From Vilamoura to Monte Rei: A Four-Day Algarve Golf Adventure

Few golf destinations in Europe deliver quite like the Algarve. From world-class layouts and ocean views to top-tier hotels, warm hospitality, and food that keeps you coming back for more, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Our four-day golf tour through Vilamoura, Lagos and the Eastern Algarve showcased exactly why; with memorable rounds, great company, and moments we’ll be talking about for years.

• Day 1: Vilamoura – Arrive Faro; golf at Millennium and Pinhal of the Vilamoura collection; stay at Hilton Vilamoura.
• Day 2: Vilamoura – Morning golf at Laguna, Vilamoura; Details Hotels site visits; lunch at Vilamoura Old Course; afternoon round on The Old Course; evening in Quinta do Lago; overnight at Hilton Vilamoura.
• Day 3: Lagos – Travel west to Palmares; tour Palmares Signature Apartments; golf at Palmares Golf Club; dinner and overnight at Palmares.
• Day 4: Eastern Algarve – Drive to Monte Rei Golf & Country Club; play the Jack Nicklaus Signature North Course; tapas lunch and departure.

Our trip began with a smooth 7:30 a.m. flight from Gatwick to Faro, touching down just after 10:00 a.m. With the sun shining and spirits high, we breezed through a quick and easy car hire pick-up and hit the road within minutes, always a good sign on a golf holiday!

Our first stop was Millennium, Vilamoura, the perfect opener. Its wide, generous fairways and relaxed layout made it ideal for loosening up after the early start. The course was in great condition, with true-running greens and just enough challenge to get the competitive juices flowing without punishing any travel-weary swings.

In the afternoon, we continued onto Pinhal Golf Course, offering a completely different feel. Tighter fairways, towering umbrella pines, and plenty of character made it a fun test. After finishing our round, we settled onto the terrace overlooking the fantastic grass range, enjoying a well-earned cold beer in the sun, the exact moment you realise you’re properly on holiday!

From the course, we headed to Hilton Vilamoura, our base for the first two nights. We were welcomed by João Rosada, who gave us an insightful show-around of the property. Beautifully presented and part of the Dom Pedro group, the Hilton impressed immediately. The hotel features a huge, state-of-the-art spa, multiple pools, immaculate grounds, and a refined but relaxed atmosphere.

Check-in was smooth and straightforward, and we headed up to our rooms to settle in before enjoying dinner at the hotel. A full day of travel and golf ended exactly as it should; comfortable, relaxed, and already excited for Day Two.

We were back at it early with a 07:50am tee time at Laguna, Vilamoura. Laguna’s open layout, scattered lakes, and links-style touches gave us a fresh challenge. It’s a course that rewards strategy and offers plenty of room off the tee, a perfect morning warm-up round.

After finishing our round at Laguna, we met João Carlota, who took us on a series of hotel show-arounds. Each of the properties we visited is part of the Details Hotels & Resorts group, and it quickly became clear just how much focus and investment is going into elevating their offering. During the tour, we viewed:

• Dom Pedro Portobello,
• Dom Pedro Residences,
• Victoria Hotel at The Els Club,

Each showcasing its own distinct identity, thoughtful design, and high standard of service. João’s passion for the brand was evident throughout, and seeing the upgrades and long-term vision firsthand made a strong impression. These are hotels clearly aiming to set a new benchmark in the Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago area.

The visit to the Victoria Hotel at The Els Club was a particular highlight. Closely linked to the prestigious Els Club Vilamoura, the hotel carries a modern, refined feel that perfectly complements the elite golfing experience next door. The course itself, designed by Ernie Els, is a championship-level layout built to tour standards, featuring pristine conditioning, bold bunkering, and strategically demanding holes that reward precision and smart course management. With its exclusive feel and immaculate presentation, The Els Club stands out as one of the Algarve’s most exciting additions, offering a truly premium golf experience that matches the quality of the hotel and reinforces the ambition of the Details group.

Next, we headed to the legendary Vilamoura Old Course for lunch, enjoying a relaxed meal on the clubhouse terrace with views across one of Portugal’s most iconic golfing landscapes.

Then came our afternoon round on The Old Course itself. Towering umbrella pines, beautifully sculpted holes, immaculate fairways, it’s a course that never disappoints. Every hole has character, and the afternoon light filtering through the trees made it an unforgettable round.

After finishing, we enjoyed a couple of drinks on the terrace while reviewing the current leaderboards, taking stock of who was in form as the tournament-within-the-trip heated up. From there, we returned to the Hilton to freshen up before heading back to the Old Course clubhouse for dinner.

To round off the night, we made our way to The Cheeky Pup in Quinta do Lago, a lively spot perfect for a late-night laugh. Great atmosphere, great fun, a brilliant way to close out Day Two!

Day Three started with a picturesque early-morning drive west to Palmares Golf Club, one of the Algarve’s most visually spectacular venues. Upon arrival, we met Emma Lester, who took us on a tour of the Palmares Signature Apartments. Contemporary, spacious and perched overlooking the bay, they felt more like luxury hillside retreats than the usual golf accommodation you’d expect.

After the tour, we headed to the jaw-dropping Palmares clubhouse, a modern architectural masterpiece with panoramic views over Lagos, the coastline, and the rolling fairways below. We enjoyed a quick coffee on the terrace, soaking in the scenery before heading out.

Then it was time to take on Palmares Golf Course, a stunning blend of links, parkland, and hillside golf designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course moves seamlessly between oceanfront holes, elevated tees with dramatic vistas, and valley fairways shaped by the natural landscape. Its variety, beauty, and clever design made it one of the standouts rounds of the entire trip.

After golf, we enjoyed dinner at the Palmares Hotel, a relaxed and high-quality meal that perfectly capped off the day. We then settled into the Palmares Signature Apartments for the night, which was peaceful, modern, and with morning views that make you wish you could stay a week.

The final day saw us drive east toward Monte Rei Golf & Country Club and it proved to be the perfect grand finale. Ranked 2nd in Portugal according Top 100 Courses this stunning course is tucked away in the rolling hills near the Spanish border. Monte Rei has a sense of calm and exclusivity that immediately sets it apart. Known as one of the finest courses in Europe, it didn’t just live up to its reputation; it exceeded every expectation.

From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless and world-class. The welcome from Manuel Bravo was warm and personal, the facilities immaculate and the attention to detail evident in every corner of the resort. Even the practice areas reflected the standards of the course itself, pristine, peaceful, and immaculately maintained.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature North Course was simply outstanding. Hole after hole presented a new challenge, with flawless fairways, dramatic elevation changes and pristine greens that demanded precision. Each hole felt distinct, framed beautifully by the surrounding hills and natural landscape, creating a sense of isolation and focus that allowed you to fully immerse yourself in the golf. It was championship golf in its purest form.

After completing an exceptional 18 holes, we made our way to the clubhouse for a relaxed tapas lunch, the perfect way to wind down after such a special round. Sitting back and reflecting on four days of outstanding golf, friendly competition, and top-tier hospitality felt like the ideal way to close the trip.

Monte Rei provided a fitting and memorable ending, a true championship experience that perfectly capped off an unforgettable Algarve golf tour.

• Get the tee times sorted early: Particularly Springs & Autumn tee-time as these are peak months, for places like Vilamoura and at standout courses like The Old Course, Palmares and Monte Rei tee times get reserved very quickly.
• Travel midweek: You’ll often find better hotel availability and more flexibility with preferred tee times.
• Mix regions: Combine Vilamoura, Lagos, and the Eastern Algarve for a varied itinerary featuring parkland, coastal, and championship golf.
• Choose early or twilight rounds: Cooler temperatures, quieter courses, and beautiful Algarve light make these times especially rewarding.

Why not consider this four-night Algarve golf escape?

Stay in Vilamoura for two nights with rounds at Millennium, Laguna and The Old Course, then head west to Lagos for a night at Palmares Signature Apartments with golf on the stunning Palmares course. Finish in Tavira with a final round at the Quinta Da Ria Golf Course, one of Europe’s finest.

• Balance golf with downtime: The Algarve isn’t just about golf. Build in time to enjoy beach walks, marina dining in Vilamoura, coastal scenery around Lagos, or a relaxed long lunch overlooking the fairways. A slower pace makes the trip more enjoyable and keeps energy high for every round.
• Pack for coastal conditions: While the climate is warm, coastal breezes can affect play, especially at Palmares and Monte Rei. Pack light layers, sun protection, and comfortable golf shoes suitable for undulating terrain.
• Enjoy local food and wine: Portuguese cuisine is a highlight of any Algarve trip. Fresh seafood, cataplanas, grilled meats, and local wines pair perfectly with post-round dinners. Clubhouse lunches and terrace dining are a big part of the experience and shouldn’t be rushed.

Q: Why is the Algarve famous for golf? A: The Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most respected golf courses, designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Ernie Els, and Robert Trent Jones Jr. Its combination of sunshine, coastal scenery, and high-quality conditioning makes it a standout destination.

Q: When is the best time of year to golf in the Algarve? A: The best months are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortable and courses are in peak condition. Winter also offers excellent value and mild playing weather.

Q: Do I need a handicap certificate to play in the Algarve? A: Most Algarve courses welcome visiting golfers without strict handicap requirements, though top-tier venues like Monte Rei may request proof of playing ability during busy periods.

Q: What else can I do besides golf? A: The Algarve offers beaches, boat trips, historic towns, coastal walks, wine tasting, and excellent dining. It’s ideal for combining world-class golf with a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

Q: How long does it take to travel between Algarve golf regions? A: The Algarve is compact and easy to navigate. Vilamoura to Lagos takes around 1 hour, while Vilamoura to Monte Rei in the Eastern Algarve is roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by car, making multi-centre golf trips simple and stress-free.

From the welcoming fairways of Millennium to the towering pines of The Old Course, the coastal drama of Palmares and the world-class perfection of Monte Rei, this four-day trip showcased the very best of Algarve golf.

Experiencing each course first-hand provided valuable insight into course conditioning, service standards and overall guest experience, strengthening our knowledge and expertise of the region when making sure you get the best possible golf trip!