The modern game of golf, as we know it, originated in Scotland around the 15th century, and since then, it has changed quite a bit. From all-wood clubs to steel clubs, lighter golf balls, and even spiked shoes, golf has changed throughout the ages. But what has remained the same is the inadvertent joy every golf player gets when landing that perfect drive shot, the feeling of being surrounded by nature on a beautiful golf course.

And now that golf season is here, there is nothing quite like the magic of playing on the stunning courses in the Algarve. With all-year-round sunny weather, the golfing experience here goes to a new level. Many courses are scattered around the Algarve, with beautiful ocean views just over the beaches near Vale do Lobo and stunning greens up near the hills in Tôr. But with over 31 golf courses here, we would like to recommend our selection of golf courses that will make any golfer go around the course again and again.

San Lorenzo Golf Course: Quinta do Lago

Many consider the San Lorenzo Championship Golf Course to be the most beautiful golf course in the Algarve. It was designed by US architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, who also designed the first three golf courses at Walt Disney World!

For over 30 years, the course has been voted one of the best in Europe. It is located in Quinta do Lago and was designed perfectly around the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique wildlife natural lake reserve created in 1988 and home to some unique wildlife found only here, like the iconic Purple Swamp-hen!

From saltwater marshes mixed with freshwater lagoons and even the Atlantic Ocean as the background set, the San Lorenzo course boasts 18 beautiful holes along a clubhouse, a golf pro shop and a restaurant with a bar.

If you are interested in playing a round of golf in San Lorenzo, just let us know, and we can book It for you.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course: Vilamoura

Designed by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course is considered one of Europe’s most challenging golf courses. Victoria hosted the “World Cup Championships” tournament in 2005 and has welcomed the Portugal Masters tournament every year since 2007.

The course, which has a par 72 championship layout, has a total area of 90 hectares. It is well known for its wavy fairways, sandy bunkers, and tricky lakes, which act as water hazards for increased difficulty and as water reservoirs for course maintenance.

The course’s natural setting has been preserved, with carob, almond, and olive trees surrounding it.

Victoria has a lovely clubhouse for all golfers, a golf shop, a driving range, and an on-site restaurant.

Pinheiros Altos Golf Course: Golden Triangle

Located just on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Pinheiros Altos Golf Course is a beautiful 27-hole course with a view of Quinta do Lago’s finest colonial-style villas and immense green lush gardens.

With a quiet feeling that allows you to get your head in the game and relax, the course features three 9-hole groupings, each with a par 36 tailored to your level of expertise. The three courses that makeup Pinheiros Altos are named The Pines, The Corks, and The Olives after the trees found in Quinta do Lago, one of the three locations that make up the Golden Triangle region alongside Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura. These courses were designed by famous golf architects Ronald Fream and Jorge Santana da Silva, who planned their creations with a competitive course outlook. All rounds start and finish near the clubhouse, so you can take a break between all three!

A golf academy established in 1990 has been at the forefront of golf teaching in Southern Europe. It features V1 and flight scope technology, several teaching bays beside a Titleist fitting centre, and a fitness studio. There is also a driving range with practice greens, bunkers, and a chipping area. This facility is run by leading British PGA golf professionals who maintain the course and training facilities to the highest standards.

Laranjal Course: Quinta do Lago

The word Laranjal means orange grove in Portuguese, and it is no surprise that this golf course used to be a big orange grove in Quinta do Lago.

The course opened in 2009 and, just two years later, was voted “Best Golf Course” at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards!

Composed of five par 5s, eight par 4s and five par 3s, the field totals a par 72 championship course. The course measures 6,480 meters in total length and is located just east of Quinta do Lago, in Ludo.

Some of the original orange trees have been kept and are part of the environment, alongside cork oaks, pine trees and five stunning lakes scattered around the course.

The course also features classic sand banks near the lakes, just for an extra touch of difficulty—we advise you not to take it lightly!

Fancy a round at a modern golf course? Then Laranjal is the right course for you.

Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course: Penina, Portimão

Venturing to the Western Algarve, you can find Portugal’s first-ever golf course, the world-renowned Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course. C

Many consider Sir Henry’s course the Kickstarter for the Algarve golfing industry. It is located just outside Portimão and has been voted Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort by the World Travel Awards. The crown jewel of Penina, it was designed by Sir Henry Cotton himself and has hosted the Portuguese Open on ten different occasions.

Considered one of the most challenging golf courses in the world, this challenge is not for the faint of heart. Flanked by water streams and ditches, alongside elevated greens and dangerous sandbanks, it seems there is a hazard at every corner.

There is also the Resort Course, a lovely, easy-going green that provides a good practice run for the main course. With a par of 71, it is a solid option for players of any skill level.

And if you want to practice your short game, the Academy Couse is the ideal 9-hole gem for any golfer. With six par 3s and three par 4s, the Academy Course maintains the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment.

There are also driving ranges, two chipping greens, two putting greens, a practice bunker, and a golf clinic. The course offers classes with two PGA professional golfers for the best advice on how to improve your game!

You have to try the Sir Henry Cotton Course during your stay. It is an absolute must!

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club: Tavira

Let us take you to the Eastern Algarve. Just outside Tavira and next to the Spanish border, you will find the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club nestled between the unique mountain foothills of Serra do Caldeirão, with a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.

Monte Rei is a well-known golfing paradise in Europe. After retiring from professional golfing in 2005, Jack Nicklaus has been working with Monte Rei to provide its golfers with one of the best golfing experiences the Algarve offers.

Some holes may get a bit steep during your game, so do not be afraid to grab a golf buggy at the clubhouse. The course was designed to provide a fun yet challenging experience for everyone, from professional golfers to high-handicapped players. It is also a friendly course for beginners, allowing young players to practice their short game between the sand traps and lake hazards.  The course boasts a par of 72 and 7182 yards, with the stunning Serra do Caldeirão as the background for an incredible late afternoon golfing game.

Dom Pedro Old Course: Vilamoura

If Sir Henry’s course is the oldest in the Algarve, then the Dom Pedro Old Course is the runner-up. Designed by the great Frank Pennick, the Old Course is located in the centre of Vilamoura, only a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport.

Surrounded by pine trees and nature, this 73-par course is 6254 metres long and is one of the big names in the golfing industry in the Algarve.

The course is known for its lush greens and beautiful, straight fairways where you can just let it all out. Dom Pedro prides themselves on the high-quality service offered to their golfers, with valet service available between all holes, a fantastic clubhouse for resting up and socializing with fellow golfers, a buggy bar that comes down to your rescue for a cool break in between those blazing hot afternoon rounds and even a restaurant should you wish to spend a full day at the course.

Salgados Golf Course: Albufeira

The Salgados Golf Course is a beautiful 18-hole golf course next to Salgados Beach in Albufeira. It’s almost as if you are chipping balls right in the sand!

The golf course opened in 1994 and was designed by Pedro Vasconcelos, who wanted to create an enjoyable, strategic experience for all golfers. The course has countless lakes and marshes that act as water hazards, providing a challenging experience regardless of your experience. On top of that, it can get a bit windy at times, so be prepared for some curved shots!

The course is a par-72, making golfing a walk in the park. It is also home to many different bird species, such as the Cattle Egret and the Gull-billed Tern. Unlike other golf courses on this list, the Salgados Golf Course is very flat and provides a unique feeling of relaxation during the game.

At Salgados, you will find a golf academy for on-the-spot lessons, practice greens, a wonderful clubhouse with a restaurant should you wish to spend the full day on the course, and a professional golf store.

Are you up for a game? Book a game here, or give us a call, and we can arrange some rounds on your behalf.