Golf in Comporta - an Expert Review

Let me be brutally honest - I've been fortunate enough to play golf courses around the world over the past six years, it comes with the job. So when I tell you that Dunas is the best golf course I've ever played and that I'd personally pay top dollar for a golf trip just to play it again, you should understand the weight of that statement.

But this wasn't a solo assessment. I travelled with fellow golf experts James Edwards, James Aquino and Keith Francis, who offer with their perspectives to add crucial depth to this review.

Here's our collective take on the Comporta region.

Our trip started at Quinta da Marinha, a place that did not impress me when I played it four or five years ago. But returning this time, I was genuinely impressed with how much the golf course has improved.

James Edwards was particularly impressed with the value proposition at Quinta da Marinha, noting how the combination of the hotel and golf course offered excellent value for money. He also praised the quality of the greens, ranking them among the best they experienced across all the courses on their trip.

Keith was captivated by the layout variety, especially highlighting the signature par-3 that plays over the valley. He felt this hole was truly special because of its stunning views and unique design - the kind of golf hole that players rarely get to experience elsewhere.

James Aquino observed how the surprisingly windy conditions, despite the otherwise incredible weather, created significant challenges for club selection. Players were hitting up to three clubs more into the wind, which he believed would particularly appeal to lower handicap golfers seeking a test of their skills.

The Quinta da Marinha Hotel was superb, we all agreed it was the best we stayed at on this trip with the room quality and the generous space provided. What really impressed our entire team was the service. The staff gave us golf balls, towels and even came out to find us on the course to check we were looked after. James noted this was something you do not always get. That kind of service builds confidence for tour operators.

They even had champagne and beer available at breakfast, which impressed everyone.

Our collective verdict:
A really good first or last course for the area. Great value when combined with the hotel.

I need to explain something. When people ask me about Dunas, I tell them I can't put it into words - you have to go and play it. And I mean that literally.

In my opinion this golf course is pure class, better than St Andrews Old Course, better than The Brabazon, comfortably better than any course I've played in Portugal, that's the calibre we're talking about.

The conditioning is unbelievable, with greens that seem impossibly good given their proximity to the sea plus higher handicappers should benefit from plenty of ball run. Having a buggy included in the package with the quality and welcoming atmosphere, this course offers outstanding value and is enjoyable for players of any ability or handicap.

But don't just take my word for it, below are some quotes from my colleagues:

❝For me it was like being inside of a golf PlayStation game. Everything was aesthetically good-looking, each hole was memorable and worthy of being on any course that I have ever played in my life.❞
James Aquino

❝It's definitely up there with one of the best I've played in Portugal. I think it's different to a lot of links that I've played, but in a good way.❞
James Edwards

❝For me it was like, 18 simply stunning holes, you turn the corner to the next and go, Wow this looks a good hole, Wow.❞
Keith Francis

Our unanimous verdict: The best golf course any of us have ever played. Book it now before prices inevitably rise.

Torre stands out for offering exclusivity without pretension. Rather than overwhelming players with forced difficulty or flashy design, it celebrates golf in its purest form, strategic challenges that reward thoughtful play and precise execution, all set against one of the most stunning natural backdrops you’ll encounter.

I felt the fairways were extra wide with not much chance of losing a ball but James Edwards saw it differently saying that, yes it was a huge course, but he thought it was still going to be an experience to play here. A misplaced drive can leave a poor angle into those contoured greens, which are compact, often raised and well-defended by deep bunkering or sandy waste areas.

The conditioning impressed everyone, there was an exclusivity factor but you won't play a golf course in better condition.

Our team assessment: This is an experience rather than just a golf course. The conditioning and exclusivity factor make it worthwhile for the visiting golfer.

After playing where we'd played, Aroeira was always going to suffer by comparison. But James Edwards made a crucial observation that it is very different to a lot of golf courses in Portugal, very tree-lined and feels quite British.

Keith Francis appreciated the strategic elements:

❝Not easy because you hit it offline, nine times out of ten, you probably don't have a second shot or you had to chip it out, but so very playable and I thought a lot of different holes as well.❞

James Aquino positioned it perfectly:

❝I think on the whole it's a good one for groups who are probably mid-handicappers looking to sort of branch out, without sort of spending an absolute fortune on doing so.❞

The Aroeira Hotel impressed everyone. I particularly loved it - really nice boutique resort feel. James Aquino described it as feeling, more boutiquey than it does resort, which captures it perfectly.

Our collective verdict: Great value for groups wanting something different from typical resort experiences.

Keith Francis summed up our overall impression saying he would happily take his four-ball out to Portugal to play any one of those golf courses again.

If you're looking at possibly playing in the Faro or Vilamoura area and you've got the choice of traveling two hours to get to Comporta, then absolutely do it.

This region is going to explode in popularity once word gets out about Dunas. The value proposition right now is extraordinary, but it won't last. We all agreed, if you're serious about golf, get to Comporta before the prices increase and the tee times become impossible to get.

Handicap: 1
Favourite Course: Le Golf National
My 'Expert' areas: France, South of England
Best trip I've done: Australia playing Royal Melbourne & Kingston heath
Where my next trip is to: South Africa

Give Paul a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.