There’s no better way to start your holidays than by enjoying a round of golf. Take full advantage of the Algarve’s mild climate and discover one of Europe’s most interesting golf circuits. At present, the Algarve has roughly 30 courses, all of them providing perfect conditions for playing golf all year round. Another feature common to all the courses is the beauty of their natural landscape, enhanced by the intelligence of their design. For all these reasons, Algarve’s golf courses have begun to host more and more international tournaments, whilst remaining a genuine paradise for all golf lovers.

• A Blaze of Green

Well-known to golfers from all over the world, the Algarve’s courses are prized for the beauty and quality of their layouts, many of them designed by some of the most highly regarded course Architects.

The proven organisational capacity of the sector’s companies has brought many internationally famous tournaments to the Algarve, such as the Portuguese Open, the Ladies Open, the Seniors Open and the World Cup.

•High-Quality Courses

The Algarve’s golf courses have a wide range of different settings and difficulties, making it possible for professionals, amateurs and even the mildly curious to find one that is suited to their needs.

Albufeira - Set on the cliff-tops amidst beautiful pine-woods, the courses here are relatively flat and afford stunning views over the beaches below. The peaceful surroundings of this natural landscape are inhabited by many different protected species of wildlife.

Barlavento (West Algarve) - The courses here afford some of the most interesting views in the Algarve, with the sea and the hills of the Serra de Monchique as their backdrop. On some courses, situated in sloping valleys overlooking beaches and cliffs, you will find many of the region’s typical fig-trees and olive-trees.

Sotavento (East Algarve) - Most of this region’s courses are surrounded by extensive pine-woods and afford magnificent views over the distant hills, the sea, the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the River Guadiana.

Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo - The undulating fairways of these courses, set amidst pine-trees, olive-trees and eucalyptus-trees, are perfectly integrated into the landscape of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where countless species of birds can be observed on and around the water of the lagoon and the sea. Highly regarded by golfers and with some of the trickiest holes in the Algarve, they have long hosted important events on the European international circuit. Here you will find the famous 16th hole, the most photographed hole in Europe.

Vilamoura - Considered by many to be Portugal’s golfing capital, this resort also enjoys a reputation as the best tourist golf destination in Europe. With a whole host of well-designed courses offering different levels of difficulty, Vilamoura hosts some prestigious international tournaments and presents a challenge to golfers of all levels.