Algarve golf holidays are amongst the most popular destinations for a golf break in Europe. It has everything you need – fantastic nightlife, great bars and restaurants, accommodation options for those on a budget to those looking for bucket list luxury, stunning golf courses, short flight times, and a perfect golfing climate in the months that bookend the summer period.
When you book an Algarve golf break, you can choose from the bustling nightlife of Albufeira, the perfect spot for stag parties and groups looking to enjoy the evenings or go for the stunning Marina towns of Lagos and Vilamoura, which provide the ideal backdrop for golfers with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Slightly further afield – in regions like the Eastern Algarve – are untapped towns like Tavira that give a glimpse into Portuguese culture. In this guide, we explore some of the best golf courses in the Algarve and the best places for a golf holiday to ensure you have all the knowledge to book the perfect golfing holiday in the Algarve!
Algarve at a Glance
- Location: The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, stretching along the Atlantic coast. It’s often referred to in three distinct regions – Eastern (which borders Spain), Central and Western.
- Closest Airport: Faro Airport, which is accessible from many UK airports all year round. The airport is around 25 minutes from Vilamoura, which is one of the most popular regions for golfers..
- Flight Time: Approx 2 Hours and 50 minutes – actual time can vary slightly depending on where in the UK you depart from.
- Best Time to Travel: High season for a golf break to the Algarve is considered March to May and September to November. These months provide the perfect balance of warm but not blistering temperatures, daylight and course quality.
- Climate: In the peak golfing seasons in spring and autumn, temperatures during the day can reach a comfortable 20–26°C, making it perfect t-shirt weather on the course! There is a low to moderate chance of rain.
Best Golf Courses In The Algarve
Monte Rei
Loved by many who have had the good fortune to play it, Monte Rei is considered one of the top courses in Portugal, let alone the Algarve, due to its incredible layout, outstanding service and pristine condition.
Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, it often feels like ‘millionaires’ golf’ because of the seclusion you feel when playing every hole here.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Jack Nicklaus
- Opened: 2007
Vale Do Lobo Royal
As you can see from the image above of the 16th hole, this course is absolutely stunning! This dramatic cliff top par 3 is one of the most photographed holes in European golf.
The course is based on designs originally by Sir Henry Cotton but later redeveloped by the American golf architect Rocky Roquemore. This course combines rolling fairways, pine trees and scenic lakes.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Sir Henry Cotton (Rocky Roquemore carried out redevelopment)
- Opened: 1997
Old Course Vilamoura
Known as the “Grand dame” of the Algarve golf scene, this iconic course is still one of the finest in the region. Designed by Dutch born golf architect Frank Pennick in 1969, it combines elegance with a golfing challenge.
Characteristics of this beautiful course are the towering umbrella pines that decorate each side of the fairway, as well as subtle elevation changes and well thought out bunker placement that rewards those with excellent course management skills.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 73
- Designer: Frank Pennink
- Opened: 1969
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo has been a well-respected golf course in the Algarve since it first opened in 1988. Crafted by American architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore who have managed to take full advantage of Quinta do Lago’s natural terrain as this course seamlessly weaves through rolling pine woodland, saltwater lagoons, and wetlands brimming with wildlife.
The initial holes take you through shaded woodland before opening up to incredible seaside views along the Ria Formosa Estuary, like the one in the photo above.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Joseph Lee & Rocky Roquemore
- Opened: 1988
Ombria
The most recent addition to the Algarve golf scene is Ombria – a Jorge Santana da Silva design who has put a big emphasis on sustainability by making use of natural water sources and local vegetation.
Since its opening in 2023, it has quickly established a high quality reputation due to its beauty as well as the service provided by the team who work here. Enjoy meandering through valleys and rivers, seamlessly blending with the landscape’s contours.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Designer: Jorge Santana da Silva
- Opened: 2023
Palmares Ocean & Living
There can’t be many golf courses that combine a variety of holes whilst maintaining such a consistently high standard! Palmares Ocean & Living boasts 27 holes arranged into three individual nine-hole circuits – Alvor, Lagos, and Praia – each with its own personality. Alvor offers gently undulating parkland-style fairways, Lagos blends wooded stretches with dynamic elevation shifts, and Praia hugs the shoreline, delivering an authentic, pure links golf experience.
Also worth ensuring you stay for refreshments in the clubhouse after a round of golf here as it is stunning! Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning studio RCR Arquitectes, it features two restaurants – one of which is Michelin-starred – a reception & concierge service, as well as scenic views of the Bay of Lagos and the Alvor Estuary.
- Holes: 27
- Par: 72
- Designer: Frank Pennick (Robert Trent Jones Jr. redesigned to 27 holes)
- Opened: 1975 (Re-opened as 27 holes in 2010 after re-design)
Els Club Vilamoura
This golf course was previously known as Victoria but since its acquisition by investment group Arrow Global, it has undergone a complete redevelopment, including a change in layout, led by the ‘Big Easy’ himself, South African golfing legend Ernie Els.
Since its opening in 2025, the The Els Club Vilamoura has transformed into a private members club however there are a small number of daily tee-time available for holiday golfers if they are residents of Victoria Golf Resort & Spa.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Ernie Els
- Opened: 2025
Quinta Do Lago South
Set in 2,000 acres of countryside and pine forests, Quinta Do Lago South borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With its long, wide fairways this is the ideal round for those who can strike a ball with some distance.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: William Mitchell
- Opened: 1974
Quinta de Cima
Set within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, this is another Rocky Roquemore designed course which deserves high praise. Featuring open fairways that are sprinkled with almond trees down the side of them, this is an Eastern Algarve gem.
Once you’ve played here, be sure to check out its sister course which it shares a clubhouse with – the 18-hole par 72 Quinta da Ria.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Rocky Roquemore
- Opened: 2002
Amendoeira Faldo
Designed by British golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo in 2008, this 18-hole course at Amendoeira Golf Resort is considered picture-esque but also fairly demanding. With natural contours, rocky outcrops, and Mediterranean vegetation this course provides a test that rewards the more tactical player over one who focuses on pure power.
If you have time on your Algarve golf break, check out it’s sister course at Amendoeira too, the 18-hole O’Connor course.
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Designer: Sir Nick Faldo
- Opened: 2008
Other Things To Do In The Algarve
The Algarve has so much to offer on your non-golfing days!
- Explore The Stunning Beaches: The Algarve boasts a number of beautiful golden sand beaches, many of which have dramatic cliff tops overhead. Take your pick from Praia de Marinha, near the town of Lagos, which is known for turquoise water and iconic cliffs, Benagil beach which offers access to Benagil Cave which is the most photographed of all the caves along the Algarve coast, or Praia de Faro with its long sandy beaches that are ideal for long coastal walks.
- Take a Boat or Kayak Tour: To access Benagil Cave or any of the other hidden caves and secret coves dotted along the coast, you can take a boat or kayak tour. Options range from guided kayak tours with support boats so you get all the inside information from local experts, or you can arrange your very own private boat trip with departures from many coastal towns including Lagos, Carvoeiro and Faro.
- Visit Historic Towns: If you want to explore a more authentic version of the Algarve, then head to some of the towns away from the popularity of the likes of Vilamoura and Albufeira, and head to Lagos, Tavira and Silves! Lagos features cobbled streets, historic walls and lively markets whereas Tavira in Eastern Algarve is a picture perfect fishing town with a Roman bridge. Silves features a red sandstone castle and was once considered the region’s wealthiest area as well as the capital of the Algarve before Faro.
- Go Hiking or Cycling: If you’ve got energy to burn despite all the golf, hire a bike or just hike many of the trails and nature reserves. Top picks include Rota Vicentina which is a network of walking routes that span hundreds of kilometres. Another option is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa which is a protected area consisting of lagoons, islands, marshland and sandy beaches that stretch 60km across the Algarve coast – remember to take your camera as there is plenty of wildlife to spot!
- Taste the Local Cuisines & Wine: There are plenty of traditional Portuguese dishes to try when dining out after a round of golf! Piri-Piri chicken is a classic and considered an affordable option with plenty of Algarve restaurants serving it, although best enjoyed at a traditional churrasqueira (grill restaurant). For those who enjoy seafood, make sure you try Cataplana de Marisco which is a seafood stew served in a clam-shaped copper pot called a cataplana and is filled with clams, mussels, prawns, and fresh fish fillets. For those with a sweet tooth, make sure to try Dom Rodrigo – a famous, rich Portuguese dessert from the Algarve region, made from egg yolks, sugar and almonds.
Top 5 Travel Tips For Your Algarve Golf Holiday
- Book Early For Prime Tee Times: The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations for a golf break so, despite the huge number of courses in the region, tee sheets can fill up quickly – especially for the top courses or those in and around Vilamoura.
- Book Buggies In Advance: We always advise our clients to at least reserve their buggies before travelling on their golf holiday – not every golf course has a huge fleet and they can often sell out. Our team can give their first hand opinion on how walkable a golf course is if you have not played it before but if you do decide buggies are required for your trip, don’t leave it to chance on the day!
- All-Inclusive Food & Drink: For those travelling in a large group then an all-inclusive board basis is a great option so you don’t have to try and tally up who owes what at the end of a meal. Some great resorts near Albufeira offer all-inclusive options such as NAU Sao Rafael Suites and The Patio Suite Hotel, whilst further afield AP Cabanas Beach & Nature near Tavira and Pestana Blue Alvor Beach Hotel are popular options too.
- Transfers For Large Groups: In Vilamoura, there is a free golf shuttle bus which runs between many of the hotels and the golf courses (Millennium, Laguna, Pinhal, Old Course, and The Els Club) that you can arrange locally via hotel reception and concierge teams. However for other towns and resorts a free shuttle bus isn’t always included so make sure you add private transfers for your group to ensure getting to and from the courses doesn’t add any stress.
- Venture Further Afield: Vilamoura is the obvious choice for a golf break – numerous high quality golf courses, stunning Marina to enjoy in the evening, and some top hotels – however if you head to the Eastern Algarve you can experience the historic charm of Tavira with its Roman bridge, whitewashed buildings, and old churches as well as being close to outstanding golf courses like Quinta de Cima, Quinta da Ria and the stunning Monte Rei.
Top 10 Algarve Golf Break Deals: Play The Most Popular Golf Courses
Our team have handpicked some of the most popular golf deals in the Algarve, which sees you play the best golf courses:
- 4* Hyatt Regency Vilamoura Algarve – Vilamoura
- 4* Pestana Vila Sol – Vilamoura
- 5* Monte Rei Country Club – Tavira
- 4* Robinson Quinta da Ria – Tavira
- 5* Dona Filipa Hotel – Vale Do Lobo
- 4* Vale Do Lobo Apartments – Vale Do Lobo
- 5* Penina Golf Resort – Alvor
- 4* Amendoeira Golf Resort – Alcantarilha
- 5* Quinta Do Lago Hotel – Quinta Do Lago
- 5* Viceroy at Ombria Algarve – Loulé
About Glencor Golf
Glencor Golf Holidays have been providing Algarve golf breaks for over 20 years now. Across our knowledgeable and friendly team, we have stayed and played in all of the regions and visited all the major resorts and courses so you can rest assured that our advice and recommendations are based on first hand experience.
Call us today on 01904 406550, and we can help create your perfect Algarve golf break.
