Discover Lagos on & off the course: A golf tour review

Having previously visited the Vilamoura area on a couple of occasions, I was excited at the prospect of discovering a different side of the Algarve, one of our most popular golf destinations. Lagos delivers a slightly different Algarve golf experience, blending championship courses with dramatic coastline, historic charm and a relaxed, authentic atmosphere that feels less commercial than Vilamoura or Albufeira.

Set in the Western Algarve, Lagos offers memorable golf courses within easy reach of the city, alongside plenty to enjoy off the course, from stunning beaches and sightseeing to excellent dining and nightlife. Check out our review of a golf tour to Lagos, where we take a deep dive into everything that makes this vibrant city so special, both on and off the course.

One of the biggest draws of a Lagos golf holiday is the quality and variety of courses located just 15 to 20 minutes from the city centre. From dramatic clifftop golf to strategic inland layouts, the region delivers standout experiences for golfers of all abilities.

Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jnr | Holes: 27 | Style: Links / parkland

Often regarded as the jewel of Western Algarve golf, Palmares Beach & Golf Resort boasts 27 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, set across rolling terrain overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The Alvor and Lagos nines form the original 18-hole layout, regularly ranked among the best courses in Portugal and Europe. Expect dramatic elevation changes, panoramic sea views, and a unique mix of parkland and links-style holes that set Palmares apart from anything else in the Algarve.

The modern clubhouse completes the experience, it is the perfect 19th hole, with a beautiful patio that includes views over the golf course and Bay of Lagos, and two on-site restaurants. The main restaurant showcases gastronomy from the local region, whilst AL SUD is the resort’s Michelin-Starred eatery for a more refined dining experience. Following our round, we enjoyed a lovely seafood stew and beer, looking over one of the best views in the Algarve.

Architect: Peter Sauermann | Par: 72 | Style: Inland / eco-reserve

Espiche offers a refreshing contrast to traditional Algarve golf. Set within an ecological reserve, the course winds through vineyards and native vegetation rather than villas and resorts, with sustainability at its core.

At 6,400 yards, the course may not seem too daunting – but do not let that fool you, Espiche is a tight, risk-reward layout that demands careful shot-making. The undulating terrain creates blind tee shots, well-protected greens, and a back nine that provides a stern test, particularly for confident players.

Like Palmares, the Espiche Golf Club experience begins and ends at the stunning clubhouse. It sits at the highest point of the golf course, with a beautifully set terrace and patio garden that provides panoramic views over the course and surrounding landscape.

Architect: Howard Swan | Par: 71 | Style: Parkland / resort

Boavista Golf Club is the most forgiving of the three Lagos courses and provides an enjoyable contrast to Palmares and Espiche. The layout features two distinct nines that weave through villas and natural terrain.

The front nine climbs gently to elevated viewpoints over Lagos, while the back nine introduces more water hazards as it descends toward the clubhouse. Scenic par-3s and tempting par-5s add variety, making Boavista an excellent option for mixed-ability groups.

There is a modern restaurant with outdoor seating overlooking the 18th green, a great way to enjoy a drink following an enjoyable round of golf. The à la carte menu ranges from classic grill food to more bespoke Portuguese dishes… my personal recommendation would be the Boavista Prawn Curry.

As one of the Algarve’s oldest cities, Lagos offers far more than just golf. Its compact city centre is packed with character, cobbled streets, and historic landmarks, while the surrounding area provides beaches, activities, and scenic excursions.

Tivoli Lagos Customer rating: 4 | Location: City centre / marina | Best for: Convenience & nightlife

Tivoli Lagos is a popular four-star hotel located just a short walk from the marina and city centre, making it an excellent base for a golf holiday.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms, multiple restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, sauna, and a beach club transfer service to Meia Praia. It strikes a great balance between convenience, comfort, and value for golfers looking to stay close to the action.

The main restaurant is perfect for breakfast, with a full buffet, whilst Pateo Velho is a classic grill restaurant with Portuguese interior. Here, we had a five-course menu for dinner which included delectable Octopus and Beef. The hotel also offers a transfer service to and from Duna Beach, which is a classic beach bar overlooking Meia Praia.

When you’re not on the golf course, both the city centre and surrounding area offer a multitude of things to enjoy. From wakeboarding to vineyard tours to general sightseeing, I loved the variation Lagos offered for such a small destination.

Bars & restaurants

Lagos is packed with an impressive variety of bars and restaurants, meaning you’re never short of great places to eat or drink. One of the highlights for me was the quality of dining on offer, with very few of the tourist traps you might expect in a busy coastal city.

• Don Sebastião: the standout dining experience in Lagos. This authentic Portuguese restaurant holds a Michelin star and serves exceptional dishes paired with excellent wines. Its impressive wine cellar is also worth a look if you get the chance.
• Dom Henrique: a centrally located favourite, offering beautifully prepared seafood dishes and an excellent dessert selection. The adjoining DH Café is ideal for an after-dinner drink on the terrace and quickly became a regular stop for us.
• Adega da Marina: a great option for larger groups. Located on the marina, this spacious Mediterranean restaurant specialises in seafood and pork dishes and offers a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Historic landmarks

Lagos is rich in history, with several important sites located within easy walking distance of the city centre. These include Europe’s first slave market, the Mercado de Escravos, the ornate Santo António Church, and the 17th-century Forte da Bandeira.

Beaches & coastline

The city is home to a number of small beaches to the south, while the long stretch of Meia Praia lies just north of the centre. Ponta da Piedade is perhaps the most photographed spot in Portugal, located 10 minutes south from the city centre. This is a stunning coastal rock formation which epitomises the rugged shoreline for which the Algarve has become so famous for. Boat/kayak tours and hikes are available for visitors who are really looking to explore this natural wonder.

Food, wine & experiences

A visit to Monte da Casteleja, a local vineyard, is well worth adding to your itinerary. We had a tour and sampled a selection of white and red wines, with accompanying tapas. We received brilliant hospitality and the winery is conveniently situated just 15-minutes inland of Lagos.

Active pursuits

For something a little different, Lagos Wakepark provides an enjoyable alternative to golf, combining wakeboarding with a relaxed on-site bar where you can watch others take to the water.

Best time to visit: Lagos benefits from the Algarve’s mild, sun-soaked climate, making it a reliable year-round golf destination. The best times to visit are March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable and courses are in excellent condition.

Summer brings long, sunny days that are ideal for early morning or twilight rounds, while winter offers quieter courses, excellent value and pleasant playing conditions compared to much of Europe.

Booking tips:

• Book tee times in advance: Courses around Lagos are popular during peak spring and autumn months, so planning ahead is recommended.
• Play early or late: Morning and twilight rounds offer cooler temperatures and beautiful coastal light.
• Explore beyond the fairways: Balance your golf with beach time, coastal walks, historic sightseeing and relaxed evenings in Lagos Old Town.

Q: Is Lagos good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. Lagos offers a slightly different Algarve golf experience, combining championship courses with a relaxed atmosphere, dramatic coastline and rich history, all within easy reach of the city.

Q: Can you play golf year-round in Lagos? A: Yes. Thanks to the Algarve’s mild climate, golf is playable throughout the year, with winter months providing quieter courses and excellent value.

Q: Which airport should I fly into? A: Faro Airport (FAO) is the most convenient option and is around an hour’s drive from Lagos.

Q: Is Lagos suitable for all skill levels? A: Yes. The courses in and around Lagos offer a range of layouts and tee options suitable for beginners, casual golfers and experienced players alike.

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

A truly beautiful setting for a golf holiday and one I fully intend to return to. I loved the variety across the three golf courses and, just as importantly, found the city itself to be one of the most impressive destinations I’ve visited in the Algarve.

Lagos is well worth keeping in mind for your next trip, particularly if you’re seeking winter sun or travelling in smaller groups and golf tours.