Best golf resorts in the Algarve

5. Pestana Golf Resort, Western Algarve

Golf: Gramacho, Vale da Pinta, Silves, Alto & Vila Sol | Customer ranking: 4.5 | Best for: Multi-course golf holidays, flexibility & great value

Why stay here? Pestana Golf Resort is perfect for golfers who want variety without changing accommodation. With access to five excellent courses across the Algarve and a choice of self-catering apartments and villas, it’s a popular option for groups and longer stays.

Golf courses: Gramacho and Vale da Pinta are the standout courses in the west, offering contrasting parkland-style layouts with elevation changes, mature trees and strategic bunkering. Silves adds dramatic scenery and testing approaches, while Alto and Vila Sol complete a diverse portfolio suitable for all abilities.

Resort highlights:

• Access to five Algarve golf courses
• Spacious apartments and villas, ideal for groups
• Excellent value golf packages with flexible tee times
• Western Algarve setting close to Portimão and Lagos

Fun fact: Gramacho has hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open, highlighting its championship credentials.

6. Dona Filipa Hotel & San Lorenzo Golf Course, Quinta do Lago

Golf: San Lorenzo Golf Course | Customer ranking: 4.4 **| Best for:**Classic luxury, natural beauty & refined golf experiences

Why stay here? Dona Filipa Hotel offers timeless elegance paired with access to one of the Algarve’s most scenic courses. Combined with the exclusive San Lorenzo Golf Course, it’s ideal for golfers seeking traditional luxury and exceptional course conditioning.

Golf courses: San Lorenzo is a stunning coastal layout set within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, known for its rolling fairways, water-lined holes and immaculate presentation.

Resort highlights:

• Access to one of Portugal’s most beautiful golf courses
• Elegant beachfront hotel with refined dining
• Peaceful setting within a protected natural park
• Easy access to Quinta do Lago’s wider resort facilities

Fun fact: San Lorenzois ranked as the 17th best course in Portugal by Top 100 Golf Courses thanks to its blend of design, scenery and conditioning.

7. Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, Western Algarve

Golf: Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, Resort Course & Academy Course | Customer ranking: 4.4 | Best for: Championship heritage, classic design & traditional resort stays

Why stay here? Penina is one of the Algarve’s most historic golf resorts and a true classic. As the region’s first golf resort, it offers timeless charm, spacious grounds and one of Portugal’s most famous championship courses.

Golf courses: The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course is a traditional parkland layout known for its flat fairways, mature trees and demanding approach shots. The Resort Course and Academy Course provide relaxed alternatives ideal for practice rounds and shorter games.

Resort highlights:

• Home to one of Portugal’s original championship courses
• Large resort-style hotel with extensive leisure facilities
• Three on-site golf courses for all standards
• Convenient location near Portimão and Lagos

Fun fact: The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course hosted the Portuguese Open ten times, more than any other course in Portugal.

8. Pestana Vila Sol, Central Algarve

Golf: Vila Sol Golf Course | Customer ranking: 4.3 | Best for: Classic Algarve golf, great value & central location

Why stay here? Pestana Vila Sol is a long-established Algarve favourite, offering a relaxed resort atmosphere paired with one of the region’s most respected golf courses. Its central location near Vilamoura makes it ideal for golfers wanting easy access to beaches, nightlife and multiple courses.

Golf courses: Vila Sol Golf Course is a classic 27-hole layout designed by Donald Steel, featuring tree-lined fairways, strategic water hazards and well-protected greens. The course is divided into three loops of nine, allowing for varied and flexible play.

Resort highlights:

• 27-hole championship golf course
• Comfortable hotel set within landscaped gardens
• Central Algarve location close to Vilamoura Marina
• Good practice facilities and relaxed clubhouse atmosphere

Fun fact: Vila Sol has hosted numerous professional tournaments and is widely regarded as one of the Algarve’s most playable yet challenging layouts.

The Algarve offers far more than world-class golf. From lively marina resorts to historic towns and laid-back fishing villages, each area brings its own character, scenery and off-course experiences to complement your time on the fairways.

Travel tips for the Algarve

• Best time to visit: The Algarve is one of Europe’s most reliable year-round golf destinations. The prime months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable and courses are in excellent condition.
• Top tip: Pack light layers for spring, autumn and winter mornings, as coastal breezes can make early tee times cooler. During summer, aim for morning or twilight rounds and stay well hydrated in the midday heat.
• Travel time: Faro Airport (FAO) is the Algarve’s main gateway, with excellent connections across the UK and Europe. Most of the region’s top golf resorts and courses are within 20 to 45 minutes of the airport, making transfers quick and straightforward.
• Transport: Car hire is highly recommended, giving you the freedom to explore different courses, beaches and towns along the coast. The Algarve’s compact size makes it easy to combine multiple golf areas in one trip.
• Booking tip: The Algarve’s most popular courses, particularly in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura, can book up well in advance during spring and autumn. Securing tee times early is strongly advised during peak seasons.

Check out our Algarve golf holiday FAQs here to help you plan your next trip.

Beyond the fairways in the Algarve

• Lagos: Set in the Western Algarve, Lagos combines championship golf with dramatic coastline, historic streets and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Explore clifftop walks at Ponta da Piedade, wander the old town or enjoy sunset dining by the marina.
• Vilamoura: A lively resort hub known for its championship golf, marina lifestyle and vibrant nightlife. Off the course, enjoy waterfront restaurants, bars and beaches, all within easy reach.
• Alvor: A charming coastal town with a traditional feel, Alvor is a favourite for golfers seeking a relaxed base close to some of the Algarve’s best courses. Expect sandy beaches, a picturesque harbour, excellent seafood restaurants and easy access to championship golf, all within a laid-back Western Algarve setting.
• Faro: The Algarve’s historic capital offers charming old-town streets, a beautiful marina and access to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s perfect for sightseeing, boat tours and relaxed dining after a round.
• Tavira: A more traditional Algarve town, Tavira is known for its Roman bridge, tiled churches and tranquil atmosphere. It’s ideal for golfers seeking culture, calm and easy access to excellent courses in the eastern Algarve.
• Albufeira: Combining beaches, entertainment and a central Algarve location, Albufeira is ideal for groups looking to balance golf with lively evenings, coastal walks and a wide choice of restaurants.