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Golf holiday in the Algarve

In the Algarve dozens of golf courses lie on a coast of around 200 kilometres. You land in Faro and therefore in the middle of the region. From there you have the choice between parkland, cliffs and dunes.

  • 36 golf courses
  • Faro airport
Drawing of a golf course with rough, fairway, green and bunker
Illustration from the book

In short

  • You choose the area first, because the coast is around 200 kilometres long.
  • You take proof of your handicap with you. On the well-known courses 28 for men and 36 for women is the maximum.
  • In March, April and October the green fee is highest, in December, January and in high summer it is lowest.
36golf courses are listed on this page
200 kmof coast is what the Algarve has
300days of sunshine a year are named by the tourist office
1966is the year Penina opened as the first 18-hole course

Why golfers travel to the Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal and has around 200 kilometres of coast on the Atlantic. You can play golf there all year round, because the tourist office names more than 300 days of sunshine. Faro airport also lies in the middle of the region.

With Penina the first 18-hole course of the region opened in 1966. Today you find almost every kind of golf course on this coast.

  • Parkland between pinesThe Old Course in Vilamoura or the South Course in Quinta do Lago lead through old pine forest.
  • Cliffs and dunesIn Vale do Lobo you play over the cliffs, in Palmares on a links course in the dunes.
  • Short coursesVale de Milho, Balaia and Pine Cliffs are courses with nine holes for a quick round.
  • Resorts with a course of their ownIn several resorts you stay right at the first tee.

Five areas, five kinds of golf holiday

The coast is long. If you stay in Lagos and play in Castro Marim, you therefore sit in the car for a long time. So I would choose the area first and only then the golf courses.

AreaWhat awaits you there
Golden TriangleBetween Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura the golf courses lie close together. From Vilamoura it is around 20 minutes to Faro airport.
Albufeira and hinterlandAround Albufeira you find resorts with courses of their own and two short courses for a quick round.
Carvoeiro and PortimãoIn the middle of the coast lie the courses of Pestana and, with Penina, the oldest golf course of the Algarve.
Lagos and the westIn the west the golf courses lie above the bay of Lagos, in the hinterland and near Salema.
Tavira and the eastBetween Tavira and the Spanish border lie six golf courses, among them Monte Rei, the course by Jack Nicklaus.
Mirco’s tip

In the Algarve the golf courses are not all right outside the hotel door. That is why I would take a rental car. When you book, it is important that all your fellow travellers and their golf bags fit in.

Golf courses between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura

Between Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura the golf courses lie close together. From Vilamoura it is around 20 minutes to Faro airport.

  1. Quinta do Lago South CourseThe course of Quinta do Lago between umbrella pines and lakes, eight times the venue of the Portuguese Open.18 holesPar 726,500 m
  2. Quinta do Lago North CourseThe course of Quinta do Lago that was completely redesigned in 2014, with four tees per hole.Par 72
  3. Quinta do Lago Laranjal CourseThe youngest course of Quinta do Lago, two kilometres east of the resort between orange trees and five lakes.18 holesPar 726,480 m
  4. Pinheiros AltosThree loops of nine holes each, named after olive trees, pines and cork oaks.27 holesPar 726,199 m
  5. San Lorenzo Golf CourseThe course at the Ria Formosa nature park, closed for rebuilding since October 2026 according to a tour operator.18 holesPar 726,247 m
  6. Vale do Lobo Royal Golf CourseThe course with the shot over the cliffs on hole 16 and a green on hole 9 that is almost an island.18 holesPar 726,005 m
  7. Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf CourseThe course by Sir Henry Cotton whose fairways lead down to the Atlantic along a nature reserve.18 holesPar 736,122 m
  8. Vilamoura Old CourseThe Old Course of Vilamoura, since 1969 over undulating fairways between old pines.18 holesPar 73
  9. Vilamoura PinhalThe parkland course of Vilamoura with fairways lined by pines and noticeable changes in height.18 holesPar 72
  10. Vilamoura LagunaThe open course of Vilamoura with fairways in the links style and water on several holes.18 holesPar 72
  11. Vilamoura MillenniumThe course of Vilamoura with tree-lined holes that shares the clubhouse with Laguna.18 holesPar 72
  12. Pestana Vila SolThe Pestana facility near Vilamoura with 27 holes from which you form three rounds with par 72.27 holesPar 726,393 m

Golf courses around Albufeira

Around Albufeira you find resorts with courses of their own and two short courses for a quick round.

  1. Salgados Golf CourseThe course on the Salgados lagoon, where water accompanies a whole series of holes.18 holesPar 72
  2. Amendoeira Golf ResortThe resort with two 18-hole courses by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor Jnr. and a short course with floodlights.2 coursesShort course with floodlights
  3. Ombria Golf CourseThe course in the hill country near Loulé that is only played with a buggy.18 holesPar 71
  4. Pine Cliffs Golf CourseNine holes on the cliffs above the Atlantic, with the par 3 “Devil’s Parlour” over a ravine.9 holes
  5. Balaia Golf VillageThe short course with nine par-3 holes, five minutes from the centre of Albufeira.9 holesPar 27

Golf courses near Carvoeiro, Portimão and Silves

In the middle of the coast lie the courses of Pestana and, with Penina, the oldest golf course of the Algarve.

  1. Pestana GramachoThe course near Carvoeiro that Ronald Fream designed together with the former world number one Nick Price.18 holesPar 726,107 m
  2. Pestana Vale da PintaThe course near Carvoeiro where the final of the qualifying for the European Seniors Tour took place eight times in a row.18 holesPar 71
  3. Pestana Silves GolfThe shorter Pestana course below the Monchique mountains, with water on both sides of the first hole.18 holesPar 705,592 m
  4. Pestana Alto GolfThe last course that Sir Henry Cotton designed, between Alvor and Praia da Rocha.18 holesPar 705,432 m
  5. Pestana Ferragudo GolfThe youngest course of Pestana Golf in the village of Ferragudo.18 holesPar 73
  6. Vale de Milho GolfNine par-3 holes above the Atlantic near Carvoeiro, designed by the Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas.9 holes
  7. Penina Sir Henry Cotton Championship CourseThe first 18-hole course of the Algarve, laid out in 1966 by Sir Henry Cotton on former rice fields.18 holesPar 736,273 m
  8. Morgado Golf CourseThe course between Portimão and Monchique with wide fairways and bunkers on the Scottish model.18 holesPar 73
  9. Álamos Golf CourseThe second course in the Morgado resort, with a view of the Serra de Monchique and the lakes.18 holesPar 71

Golf courses near Lagos

In the west the golf courses lie above the bay of Lagos, in the hinterland and near Salema.

  1. Palmares Ocean Living & GolfThree loops above the bay of Lagos, one of them a links course in the dunes by the sea.27 holes
  2. Boavista GolfThe course near Lagos where you play the ball over a ravine on two holes.18 holes
  3. Espiche GolfThe course in the hinterland of Lagos with a view over vineyards to the Monchique mountains.18 holesPar 725,890 m
  4. Santo António Golf CourseThe westernmost course of this overview, laid over the hills behind the fishing village of Salema.18 holes

Golf courses in the east of the Algarve

Between Tavira and the Spanish border lie six golf courses, among them Monte Rei, the course by Jack Nicklaus.

  1. Monte Rei Golf & Country ClubThe Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in the east of the Algarve, with twelve minutes between the tee times.Par 726,567 m
  2. Quinta da RiaThe course near Vila Nova de Cacela with large bunkers on the first nine and water on three holes of the second.18 holesPar 726,053 m
  3. Quinta de CimaThe championship course next to Quinta da Ria, with wide fairways between olive and carob trees.18 holesPar 726,586 m
  4. Benamor GolfThe course near Tavira with a view of the mountains, wind from the sea and green fees graded by time of day.18 holesPar 715,497 m
  5. Castro Marim Golfe & Country ClubThree loops over undulating hills with pines, in places with a view over the Guadiana to Spain.27 holesPar 71
  6. Quinta do Vale Golf ResortThe course by Severiano Ballesteros on the Guadiana, with six par-3, six par-4 and six par-5 holes.18 holesPar 726,216 m

Handicap, soft spikes and clothing

The well-known clubs of the Algarve want to see proof of your handicap. The limits are almost the same everywhere, but the rules differ in detail.

ClubMaximum handicapWhat else applies
Vilamoura Golf28 men, 36 womenSoft spikes are compulsory. Blue jeans, cargo shorts and T-shirts are not allowed.
Quinta do Lago28 men, 36 womenAn official handicap certificate is compulsory.
Vale do Lobo28 men, 36 womenThe limit applies to both courses of the resort.
Monte Rei28 men, 36 women recommendedAll guests present a valid certificate. Soft spikes are compulsory.
Boavista27 men, 34 womenSoft spikes are compulsory.

If your handicap is above the limit, you can ask the club before booking. In Vilamoura the course manager then decides and in Monte Rei the Director of Golf.

When the round costs most

In the Algarve the green fee depends on the month. Pestana Golf, Boavista and Benamor grade their prices by season. The pattern is similar at all three. March, April and October are the most expensive, while you play most cheaply in December, in January and from June to August.

In January the same round costs 86 euros at Boavista. In April it costs 126 euros.

The cheap winter has a reason, because the risk of rain rises in Portugal in December and in January. In Faro it then rains on eight days a month on average. In July and in August, by contrast, it gets just under 29 degrees, which is why I would book an early tee time for these months.

What golf costs in the Algarve

The table shows green fees for 18 holes at the most expensive time of the year, as far as the golf courses state them on their pages.

ServicePrice
Pestana Ferragudo, March, April and October€230
Pestana Vila Sol, March, April and October€200
Pestana Gramacho, Vale da Pinta and Silves, March, April and October€167
Pestana Alto Golf, March, April and October€131
Boavista, March, April and October€126
Benamor, main season in the late morning€123
Vale de Milho, 18 holes on the short course€33

Prices according to the golf course, as of . Prices change. You learn the current prices from the golf course before booking.

The price list of Boavista applies from 1 November 2026 to 31 December 2027. The lists of Pestana Golf and Benamor state no year.

Climate and when to travel

The columns show the mean daily maximum temperature for every month.

  1. 16°Jan
  2. 17°Feb
  3. 18°Mar
  4. 20°Apr
  5. 22°May
  6. 25°Jun
  7. 29°Jul
  8. 29°Aug
  9. 27°Sep
  10. 23°Oct
  11. 19°Nov
  12. 17°Dec
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day, maximum16°17°18°20°22°25°29°29°27°23°19°17°
Night, minimum8°8°9°10°13°16°18°18°17°14°11°9°
Days of rain895631012678
Water15°15°15°16°17°18°19°20°20°19°17°16°
Temperatures in degrees Celsius. Measured at: Faro. Mean values 1961 to 1990.

In winter the maximum temperature is 16 to 17 degrees, and at night it cools down to around 8 degrees. In July and in August it gets just under 29 degrees. Rain then hardly ever falls.

Hotels and accommodation in the Algarve

These places to stay have a golf course of their own or an offer of their own for golfers. Each of them has a page of its own here.

  1. The Magnolia HotelThe Quinta do Lago hotel with golf and spa packages and a free transfer to the courses of the resort.Quinta do LagoGolf packages
  2. Wyndham Grand AlgarveThe all-suite hotel in the Quinta do Lago resort with the Golf & Stay offer.5 starsQuinta do Lago
  3. Dona Filipa HotelThe hotel in Vale do Lobo with a view of the Atlantic and golf packages for several courses.5 starsVale do Lobo
  4. Vale do Lobo ResortThe resort with the Royal and Ocean courses, two kilometres of beach and accommodation from studio to villa.2 courses of its ownVillas
  5. Dom Pedro PortobeloThe apartment hotel in Vilamoura, two minutes from the Pinhal course.VilamouraApartments
  6. Pine Cliffs ResortThe resort on the cliffs near Albufeira with a 9-hole course of its own and a golf academy.5 starsOwn 9-hole course
  7. Balaia Golf Village ResortThe holiday complex near Albufeira with apartments, six pools and a short course of its own.ApartmentsShort course
  8. Amendoeira Golf Resort accommodationApartments and villas in the resort with two 18-hole courses and a short course with floodlights.ApartmentsVillas
  9. Viceroy at Ombria AlgarveThe hotel in the hill country near Loulé with an 18-hole course of its own.Own course151 rooms
  10. Penina Hotel & Golf ResortThe resort hotel at the first 18-hole course of the Algarve, with five tennis courts and a large pool.Own course188 rooms
  11. NAU Morgado Golf & Country ClubThe hotel in the hinterland of Portimão, right at the Morgado and Álamos courses.2 courses at the hotel
  12. Pestana Silves Golf ResortThe holiday complex with apartments and villas right at the Pestana Silves Golf course.At the golf courseVillas
  13. Boavista Golf & Spa ResortThe holiday complex near Lagos with an 18-hole course of its own, health club and spa.5 starsOwn course
  14. Palmares Beach House HotelThe hotel on the Palmares estate near Lagos with packages of overnight stay and golf.At the golf courseStay & Play
  15. Santo António Villas, Golf & SpaVillas with two or three bedrooms in the golf village near Salema, with an 18-hole course of its own.VillasOwn course
  16. Monte Rei ResidencesApartments and villas at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, with packages of accommodation and golf.VillasGolf packages
  17. ROBINSON QUINTA DA RIAThe ROBINSON club in the east of the Algarve, located in a nature reserve.Club holidayNature reserve

Getting there and time

For a golf trip to the Algarve you fly to Faro. The airport lies three kilometres west of the city. For Lagos in the west and for Castro Marim in the east you have to plan a longer drive from there.

In Portugal it is one hour earlier than in Germany. Because summer time applies there just as it does in Germany, the difference stays the same all year round.

Closed or private

You cannot play every golf course that is listed in a travel guide. In November 2026 that concerns these facilities.

  • According to a tour operator, San Lorenzo has been closed for rebuilding since 19 October 2026 and is to reopen in mid-2028.
  • The former Victoria Course in Vilamoura is now called The Els Club Vilamoura and is a private club.
  • The Hotel Victoria in Vilamoura has been closed for rebuilding since 15 October 2026.

Before booking a trip I would always ask whether the golf courses in the offer are open during your travel period. What maintenance work means for your round is covered in the guide on course maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

How many golf courses are there in the Algarve?

I could not find an official total figure. On this website 36 golf courses of the Algarve are listed, among them four facilities with 27 holes and three short courses.

Which golf courses lie near Vilamoura?

Vilamoura Golf includes the Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna and Millennium. Nearby there is also Pestana Vila Sol with 27 holes. The former Victoria Course is now a private club.

When is golf cheapest in the Algarve?

Pestana Golf, Boavista and Benamor quote their lowest prices for December and January and for June to August. March, April and October are the most expensive.

Do I need proof of my handicap in the Algarve?

On the well-known courses, yes. Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Monte Rei give 28 for men and 36 for women as the maximum and want to see proof.

Can I book tee times in the Algarve online?

That depends on the golf course. Depending on the club you book online, by e-mail, by telephone or through a tour operator. I would have every booking confirmed in writing.

How warm is it in the Algarve in winter?

In Faro the mean maximum temperature in December and January is 16 to 17 degrees. It then rains on eight days a month on average.

Details last checked on .

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The book behind the website

Golftourismus: Dein Guide für Golfreisen

So that you know what happens behind the desk on your next golf trip, I have written down what I learnt in the golf office, the golf hotel and in sales. The book is written in German.

„Mit seinem Buch ‚Golf-Tourismus‘ wendet sich Autor Mirco Timm gleichermaßen an Golfreisende, Golf-Pros, Hoteliers und Reisebüros.“

fvw, German travel trade magazine, 8 August 2025

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