Golfing Holidays in the Algarve

Farol Apartment, Lagos, The Algarve, Portugal
Now Taking Bookings for 2010, call Andy on +44 (0)1945 588710

Special Offer December to March only £195 per week
(Limited to available dates)

Golfing Holiday?

The Algarve has always been a popular destination for golfers, mainly because they know when they are on to a good thing. A coastline of long sandy beaches and picturesque coves stretches for 150km from the border with Spain on the eastern end to Sagres on the south western tip.

The Algarve's climate, giving an average of 3000 hours of sunshine a year, is near perfect for outdoor sports, and there are now over twenty golf courses to choose from including some of the best Europe has to offer.

Here's a brief overview of some of the courses on The Algarve:-

Alto Golf Par 72/6125m

Another Sir Henry Cotton designed course, it opens unusually with a par 3, which puts you under pressure to be accurate straightaway. It also has the "Henry Cotton Challenge". At 604m this is reputed to be the longest hole in Europe, and you can apply for an official attempt to score a birdie!

Benamor Par 72m

Between Faro & the Spanish border, close to the delightful fishing village of Tavira, Benamar winds through ancient olive groves with excellent views of the sea and the mountains. The first 5 holes are fairly short, which lulls you into a feeling of ease, but then some challenging par 3's and par 5's provide a true test.

Boavista Par 72/6053m
A quality and very challenging new course just outside Lagos and an excellent addition to the Algarve's best. It has a great selection of different, interesting and challenging holes with fantastic views. The aims of the owners are to maintain a high standard and not to let the course become overcrowded.

Castro Marim Par 72m

A new course overlooking the river Guadiana on the Portuguese side of the border with Spain, Castro Marim is set in rolling hills with wonderful mountain, river and sea views and offers golfers of all handicaps a real challenge. Watch out for tight greens and narrow fairways!

Gramacho Par 72/5919m

The second Carvoeiro course, Quinta do Gramacho is a full 18 holes. Like it's sister course, Pinta, it is set in superb countryside and there are some testing holes. In particular the 7th requires two long and accurate shots to reach the green.

Morgado Par 73/6399m

A new course set into the basin of a valley , not far from Portimao. The front nine is flat and easy to walk but has water on five of the opening holes, and the back nine climbs up a gentle slope. With many short but interesting holes, this is a good course for all standards of player.

Palmares Par 71/5961m

Half links and half woodland, Palmares is a very enjoyable course with superb views over the western Algarve coast, in particular from the attractive par 5 17th hole. With two contrasting nines, including two very tough par 4's on the back nine, the course is interesting and challenging and well worth taking the time out to visit it.

Parque Da Floresta Par 72/5875m

Situated in the western Algarve and perhaps its toughest test of golf. If you have enjoyed Torrequebrada you will love this. Spanish designer Pepe Gancedo's signature is easily seen on both of them. The course provides an infinite variety of challenges, from the stunning dog leg 1st through to the majestic elevated green of the 18th.

Penina Par 72/6343m

Known as Henry Cottons' masterpiece, Penina's 18 hole championship course, host in the past to the Portuguese Open, is magnificent. The resort also offers two 9 hole par three courses.

Pinheiros Altos Par 72/6057m

Founded in 1992 and adjoining the Rio Formosa nature reserve, this Ronald Fream designed course provides two distinct halves. Pine groves feature on the front nine whereas water comes into play on almost every hole on the back nine. Accuracy is the key to success on this excellent course. Buggies and unlimited practice balls on the range are included in the price.

Pinta Par 72/5861m

Part of the Carvoeiro golf complex, Pinta is set in a lovely rural area, with ancient olive trees, figs and almond groves featuring wherever you look. Already making a showing in Europe's top 50, the course is both attractive and demanding as it winds through the Algarve countryside.

Quinta do Lago North Par 72/6205m

Formally the A & D loops of Quinta De Lago, the North course has 4 great par fives requiring accuracy and power to play them well. An anti-clockwise course, it favours those who can draw the ball. The finishing hole, a 190m carry over the lake from the championship tee, is a great finish.

Quinta Do Lago South Par 72/6488m

Seven times host to the Portuguese Open, Quinta Do Lago's reputation as one of the finest courses in Europe is well deserved. Gently undulating terrain, large fast greens, a sprinkling of lakes and clever course design makes it a very enjoyable experience for players of all standards.

Salgados Par 72/6080m

5km west of Albufeira, Salgados is a true links course with most of the holes featuring water hazards. Set in a wetland area and adjacent to a bird sanctuary, the combination of lakes and sea breezes make it a real challenge, with accuracy and club selection being all important.

VDL Royal & Ocean Par m

Now a full 36 holes, with the original 18 called the Ocean course and the newest 18 called the Royal course. Offering spectacular views where they run alongside the cliffs and with tight fairways shielded by pines as they wind through the estate, Vale do Lobo offers great variety and challenge on it's two courses.

Vila Sol Par 72/6189m

Since it's opening in 1991 Vila Sol has hosted the Portuguese Open and is ranked in Europe's top 30 courses. One of the best maintained on the Algarve and now 27 holes, the front nine is the greater challenge with the par 5 sixth and the par 3 seventh over water being a superb test of golf.

Vilamoura Millenium Par 72/6143m

The latest addition to the existing Vilamoura courses, comprising the old Laguna North nine and a new nine within a pine forest, with some of the tightest holes on the Algarve. A great test of golf, in excellent playing condition and one not to be missed.

Vilamoura Pinhal & Laguna Par 72/6256 72/6115m

Vilamoura Pinhal is more open than the old course, but you need accurate approach shots to the well protected greens. Water hazards are a predominant feature of Vilamoura Laguna, providing variety and challenge to players of all abilities.

Vilamoura Old Par 72/6331m

Formerly the Vilamoura I and always a favourite with visiting golfers, Vilamoura Old Course is a tight, challenging course of narrow fairways where accurate tee shots pay dividends.