoid all-inclusive or half-board options: Although popular board options for groups and something we often recommend in other destinations; many hotels here don’t offer all-inclusive or half-board as an option due to the fantastic cuisine available in the many restaurants by the marina
- Travel in groups of 8: Prices can be cheaper if you travel in groups of 8 as you often get a space free!
- Dom Pedro Experience: If you are playing Dom Pedro golf courses, consider staying in their chain of hotels too as that often leads to further savings in their ‘Dom Pedro Experience’ packages where accommodation and green fees are bundled together
- Book tee times early: There are only a handful of courses in the area so for those looking for prime tee times in medium or high season, don’t hesitate as once they are gone, they are gone!
- Private Transfers For Large Groups: There is a free golf shuttle service for Dom Pedro golf courses from many of the hotels on the marina but for very large groups where the cost can be diluted across so many, it might be worth considering private transfer for ultra convenience
Top 5 Golf Holiday Deals Playing Vilamoura’s Best Golf Courses
We have hand-picked some of our most popular accommodation options in Vilamoura, playing the region’s courses with our top Vilamoura golf breaks below:
- 4* Dom Pedro Vilamoura Hotel
- 4* Vila Gale Marina Vilamoura
- 4* Dom Pedro Marina Hotel
- 4* Pestana Vila Sol Golf Resort
- 5* Domes Lake Algarve
About Glencor Golf
For a truly unforgettable golfing experience, reach out to our dedicated team at Glencor Golf who have stayed and played in Vilamoura! Contact us at 01904 406550 or email info@glencorgolf.com, and let us assist you in crafting the perfect getaway. Prepare to tee off on Vilamoura’s finest courses and create lifelong memories during your dream golf break.
