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Best Golf Courses in the Algarve

from the experts in Golf Holidays

✍️ Oliver Gunning | ⏰ 8 min read

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Golf in the Algarve

In recent years Portugal has arguably become Europe's leading golf destination and is home to one the world's most famous golfing regions; the Algarve. With so many fantastic golf courses just a chip and putt away from each other it is no wonder that golfers of all abilities flock to the area. Some of game's greatest names have left their mark on the Algarve by designing some of the world’s most recognisable courses.

Whether you are looking for a course with stunning views of the coast or one with resort style lakes and bunkers, the Algarve has it all. For any golfer looking for the trip of a lifetime then look no further then Portugal's spectacular south coast.

Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in the Algarve or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in the Algarve >>

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Monte Rei (North Course)

<p>Bursting onto the Algarve's golfing scene in 2007, the North Course at the magnificent Monte Rei Resort is designed by 18 time major champion Jack Nicklaus. Employing every bit of his golfing knowledge, Nicklaus has sympathetically merged incredible course design with the region's stunning natural landscape.</p> <p>The course winds its way through the dramatic valleys creating multiple mini amphitheatres which add to the sense of drama with any drive or approach shot.</p> <p><a href="/monte-rei-resort">More info on Monte Rei (North Course) &gt;&gt;</a></p> <table><thead> <tr> <th>Monte Rei (North Course) facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead><tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Location</strong></td> <td>Vila Nova de Cacela, East Algarve, Portugal</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Length</strong></td> <td>7,182 yards</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Par</strong></td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Designed by</strong></td> <td><a href="/golf-architects/jack-nicklaus-golf-courses">Jack Nicklaus</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Established</strong></td> <td>2007</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Where to stay</strong></td> <td><a href="/monte-rei-resort">Monte Rei Resort</a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote> <p><em>"Each hole is very individual with it rare to see any of the other holes while playing. It is the 1st golf course we book when we visit The Algarve each year, it gets better and better each time we play it."</em><br> <strong>Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Call <strong><a href="tel:+448000436644">0800 043 6644</a></strong> to speak to Oliver about playing this course.</p>

Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course)

<p>Arguably Portugal's most renowned golfing estate, there aren't many better places to stay and play than Vale Do Lobo. The Royal Course boasts some of the most dramatic holes in the Algarve culminating with the par 3, 16th which quite literally leaves you on a cliff hanger.</p> <p>Designed by the great Sir Henry Cotton and revamped by Rocky Roquemore, the stunning golf course will not leave you disappointed and is a must play for anyone heading to the Algarve.</p> <p><a href="/vale-do-lobo">More info on Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course) &gt;&gt;</a></p> <table><thead> <tr> <th>Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course) facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead><tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Location</strong></td> <td>Vale do Lobo, Central Algrave</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Length</strong></td> <td>6,626 yards</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Par</strong></td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Designed by</strong></td> <td>Sir Henry Cotton, R. Roquemore</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Established</strong></td> <td>1997</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote> <p><em>"The 16th on the Royal Course is an obvious favourite, just don't miss left! It can get windy there so good to practice your knockdown shots before you play here."</em><br> <strong>Alex (European Team: Handicap 11)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Call <strong><a href="tel:+448000436644">0800 043 6644</a></strong> to speak to Alex about playing this course.</p>

Penina (Championship Course)

<p>The Championship Course at the coveted Penina Resort is without doubt one of the jewels in Portugal’s golfing crown. Designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton, the Championship Course is the flagship of the Algarve and has hosted the Portuguese Open numerous times.</p> <p>The 6,869 yard layout takes golfers through the trees and is reminiscent of the world’s best parkland set ups. The combination of history and quality makes the Championship Course a must play on any Portugal golf tour.</p> <p><a href="/penina-golf-resort">More info on Penina (Championship Course) &gt;&gt;</a></p> <table><thead> <tr> <th>Penina (Championship Course) facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead><tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Location</strong></td> <td>Alvor, West Algrave</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Length</strong></td> <td>6,860 yards</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Par</strong></td> <td>73</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Designed by</strong></td> <td>Sir Henry Cotton</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Established</strong></td> <td>1966</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Where to stay</strong></td> <td><a href="/penina-golf-resort">Penina Golf Resort</a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote> <p><em>"I first visited Penina as a child just learning the game and took part in one of their golf clinics which are run by highly trained PGA pros and offer something for everyone with beginner and advanced clinics to cater for everyone. "</em><br> <strong>Steve (European Team: Handicap 1)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Call <strong><a href="tel:+448000436644">0800 043 6644</a></strong> to speak to Steve about playing this course.</p>

FAQs Best Golf Courses in Algarve

Is Algarve good for golf?

The Algarve is home to some of the best golf courses in Europe, this along with a great climate, stunning beaches, award-winning hotels and easy access from international airports, make The Algarve undoubtedly one of the top places to take a golf holiday anywhere in the world.

Whilst you'll see the likes of Monte Rei feature within the top golf courses in Europe, there are plenty of other golf courses that are hidden gems and match in with all handicaps and budgets. From great 9 hole beachside adventures at Pine Cliffs to modern Championship designs at Dom Pedro Victoria, a stay in the Algarve is one that's highly recommended.

Is Algarve golf expensive?

The Algarve has a wide variety of golf options to explore for all budgets. Staying in the winter (low) season, 3 Nights and 2 Rounds of Golf starts from £129 per person, staying at Pestana Viking, playing a choice of courses including Gramacho, Pinta and Silves. Golfers looking to play the championship golf courses at Quinta do Lago can expect to pay around £309 per person including 3 Nights at Magnolia Hotel and golf at Quinta do Lago South and Quinta do Lago Laranjal.

More About Oliver

Handicap: 1
Favourite Course: Sunningdale (Old)
My 'Expert' areas: Algarve, New Zealand, Dubai
Best trip I've done: New Zealand playing Kauri Cliffs & Cape Kidnappers
Where my next trip is to: Valderrama

Give Oliver a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.

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