The Clubhouse

The Algarve: Portugal's golfing hub

Join us as we explore the delights of golf in the Algarve, from destination highlights to top golf courses you can't miss on your next golf holiday.

David Ford
David Ford
4 mins read
PortugalGolf toursGolf & beachGolf & nightlifeEurope

Without fail, the Algarve continues to draw in thousands of golfers annually, offering the opportunity to experience its outstanding catalogue of golf courses and resorts. Being home to a number of ‘Europe’s Top 100 Golf Courses’ this is a truly legendary destination just a 3-hour flight away.

Combine this with unmatched Portuguese hospitality and a year-round golf-friendly climate, it's no wonder an Algarve golf trip is often the first choice for those seeking a European holiday. With Vilamoura, Lagos, Tavira and many more sun-soaked destinations to base your stay, there’s no shortage of new and exciting locations to experience in the Algarve.

Our first stop on this trip was Palmares Golf Club, renowned for its incredible clubhouse and three distinct loops of 9 overlooking the coastline. The Praia 9 is my absolute favourite having a links feel not commonly found in the Algarve. These diverse layouts will guarantee a variety of excitement and challenges during your round. The onsite accommodations here promise top-tier quality, allowing you to enjoy stunning views of the course from the Signature Apartments or soak up the sunshine next to the pool at the Beach House Hotel.

Our next stop on the trip was Boavista Golf Resort, just a ten-minute drive from Lagos town centre, where there is plenty to do, including numerous great bars and restaurants. As you can see in the video, the course is meticulously crafted offering fantastic views of the surrounding area. Our following round took place at Penina Golf Resort, another amazing location with brilliant golf only 20 minutes away from Boavista.

Our final stop for golf was the golf haven of Quinta do Lago, a location that needs no introduction. Stunning golf, picture-perfect views and world-class facilities. What more could you ask for? To finish this part of the trip we went to check out some of the accommodations available in the area, including The Magnolia, The Conrad and Wyndham Grand Algarve.

Beyond the 40+ golf courses to choose from in the area, this coastal paradise is where you’ll discover some of the most beautiful cove beaches with golden sands, vibrant nightlife and more than satisfying cuisine.

Hopefully, this video gave you some inspiration for your next golf trip to the Algarve and don’t forget to check out part 2 below.

Part 2: The best golfing destination

In this episode, Nathan and I embark on an exciting golf adventure, exploring some of the most picturesque courses and resorts in the region. This leg of the trip began at the prestigious Victoria Dom Pedro, home to a number of renowned golf courses including The Millennium, Pinhal, Laguna, and the Old Course. Once host to the Portuguese Masters this course is set in virtually flat surroundings comprising of numerous water hazards and bunkers protecting its uniquely shaped greens.

We stayed at the luxurious Tivoli Marina just a 12-minute drive from the course making for the perfect stopover when playing any Dom Pedro course. We then travelled further east towards Tavira to play the stunning Monte Rei. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by the fantastic concierge service, ensuring you achieve the ultimate golfing experience. Read more about the Monte Rei experience here.

As we continued our journey, we visited the iconic Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima, two resort-style courses designed to be very enjoyable to play, accompanied by sensational views. Our final stay was at the AP Cabanas Resort, set in the tranquil surroundings of Ria Formosa Natural Park. The location of this stunning resort is ideal for any golfing holiday, given the vast array of golf nearby and the option for an all-inclusive stay.

A destination that rightly needs no introduction, golf holidays in the Algarve are a firm favourite among golfers. Boasting an abundance of top-class courses and resorts, golden sandy beaches, thriving nightlife, year-round sun all under a three-hour flight from the UK, it really has it all.

Feeling inspired?
Vilamoura to Albufeira, browse our hand-picked packages to build the perfect Algarve golf holiday.

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David Ford

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