The Best Golf Courses in the Algarve

The Algarve is a beautiful region located on the south coast of Portugal. Home to picturesque beaches, historic castles, luxury resorts and world-class golf courses, it comes as no surprise that the Algarve is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe for both holiday-makers and golfers alike. Across the Algarve region, there are 31 golf courses, including some of the world’s finest. Here is our list of the 8 best golf courses in the Algarve.

 

Monte Rei North Course

 

Since opening in 2007, The Monte Rei North Course has consistently been ranked as the number one golf course in Portugal and one of the top courses in Europe. Designed by arguably the finest golf architect in the world, Jack Nicklaus, the beautiful championship golf course exceeds all expectations. The Monte Rei North Course serves up a stern challenge for golfers of all abilities and handicaps, as well as spectacular views over the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and Atlantic Ocean throughout the course. 

 

Vale do Lobo Royal Course

 

The Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is regarded as one of the most prestigious courses in Portugal. Designed by renowned American course architect, Rocky Roquemore, The Royal Course boasts some of the country’s most dramatic holes, including Europe’s most challenging hole: the 16th cliff-top carryover, which just so happens to be the most photographed hole in Europe, too. Shrouded by enchanting pine trees, wildflowers and lakes, the stunning course offers a serene backdrop while you play. 

 

Dom Pedro Victoria Course

 

Dom Pedro Victoria Course is located in Vilamoura, one of the three corners of Algarve’s Golden Triangle and one of the most affluent areas in the Algarve. The Victoria Course was designed by golf legend, Arnold Palmer, and was opened for play in 2004. Since then, the flagship course has hosted numerous esteemed tournaments, including the prestigious Portugal Masters. Known for its fast greens and unforgiving hazards, the Victoria Course offers a true test of golf even for the most experienced players, including the likes of Lawry, Westwood and Harrington. 

 

Dom Pedro Old Course

 

Designed by Frank Pennink, Dom Pedro Old Course was one of the first courses built in the Algarve. Set among mature pine trees and undulating green, the course offers a beautiful, natural setting as well as a challenging game of golf. Dom Pedro Old Course is known throughout the world as the quintessential course of the Algarve and a must-visit on your next trip to Portugal. 

 

San Lorenzo Golf Course

 

San Lorezeno is considered one of the most stunning golf courses in Portugal and one of the best, and most demanding venues in Europe. The championship course was designed by esteemed American golf architects, Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, saltwater marshes and lagoons across the Ria Formosa Estuary and Nature Reserve. If you’re looking for outstanding natural beauty, then San Lorenzo could be just the course for you.

 

Penina Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course

 

Located in West Algarve, The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course was designed and built by none other than British Open Champion, Sir Henry Cotton. Since opening, the course has hosted its fair share of tournaments, including the Portuguese Open on ten occasions. The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course features plenty of water hazards, raised greens, treacherous ditches and slopes, making it a difficult track for all golfers.

 

 

Vale Da Pinta Course

 

Designed by American golf course architect, Ronald Fream, Vale Da Pinta is a highly-respected championship course in Algarve. It is widely regarded as one of  the best designed in the region with a combination of Bermuda grass, tricky sand bunkers, lakes and ancient trees, for a challenging game with fabulous views. Since opening in 1992, Vale Da Pinta has hosted the European Seniors Tour Qualifying final for eight consecutive years and earned its place in Europe’s top 100 golf courses.

Boavista Golf Course

 

Located not far from Lagos town centre is the Boavista Golf Course. The brilliant course offers a fair game for players of all levels, weaving through the natural contours of the land with carefully-placed water hazards and bunkers throughout. Surrounded by almond, fig, palm and olive trees, Boavista Golf Course has a gorgeous Mediterranean feel and offers breathtaking views at every hole.

If you’re looking for your next golf holiday, browse our selection of golf breaks in the Algarve or get in touch with our team for more information.