Get on course!

Golf is in the Algarve’s nature, offering the opportunity to play some of Europe's most prestigious courses in perfect weather the whole year round. Attracting players from around the world, they offer a unique golf experience surrounded by verdant pine forests, lush fairways, and waterside greens.  

Playing in these incredible natural environments means technical challenges combined with beautiful views on each and every round. To help you find the best day’s golf while on your holiday, let’s take a look at our picks for the top 10 courses in the Algarve! 

One of the few Jack Nicklaus signature courses in Europe, the stunning mountains surrounding Tavira and the Spanish border are the perfect backdrop for golf in the Algarve.  

Described as the "jewel of the Algarve," this course was designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1975, this is home to some of the best views of any Portuguese golf course. 

The original, and best, Quinta do Lago golf course, American architect William Mitchell elevated golf in the region by importing American standard greens, tees and bunkers.

The second oldest course in the Algarve, it has remained one of Europe's finest courses since 1969. The tees are always beautifully kept; the fairways wonderfully crafted and tree lined.

San Lorenzo is a classic design, a figure of eight on sandy, undulating terrain running alongside the Atlantic and the unspoiled nature of the bird sanctuary at the Ria Formosa.

The latest course at Quinta do Lago winds through traditional orange groves – giving it the name Laranjal – and was designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva.

While the South course is more popular, the natural views of the North course, formerly known as the Ria Formosa after the nature reserve, are definitely worth seeing for yourself.

Situated in the central Algarve district of Silves, the Faldo course calls for golfers to play strategically, avoiding the meandering streams and age-old olive trees of the countryside.

The Royal course is widely regarded as the best of Vale do Lobo’s two courses. Indeed, the spectacular clifftop 16th hole is probably the most photographed hole in all of Portuguese golf.
 

Arnold Palmer designed Victoria with tournaments in mind. A year after opening, it hosted the WGC World Cup, and, since 2007, has been the proud home of the Portugal Masters. It is currently under renovation (Aug 2024). 

Vila Vita Collection and Vila Vita Parc guests benefit of special tee times and preferential rates at most of the golf courses in the Algarve. For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].