3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Perched above the sands of Meia Beach on Portugal's spectacular southern coast, Palmares is rightly talked about as one of the Algarve's standout rounds. What makes it a bit different, and why I'm a fan, is the variety. You get a proper mix of links-style golf and tree-lined parkland across three separate nine-hole loops, so you can play 18 and still feel like you've seen more than one course.
The opening holes weave through umbrella pines and cork oaks, then the layout opens up towards the coast where the ground tends to play firm and fast and the wind can have a real say. When the Atlantic breeze gets up, it becomes a thinking golfer's test: position off the tee matters and you'll want to use the slopes and run rather than always flying it all the way in. The greens don't give you much for free if you miss your spot, so approach shots need to be on the money.
Palmares sits just outside the historic town of Lagos, which is ideal if you're building a western Algarve itinerary with a lively base for dinners and a post-round beer. It has also hosted high-level events and regularly features in top 10 lists for Portugal, often rated among the best courses in Continental Europe depending on the publication.
Who is this for?
Groups and couples who want a quality western Algarve base near Lagos, with great beaches and plenty going on after golf. Also ideal if you're trying to combine a few top courses without long transfers.
Who is it best for?
Golfers who enjoy variety and a bit of strategy, particularly in the wind. If you're a mid- to low-handicap player who likes shaping shots and using the ground, Palmares will be right up your street.
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
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Flights, 4 Nights, 3 Rounds
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4 Nights, 3 Rounds
Flights, 5 Nights, 3 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
Flights, 5 Nights, 3 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
Flights, 5 Nights, 3 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
5 Nights, 4 Rounds
Flights, 4 Nights, 3 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
Flights, 7 Nights, 4 Rounds
These are example flights.
You'll choose your departure airport, and flight requirements later.
With views over the Lagos Bay and towards the distant Monchique Hills, Palmares has a stunning setting, and has an equally impressive course. Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate's higher ground.
Designed by Trent Jones Jr, the 6,905 yard layout is an Algarve favourite, and has a nerve-jangling opening tee shot, where golfers must stand atop the elevated tee and find the fairway of the demanding dog-leg par-4. Palmares, featuring 27 holes where all 3 loops of 9 return to the clubhouse, has spent 3 consecutive years as Best Golf Course in Portugal.
With the delights of Lagos nearby, it is no surprise that Palmares is such a favourite with regular golf holiday visitors to the popular Portuguese coastline.
Signature Hole: Hole 19, Par 4, 401 yards, SI 6
Featuring on “Golf Worlds” 100 classic golf holes, this hole is simply a masterpiece. The spectacular view from the tee overlooks the entire Southern Coast of Palmares and will almost certainly provide a sense of awe to all golfers. From the tee, a conservative approach uses the downhill slope playing straight. Shots played to the right of the fairway will make for a shortened 2nd shot, due to the nature of the contours. However, what makes this hole particularly dramatic is the possibility of a ‘risk-reward’, gained when cutting the corner of the dogleg and heading directly to the green. Although, golfers should be aware of unseen bunkers and rough surrounding the landing area between these two options. The 19th is certainly one the aggressive player will want to have a go at.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Robert Trent Jones II |
| Opened for play | 2010 |
| Previously hosted | PGA Portugal Pro-Am (2011, 2013, 2014), PGA Portugal National Championship (2014) |
| White | Yellow | Red |
|---|---|---|
| 3,666 yards | 3,407 yards | 2,635 yards |
| White | Yellow | Red |
|---|---|---|
| 3,460 yards | 3,234 yards | 2,694 yards |
| White | Yellow | Red |
|---|---|---|
| 3,247 yards | 2,978 yards | 2,452 yards |
Russell
✓20 Jul 2026
Natasha
✓15 Jul 2026
My son loves the course. The greens were fast and in great condition. The fairways were lovely and T box easy to understand.
Alan
✓11 Jun 2026
David
✓10 Jun 2026
Again stuck behind very wayward players spoiling the experience waiting average 5 mins on every tee
Mervyn
✓8 Jun 2026
Two different nine hole experiences . The Parkland was probably easier than thee Links. The Greens were very fast.
Patrick
✓29 May 2026
A beautiful course. A good mix of easier and hard holes. The praia 9 is as close to a links as you can get in Portugal.
Andrew
✓26 May 2026
My favourite of the 3 courses we played much more playable for a mixed group
Nigel
✓24 May 2026
Lovely course would definitely play it again
Antony
✓24 May 2026
Greens very fast difficult to read Three different nines choose what suits your game
David
✓19 May 2026
As above
