The Algarve is a great place to visit on your next golf holiday. With a host of excellent courses, from the cliff tops of Vale do Lobo to the stunning coastal views at Palmares, it is easy to see why so many golfers travel here each year.
Algarve Golf Holiday Destinations
The region has many different areas to visit including Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Tavira, Lagos, Alvor and Portimao, each of these provides great access to golf courses and a wide variety of accommodation perfect for both couples and societies alike.| Penina Golf Resort | Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo |
| Pestana Carvoeiro Resort | Amendoeira Golf Resort |
| Tivoli Marina Vilamoura | Quinta do Lago |
| The Lake Resort | Monte Rei Golf Resort |
| Quinta do Vale Golf Resort | Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort |
Many of our recommended hotels are based in Vilamoura at the edge of the marina, and we can guarantee complimentary transfers to the Vilamoura golf courses. The Victoria and Old are among Europe’s best, and are supported by the Millennium, Laguna, Pinhal, plus Vila Sol.
Surrounding Vilamoura is a host revered golfing names – Quinta Do Lago, San Lorenzo and Vale Do Lobo are the cream of the crop along this remarkable golfing paradise. Alternatives to Vilamoura include Tavira to the east, whose highlight is the amazing Nicklaus-designed Monte Rei, while to the west, the star of the show is Penina, one of Europe’s favourite golf resorts.
Quick Facts
- The Algarve is home to more than 42 golf courses
- Average Monthly temperature ranges from 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (74°F)
- Flights are 2.5 hour from the UK to Faro airport
- Home to the Portugal Masters (Oceanico Victoria)
Reasons to visit
- More than 300 days of annual sunshine
- Close concentration of top-class golf courses
- Short flight time, close proximity to the airport
- Terrific value destination (flights, golf and accommodation)
- High quality resorts with plenty of off-course appeal
Flying time
- 2 hours 50 minutes direct to Faro (Algarve)
Driving Distances from Faro Airport
- Vilamoura - 25 minutes
- Vale do Lobo - 25 minutes
- Albufeira - 30 minutes
- Portimao - 40 minutes
- Alvor - 40 minutes
Weather in the Algarve
With an amiable climate year round, the Algarve is perfect for golf breaks, most of the year you’ll be able to play in just a polo shirt and tailored shorts.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/54 | 13/55 | 13/55 | 16/60 | 18/64 | 21/70 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 24/74 | 24/74 | 23/73 | 19/66 | 16/60 | 14/56 |
Average Temperature - What you might be wearing on the golf course
Polo Shirt, Trousers, probably a jumper in the evening
Polo Shirt, Tailored Shorts
Polo Shirt, Tailored Shorts - No Waterproofs Required!
When to go
With more than 300 days of annual sunshine and a fantastic all year climate, the Algarve is perfectly suited for golf. September and October are particularly popular with golfers taking their annual golf holiday. You can generally take advantage of cheaper prices during November through to the end of February.
Handy information
- Time difference: GMT +1
- Local currency: Euro (€)
- Language: Portuguese (many locals will speak English)
- Cost of a pint: 3 Euros (£2.30)
Recommended for
Championship Golf
The Algarve has been a regular stop for the European Tour. In the past 21 Portuguese Opens have been played in this sunny region of Portugal. Past hosts include Penina (Championship Course), Quinta do Lago (South Course), Vale do Lobo (Royal Course) and Vila Sol, Champions have included the likes of Sam Torrance, Mark McNulty, Ronan Rafferty and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Since 2007, the Victoria Course has played host to the Portuguese Masters. Winners have included Lee Westwood (2009), Shane Lowry (2012), David Lynn (2013) and most recently Alexander Levy who claimed the 2014 trophy following opening rounds of 63, 61.
Societies
Amendoeira is a great option for groups, with a fantastic variety of spacious apartments and villas, plus two championship golf courses on site. Make the most of the unlimited golf and free buggies! Get a proper taste of Portugal in the centrally located Tivoli Lagos, with a selection of bars and restaurants at your doorstep, plus easy access to the nearby Palmares and Boavista golf courses. The recently refurbished Dona Filipa is in a prime location overlooking the praca and the golden sandy beach in Vale do Lobo. Guests here get exclusive access to one of the top courses in Europe, San Lorenzo.
Couples
Penina is the ideal golf resort for couples looking for a great value luxury hotel, with a choice of restaurants and three golf courses to suit players of all abilities. Pestana Vila Sol is a lovely 5* resort only 20 minutes from Faro Airport and set less than five minutes from Vilamoura Marina and the beach. This is a perfect venue for couples who want everything on their doorstep, with a championship golf course also on-site. The Morgado Golf Hotel is a most tranquil resort set in a stunning position with views of the Monchique Mountains, offering great food and two lovely courses on site (Morgado and Alamos). You’re also just a short drive from Alvor and its great variety of restaurants.
Night Life
The Vila Gale Marina sits in a perfect location overlooking the Vilamoura Marina, and in walking distance of a plethora of bars, restaurants and clubs. You’ve also got a choice of 14 golf courses within a 10 minute transfer! Pestana Dom Joao is situated in the heart of Alvor, where you will find a host of bars and restaurants less than a stone’s throw from the hotel. Pestana own five golf courses and all can be played while staying at Dom Joao. The Sao Rafael Suite Hotel is a fantastic all-inclusive 5* venue offering amazing value packages, with the Algarve’s most bustling town, Albufeira, only seven minutes away by cab. Make the most of Salgados, Alamos and Morgado, all included in packages at Sao Rafael.
Luxury Hotels
Experience unparalleled service at the exclusive Monte Rei resort. The villas are all built to the highest spec, whilst the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course is rated as the best in Portugal. The Conrad Algarve is a brand new hotel located in the exclusive resort of Quinta do Lago. Enjoy the Health Club & Spa when not relaxing in the spacious rooms, or take advantage of the proximity to the three Quinta do Lago golf courses as well. Overlooking the Victoria Course, host to the YGT sponsored Portugal Masters, the Tivoli Victoria is furnished to an impeccable standard. Centrally located just minutes from Vilamoura, it's also only 20 mins from Faro Airport.
Blog articles
Penina by the Numbers
Six Must Play Holes in the Algarve
Around the Algarve in 18 holes
England Football Team Visit The Algarve
Darren Clarke’s Favourite Holes in The Algarve
Dom Pedro Vilamoura Resort
- 3 Nights, 3 Rounds
- Bed and Breakfast