Golf can be hit or miss with a lot of people (not sorry for the pun!). In Portugal, playing golf in the Algarve is hugely popular amongst golf lovers choosing to visit the region to mix beach holidays with a good hit on the green. Combining the love of golf with year-round amazing weather, people are spending their holidays playing golf in the Algarve with almost 50 golf courses in the region to choose from. These courses are designed by some of the biggest architects in the industry and are renowned worldwide for their excellence.
Why is Golf in the Algarve so Popular?
The Algarve region is favored a lot by tourists largely due to it being very “English-speaking friendly” and the amazing weather available year-round. It is easy to see why the Algarve is repeatedly considered one of the best golfing destinations in the world, even receiving multiple awards and European prizes at the World Golf Awards! There are tournaments for both amateurs and professionals held in the Algarve, with the most prestigious event ever to have graced the Algarve being the 2005 World Golf Cup. One of the most prestigious amateurs tournaments in the Algarve is the Grande Troféu Vilamoura which has also been held every year since 1987. With so many events and courses, it’s no wonder why golf in the Algarve has become such a big attraction drawing tens of thousands of tourists every year!
What Are The Best Courses To Play Golf In The Algarve?
There are almost 50 golf courses in the Algarve, so what are the best ones to play? Here I’ve compiled my top five places to play golf in the Algarve:
Dom Pedro Old Course – Golf Club
Dom Pedro Old Course is one of the oldest established courses in the region and is located just a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport. Considered one of the best places to play golf in the Algarve, the Old Course is surrounded by impressive pine trees and set out over gently undulating terrain. It is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm and prices start at 92€. No.Holes: 18; PAR: 73; Length: 6254m; Location: Vilamoura
Espiche Golf
Espiche Golf is located in a nature reserve 5-minutes from Lagos. It is an eco-resort, which has been integrated into the surrounding environment and offers a unique experience for golfing in the Algarve. It’s open every day from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm and prices start at 35€ for a 9-hole game and 57€ for the 18-hole game. No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 5862m; Location: Lagos
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago has hosted the Portuguese Open several times and features the par 3, 15th hole with nothing between the tee and green but a lake, overlooking the Ria Formosa National Park. It’s one of the most beautiful locations to play golf in the Algarve; open from 7 am to 6 pm and prices start at 122€. No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 6500m; Location: Almancil
Salgados Golf Course
Salgados Golf Course is set on the flatlands behind Praia de Galé. It’s very open to the elements with little vegetation and water hazards so is more suited for technically skilled players. It’s considered by many as one of the most difficult courses to play golf in the Algarve. Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and weekends/bank holidays from 9am to 6pm with prices starting at 55€. No.Holes: 18; PAR 72; Length: 6410m; Location: Albufeira
Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course
The Ocean Course is a combination of the two original 9-hole golf courses and features gently undulating fairways, which run alongside nature reserves and the beach. It’s open from 6 am to 7 pm and prices start at 95€. No.Holes: 18; PAR 73; Length: 6137m; Location: Vale do LoboWant to visit more golf courses in Portugal? Check out this guide for all about golfing in Portugal!
When is the best time to play golf in the Algarve?
One of the beauties of the Algarve is the weather. You can play golf in the Algarve at any time of the year. I would, however, avoid playing in the summer as temperatures can reach a whopping 40°C (104°F) – great temperatures to go to the beach but perhaps too warm to be out on the golf course.
Hotels where to stay when playing golf in the Algarve?
There’s plenty of amazing places to stay when you go on holidays to the Algarve but if you are going especially to play golf in the Algarve then you should be slightly pickier when choosing accommodation. Here are my top five hotels to stay when you’re looking to golf in the Algarve:
Dom Pedro Golf Resort
Just like the golf course is a recommended place to play, the Dom Pedro Golf Resort is also one I’d highly recommend staying. This 4-star hotel is ideally located in the center of Vilamoura and on the days that you’re not golfing, you are within walking distance to the beach as well as the Casino and Marina. The resort counts an impressive three swimming pools, children’s playground and babysitting service.
Vila Galé Lagos
This 4-star hotel is located on the Meia Praia beach in Lagos and has a panoramic view of the bay of Lagos. On the hotel grounds, you’ll find a large garden area with three tennis courts, a swimming pool, putting green, multi-sports field and children’s playground. If you’ve never been to Lagos you should definitely check our Visiting Lagos in Portugal, There’s Something for Everyone.
Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa
This 5-star Hotel is located in Albufeira and has direct access to the Santa Eulália Beach, seven outdoor pools, four swimming pools plus 3 children’s pools. It also offers all the luxurious amenities you would expect including a sauna, spa, massage rooms, children’s club and in the summer it also offers a nightclub! Take a break from golf and explore the fun and wild Albufeira strip.
Dona Filipa Hotel
This 5-star hotel is located in Vale do Lobo and has panoramic views of the Vale do Lobo Golf Course, the Atlantic Ocean and the village. The hotel also has three tennis courts, a children’s club and an outdoor pool with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The Magnólia Hotel
Part of the Quinta do Lago estate, this 4-star hotel is located in Almancil and features one outdoor pool, one tennis court and it’s own restaurant and lounge bar. It’s perfect for golfing in the Algarve as all the golf courses are within 3km from the hotel while Faro airport is just a 5-minute drive away. Want to visit more of the Algarve? Read about these 7 Holiday Villages to Explore!
The Algarve Golf Society
The Algarve Golf Society (also known as Chez Carlos Golf Society) was formed over 10 years ago by a group of golfers who felt it would be a great way to socialize and enjoy their shared passion for golf. Today, The Algarve Golf Society plays golf in the Algarve every Saturday and most Wednesdays. The annual fee is surprisingly cheap – only 25€ – and will grant you access to the society tournaments and discounted golf rates at multiple golf courses in Portugal and Spain. If you live in Portugal or are a frequent visitor, then the Algarve Golf Society is most definitely something you should consider to play golf in the Algarve.
Golf Packages in the Algarve
As much information about golf courses and hotels as I could give you above, nothing beats a package deal with everything all in one and nothing more to worry about! Thankfully, there are plenty of options for deal packages. Find below some of the websites where you can get the best deals for hotels and golf in the Algarve:
Planning a long stay in the Algarve? Read this Perfect Guide to an Algarve Holiday!
Is it worth playing golf in the Algarve?
Absolutely! From the hotels to the tees, Amateur Leagues to the World Cup, and the amazing Portuguese sun, playing golf in the Algarve is an experience that you will never fore-get – again, not sorry!
