The Algarve Archives

Located just 20 minutes from Faro airport, in the heart of Vilamoura lies the “Grande Dame” of Algarve golf courses, Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club in Portugal. This parkland-style course boasts gently undulating fairways that wind through mature pine forests. With relatively straightforward holes, especially at the beginning, it offers the ideal opportunity to kick off your round with ease.

Designed by golfing legend Arnold Palmer and first opened in 2004, the Victoria course is located in Vilamoura in the Algarve.

The Royal Golf Course is one of two courses at the Vale do Lobo Resort, the other being The Ocean. Recognised as one of Portugal’s most prestigious golf courses, The Royal course features include the almost island green of the 9th and the famous iconic 16th, with cliff-top carryover. Arguably, it’s one of the most photographed holes in Europe!

A gem among Algarve golf courses, the 18-hole Salgados Golf Club is situated on the flatlands behind the sun-kissed sands of Praia de Galé, close to the popular resort of Albufeira. The course is, overall, very technical and will require a consistent and accurate round in order to shoot a low score. Look out for holes 7, 8, and 15 which are considered by many to be the nicest holes on the course if not the whole region!

The Morgado Golf course is a real gem that is a challenge for both beginners and the more experienced golfers. Sat in a calm and tranquil valley, 4 km north of Portimao on the Algarve, surrounded by an abundance of local flora and fauna including partridges, rabbits, citrus, and olive trees, the 18-hole course features wide fairways and flat bunkers that were inspired by Scotland’s famous hilly links. This makes for a singular golfing challenge.

Located close to the small fishing village of Alvor near Portimao, the Alto Golf course is a great test for any golfer and features dog-legs, elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers. The par 5 sixteenth hole is considered to be one of the longest holes in European golf.

Located at the base of the Monchique mountain, near the town of Silves, from where it gets its name, the Silves Golf course presents a real challenge to even low handicap golfers who will find it tough to go round in under par. The course is described as a course that has been designed for attacking play and requires golfers to be both accurate and make good decisions when it comes to club selection.

Situated just outside of the village of Carvoeiro on the Algarve lies the Vale da Pinta golf course. A well laid out course, that is an interesting and challenging course to play.

Two holes that deserve a mention are the par 3 tenth, which has a large bunker defending the green against your shot, and the par 5 thirteenth which runs along a valley for some 541 metres.

Located in Carvoeiro, Algarve, the Gramacho Golf Course presents a strategic layout with greens, lakes, and bunkers strategically positioned to provide a genuine challenge. Tee markers are thoughtfully placed to enhance variety. The course is meticulously crafted to reward precision and club selection. Renowned as a championship course, it remains enjoyable and playable, catering even to golfers with higher handicaps.