The main regions for golf holidays in Portugal are the Algarve, the Estoril coast and Madeira with each offering a different golfing experience. This article focuses on the Algarve as it is famed for its great courses, beautiful scenery and year round fine weather.
For the majority of European golfers seeking the ideal golf holiday Algarve would definitely make the top 3 of most golfer’s lists. The bulk of visitors head to the central region around the town of Vilamoura, principally because of the huge range of courses and golf resorts (Oceanico have over 10).
While resort clubs can sometimes be hit-and-miss in golfing quality there are some notable courses near Vilamoura. The Old Course is one of the more mature courses meaning the greens play consistently, the landscaping has bedded in and been perfected over the years and the course design/bunker placement has been tweaked to a high standard over the years.
Locals will also recommend playing Quinta do Lago Laranjal for its great selection of holes and, for a real challenge the Vale Do Lobo Royal has hosted the Portugal Open several times so has lightening fast greens and fairways.
Heading to the eastern Algarve and the climate becomes milder all year round and the courses can become a little more exclusive. Many golfers come to play one course – Monte Rei. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and makes great use of the locations topology with holes navigating the valleys and hills of the area. As you’d expect the quality of the landscaping is extremely high and is nicely complemented by some of the great vistas.
It would be a shame though to visit the area and play only one course so an effort should be made to visit Benamor, Quinta De Cima or Quinta Do Vale (designed by Seve Balasteros) which each provide a challenging and enjoyable round of golf.
Golf in the western Algarve is directed by the prevailing Atlantic wind which can play a huge factor in how a course plays. Course designers factored this into their designs and 2 notable standout courses are the Faldo desert-style course and the O’Connor parkland (both in the Oceanico resort).