The Algarve is a destination that's on every golfer's bucket list. Home to incredible courses, year-round sunshine, pretty coastal towns and more, it's little wonder it is considered one of the world's most popular places to visit and play golf.
It's no secret that the Algarve is one of Europe's top golf destinations. Portugal’s glittering Atlantic coastline is bathed by several of ‘Europe’s Top 100 Golf Courses’ and remains a firm favourite among golfers looking to take advantage of the immaculate, picture-perfect fairways and warm Mediterranean climate.
And, it’s not just the championship golf and year-round sunshine that draws holidays makers to the region. It is here in this coastal paradise that you’ll discover magical cove beaches with golden sands against the backdrop of red cliffs, fantastic nightlife and more than satisfying cuisine. It is a region steeped in Portuguese tradition and culture, and overflowing with colourful towns, castles and cathedrals that you can discover off the course.
Needless to say that the Algarve is the perfect golf holiday destination all year round, and you can read all about it below.
One of the most convenient things about booking a holiday in the Algarve is that it’s easy to get to. The sun-safe climate and coastal location are easily accessible with up to five direct flights every day from various airports in the UK. Once you land at Faro airport, you're only a short 25-minute drive from Vilamoura. Alternatively, Albufeira is just a further 10-minute drive away.
The Algarve suits all types of golfers. With over 40 golf courses to choose from, including customer favourites like San Lorenzo, Monte Rei and the Old Course Vilamoura, you are never short of options. With immaculate fairways, interesting layouts designed by legendary architects and spectacular views, it is fair to say the golf courses in the Algarve are unrivalled in Europe. At its heart is Vilamoura – a true golfing hotspot.
With so much variety, we understand that choosing which courses to play might be an intimidating prospect. Do not fear as our experts will be more than happy to tailor any quotes specifically to your wants and needs!
Whether you choose to stay in east, west, or central Algarve, there is a wide range of resorts to choose from, with both hotel and self-catering accommodation, as well as plenty of activities to take part in, both on and off the course.
With so much choice, golfers are never far from fantastic golf! Amendoeira Golf Resort, Pestana Golf Resort and Vale do Lobo Resort are amongst some of the very best in the region. However, whether you choose to enjoy your break at a golf resort or at one of the more centrally located hotel options, you will always be near a high-quality course. The Magnolia Hotel is an elegant Miami Style Boutique in Faro, just a stone’s throw from the Quinta do Lago Golf courses.
Unsurprisingly, there is an endless supply of some of Europe’s sandiest and most photogenic beaches. The Algarve coastline boasts several stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and honeycombed caves of limestone rock, which are perfect for sun-bathing, surfing, and other water sports.
Praia da Falesia, situated between Vilamoura and Albuferia is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Portugal, where you can spend a day or two soaking up the sun off the course. Praia da Vale do Lobo is perfect if you’re staying at the premier resort. It is backed by the resorts on-site golf courses which are two of the finest in Europe- the Royal Course and the Ocean Course.
The Algarve has a truly fantastic climate. With over 300 days of sunshine each year and minimal rainfall, golfers can feel confident that they’re likely to have sun-kissed fairways during their golf holiday. Temperatures in the springtime tend to reach as high as 30°C in the sun and 20°C in the shade, whereas in the summer, temperatures can soar up to a sizzling 35°C. This may sound too hot, but when you consider the coastal breeze, these temperatures become much more tolerable.
If you’re looking for quaint traditional Portuguese villages, scenic sunsets and enchanting old towns, you’ll find it here. The charming town of Tavira, awash with fishing boats, cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings, is the perfect place to go for a stroll and visit some of the markets. You can even head for the hills in Monchique and take a hike to the highest point in the Algarve where you’ll bear witness to some of the most outstanding natural scenery in Portugal.
The historic city of Faro and town of Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve, are sprinkled with beautiful castle ruins, historical landmarks and grand cathedrals. The Sé Cathedral in Faro and Silves Castle are must-see attractions during your holiday.
The Portuguese cuisine offers great dishes for all tastes, often with local ingredients. With its coastal location, fish and shellfish dishes with today's catch are perhaps the most popular of them all. A Golfbreaks favourite among both employees and clients is Bovino Steakhouse. Known for their high-quality food and excellent service, we highly suggest a visit if you haven’t already! Another good choice for seafood lovers is Casa do Lago.
At night, the Algarve comes to life with music, bars and seafront restaurants. Visit the strip in Albufeira and the resort town of Vilamoura for a lively night scene. Both towns are peppered with sophisticated Michelin starred restaurants, beach bars and clubs where you can dance the night away. Or, wind down and enjoy a quiet dinner with a view along the seafront after an active day on the fairways.
Part of the Algarve’s allure is that it has held firmly onto its roots while opening its doors to visitors. In towns like Silves and Lagos, you can discover the Algarve’s unique culture and hints of Portugal’s maritime past in the form of fish markets and museums. Remnants of Moorish influences are still visible today in the churches, ceramics and crafts. You can even listen to Fado music in local restaurants and watch the locals dance the colourful, energetic, traditional dance of Portugal- the ‘corridinho’. Towns like Loulé exude a sense of Romance and that old-world charm you’ve been waiting for!
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Product Manager - Europe
As the Official Golf Tourism Operator of the PGA TOUR and with over 25 years’ experience, Golfbreaks is one of the world’s longest established and most trusted golf travel companies. We organise golf breaks, holidays and tournament experiences for more than 200,000 golfers annually at over 2,000 resorts and golf courses in the UK, Europe, and further afield.
