Golfer's paradise

Published on 20th February, 2023

The Algarve is Europe’s number one golf destination, attracting players from all over the world.

The region is a golfers' paradise with an ideal climate that lets you play throughout the year and a wide variety of almost four dozen courses. Most courses are located in protected areas, with stunning views. They are internationally recognised for their facilities' quality and have been designed by prestigious players and legendary champions such as Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, Arnold Palmer and Ronald Fream. In addition, there are excellent golf pros and accessibility with easy transfers between Faro airport and the various courses.

The courses are spread from one end of the region to the other. By the beach or further inland, flat or hilly, the choice is varied, but any of them can offer you the chance of birdies and eagles and maybe even a hole-in-one. Between Lagos, Sagres and Serra de Monchique there are courses with varying degrees of difficulty, where the greens and fairways are framed by beautiful natural scenery. Golf was not even a thing in the Algarve until 1966. The first course opened here was in Portimao, the Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, which has on numerous occasions been awarded as one of the best in Europe.

Between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo is one of the most luxurious areas of the Algarve and also one of the best equipped for playing golf. These courses combine links and fairways with cliffs, lakes and bunkers, providing a high standard of holes. Take, for example, hole 16 at the Royal Golf Course in Vale de Lobo, the most photographed in Europe: a demanding Par 3 in which three spectacular sea cliffs stand between the tee and the green. Or hole 6 at Pine Cliffs, which is on the edge of a ravine and requires a shot over the beach.

To the east, set in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve with sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south is the Monte Rei Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Find out how you can enjoy golf every day. Discuss your property needs with our knowledgeable and experienced team of Property Advisors. Please call us +351 308 800 878 or 0800 014 8201 free from the UK or email us at hello@PortugalProperty.com.

Published in: Guide to Portugal / Miscellaneous / Portuguese Life