GOLF

The Algarve is one of Europe's leading golf destinations, with over 20 courses, mostly situated to the west of Faro. These include some of the top championship courses in Europe.

Whether you are a seasoned low-handicapper, an enthusiastic beginner, a golf group or a couple, golf holidays in Portugal, surrounded by 31 courses will be a unique experience. Warm playing conditions and immaculately manicured fairways and greens are the norm.

Local courses in the area include:

Palmares

This course is laid out on the side of a south-facing hill overlooking the Bay of Lagos. It is arguably the most attractive location of all the golf courses in the Algarve. The views as you play your round are quite breathtaking. Five of the holes are placed on the sand dunes with the fifth, a par-5 of 550 metres making a real challenge. At present there are no villas clustering the fairways so the feeling of openness as you play is very refreshing.

Palmares was designed by Frank Pennink; one of the most prolific golf course designers in Portugal, and is a fantastic course. The reputation of the course - a Par 71 - derives from its skilful use of two different kinds of landscape, as well as its excellent level of maintenance.

Link to Palmares Golf

Boavista

Boavista enjoys a beautiful location in the Western Algarve on a headland between Lagos and Praia da Luz, commanding magnificent views of the bay of Lagos, and the distant Monchique hills.

Link to Boavista Golf

Alto Club

This course is located between the town of Portimão and the sea and close enough to the latter to give the player an occasional sea view. A simple par-3 opens your round but it is deceiving to what is in store. The course is considered a good test of a player’s ability with strategic bunkers, dog-legs, elevated greens and well placed trees.

A further noteworthy challenge is the par-5 on the sixteenth that is considered to be one of the longest holes in Europe.

Link to Alto Club Golf

Parque da Floresta

The setting of this course is in the most western part of the Algarve. The architect of this course has created a fascinating course that presents visually attractive views of the surrounding countryside lined on the horizon by the sea. The fairways roll up and down through hills demanding accurate shots and good placing. The Par-3 fifteenth hole of 159 metres is a golfer dream.

Link to Parque da Floresta Golf