5 Nights, 5 Rounds
Set in the sun-soaked Alvor region of the Western Algarve, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort is one of Portugal's original golf destinations and remains a firm favourite for good reason. You're looking at year-round sunshine, 36 holes of championship golf designed by Sir Henry Cotton, and a proper five-star resort base that takes care of everything. With Faro Airport about 40 minutes away, it's a straightforward transfer and you're checked in, fed and tee-time ready without faffing about.
The resort sits on a sprawling 360-acre estate and delivers the full package. Beyond the golf, you've got five restaurants serving everything from traditional Portuguese classics to Italian favourites, two bars that do a very decent post-round pint, and a leisure offering that includes tennis on five ATP courts, cycling, archery, watersports in summer, and the largest swimming pool in the Algarve. It's the kind of place where you can play serious golf in the morning, then switch off completely by the pool or beach in the afternoon.
If you're travelling with a mixed group, Penina makes life easy. Golfers get proper course variety on site, while everyone else has enough to do without needing taxis every night. The Championship Course is a genuine test that's hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times, while the shorter Resort and Academy courses offer lighter options for warming up or winding down. For resort golf breaks in Portugal, Penina is a classic.
Who is this for?
Golfers and groups seeking a traditional Algarve resort experience with multiple courses on-site, strong leisure facilities, and easy access from Faro. Ideal for mixed-ability groups, families, and anyone who values convenience and choice without needing to travel between venues.
Who is it best for?
Mid-to-high handicappers who want a fair but engaging Championship Course test, plus the option of shorter loops. Also suits societies and larger groups looking for variety, on-site dining, and a resort that can accommodate different skill levels and off-course interests in one location.
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
We’ve got it all covered!
We have included everything that you need for a perfect golf trip including flights and a golf bag.
5 Nights, 5 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
7 Nights, 7 Rounds
Opened in 1966 and designed by Sir Henry Cotton, Penina's Championship Course was the first golf course built in the Algarve. The Championship course has been host to the Portuguese Open eleven times, and is also a regular stop for the European Seniors Tour.
Originally built on rice paddies, the 6,869 yard course is by and large quite flat but is set amongst mature trees and shrubs, with each of the fairways lined with impressive woodland. As a result of the mature setting of the golf course, accurate shot making is required to score well on the par-73 Championship course.
Signature Hole: Hole 7, Par 4, 310 metres (339 yards), SI 16
The 7th is a hole which combines risk with reward, with many golfers opting to play short of the water which cuts across the fairway, this will bring a longer iron into a small undulating green. Those wanting to hit a driver can find themselves with a much shorter club in but run the risk of finding water.
| Par | 73 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Sir Henry Cotton |
| Opened for play | 1966 |
| Previously hosted | Portuguese Open (10 occasions) |
| White | 6,860 yards | SSS 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,373 yards | SSS 73 |
| Blue | 5,918 yards | SSS 71 |
| Red | 5,621 yards | SSS 73 |
The nine hole par-35 Resort course sits close to the Championship Course and provides golfers the ideal opportunity to hone their skills. The course takes advantage of a lake to provide an interesting and satisfying round and has all of the same characteristics of the Championship course, with tree lined fairways that require accuracy above all else.
| Par | 35 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Sir Henry Cotton |
| Opened for play | 1972 |
| White | 3,627 yards |
|---|---|
| Yellow | 2,875 yards |
In addition to the Championship and Resort golf courses, the Penina Resort also offers the Academy Course. Previously named the North Course, this 9-hole par-30 "Executive" course features 18 tees and makes full use of a number of lakes and sand hazards making it an enjoyable course that tests the skills of all abilities.
The Championship's short 13th hole is ranked in the world's top 500 holes, with water guarding the front of the green.
| Par | 30 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Sir Henry Cotton |
| Opened for play | 1977 |
| Length | 2,204 yards |
Located on that same magnificent 360-acre estate, the Penina Hotel reflects a natural blend of English architecture and Portuguese hospitality, all delivered with five-star service standards. The property has 196 recently renovated rooms and suites, each fitted with flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, automatic minibar, electronic safe, and tea and coffee facilities. Views stretch over the Serra de Monchique mountains, manicured gardens, and the resort's golf courses, so you're waking up to proper scenery rather than a car park.
The rooms are set up for golf breaks, plenty of storage, easy comfort and the basics done properly, so you can focus on the next tee time. You've got space to store clubs, fast Wi-Fi for checking tee times or streaming the tour, and all the essentials for a hassle-free stay. The layout works well for groups, with plenty of twin and double configurations, and suites available if you're after a bit more space or travelling as a family.
On the food and drink front, Penina gives you serious choice. L'Arlecchino serves fine Italian, while the Sagres dining room focuses on traditional Portuguese classics in a relaxed setting. For something more formal, Le Grill Restaurant offers à la carte dining with a refined edge. Post-round, Spikes Bar and Henry Cotton's are both proper golfers' watering holes, the kind of spots where you can settle in with a cold beer and replay the day's highlights. If you're after something a bit more polished, the Monchique Cocktail Bar serves freshly mixed drinks in elegant surroundings.
The resort's leisure facilities are genuinely impressive. The tennis academy features five ATP-standard courts with resident professionals offering lessons and clinics. After 36 holes, you can head to the beach or lounge by the Algarve's largest swimming pool. There's also a sauna, bicycle rentals, a kids' club, shopping options, and regular live entertainment, making Penina a strong choice for family holidays where not everyone is obsessed with golf.
Getting here is straightforward. Penina sits in the Western Algarve near Alvor, less than an hour's drive from Faro Airport. Most guests fly into Faro and either arrange a transfer through the resort or pick up a hire car, giving you the flexibility to explore nearby courses like Palmares, Alamos or the links at Quinta da Ria if you fancy a change of scenery mid-trip.
Address: P.O Box 146 Penina, Portimao, Algarve, 2501-952
Derek
✓3 Sep 2026
Penina is consistent every year... absolutely adequate for golf trip
John
✓22 Aug 2026
Belinda
✓11 Aug 2026
Problem with safe in our room that took all morning to sort out. Overall, tired and needing attention throughout.
Jonathan
✓3 Jun 2026
Very disappointed with the Penina Golf Resort. We expected a 5 star golf resort but in reality this was very underwhelming. The staff were excellent and could not do enough, however, the Penina has not kept up with the times and deliver a 5 star golfing experience.
Christian
✓12 May 2026
Edward
✓11 May 2026
Andrew
✓11 May 2026
Lovely traditional hotel. Great facilities and fantastic golf. really good value for money and staff made it a really enjoyable stay
Colin
✓25 Apr 2026
Andrew Douglas
✓22 Mar 2026
Transfers and checking in etc were seamless and staff at Penina looked after us really well
Malcolm C
✓10 Mar 2026
Staff were excellent and really enjoyed the experience
Derek
✓3 Sep 2026
Penina is a great layout, challenging but fair. Fairways and greens back to being in good condition. Still some scruffy parts but tend to be where you shouldn't be!!
Stephen
✓30 Aug 2026
Enjoyable to play a course with its storied history, but in fairly poor condition. Very scruffy around tees and green surrounds. Tired looking signage. Golf shop staff not particularly friendly, although the starter was enthusiastic. Bar and restaurant were very nice.
John
✓22 Aug 2026
John
✓22 Aug 2026
Belinda
✓11 Aug 2026
This course should never be offered to serious golfers…. shocking
Belinda
✓11 Aug 2026
Enjoyed the course, however, greens some bare and covered in sand. Fairways had areas GUR that were not marked. Bunkers very inconsistent, either too much sand or not enough.
Jonathan
✓3 Jun 2026
The Henry Cotton Championship course was a challenging course that required long drives, long irons of the tees, strategic thinking to avoid hazards. However, it was a very underwhelming 5 star course. The fairways contained large patches of dead grass that simply were not cared for. The greens were excellent and very well maintained, however, this is not the 5 star golfing holiday we expected.
Jonathan
✓3 Jun 2026
The resort course had a lot of potential to compliment the championship course. It had very tight tee shots and fairways with plenty of dog legs to force all golfers into a more strategic round of golf. However, the condition of the course was very poor with greens not being maintained to even an average standard.
Stephen
✓19 May 2026
A wonderful experience on a classic course which offered interesting holes at every turn. The history of the venue is there for all to see and the dramatic hotel and clubhouse sets it off wonderfully. Superb.
Christian
✓12 May 2026
The Penina Golf Resort offers a total of 6 restaurants, Sagres, Le Grill, L’arlecchino, Sir Henry Cotton Club, Dunas Beach & Bar Monchique.
You can hire golf clubs at Penina Golf Resort
