GOLF COURSES
1. Penina Academy Course
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, Penina, near Portimão • www.penina.com
A compact, 9-hole course laid out amid the Championship fairways, the ease of play here should relax even the most nervous of players. The adjoining golf academy offers individual or group tuition.
Penina Academy golf course
2. Royal Course, Vale do Lobo
Royal Golf Course, Vale do Lobo • www.valedolobo.com
A rolling terrain abundant with pine envelopes this par 72 layout. The highlight is the infamous 16th, where a powerful and accurate swing is needed to carry a set of precipitous cliffs before the green. The signature hole is the 9th, with its spectacular, semi-island green.
Royal Course, Vale do Lobo
3. San Lorenzo
In the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and one of the top five golf courses in continental Europe, the par 72 layout culminates with a green on the 18th that must be approached from across a lake. Part of the Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort, the course (see San Lorenzo) is open to visitors, with priority given to hotel guests. The clubhouse restaurant has a lovely terrace with views over the greens.
4. Pine Cliffs
With a clifftop layout, this 9-hole golf course is set against an ocean backdrop and offers spectacular views. The course hides under a canopy of umbrella pine, with narrow fairways demanding a steady swing. The final hole requires a shot from the “Devil’s Parlour” clifftop tee that will carry a deep ravine to hit the green.
5. Victoria
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort • www.anantara.com/en/vilamoura-algarve
Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, this undulating 18-hole par 72 layout is regarded as one of the best and most sophisticated courses in Europe. It features wide fairways and extensive water hazards.
6. Gramacho Course, Pestana Carvoeiro
Pestana Golf & Resort, Carvoeiro • www.pestanagolf.com
Gramacho gained another 9-hole layout to add to the original double 9, and the combination allows for a variety of options in pin settings and length to suit those with a high or a low handicap.
7. Balaia
Popular with beginners, as well as with the more adroit, this layout (see Balaia Golf) is recommended for the holiday golfer who prefers a fairly relaxed game. It still requires a degree of concentration, however, especially when it comes to club selection, as the holes vary in length more than one might expect in a 9-hole course.
8. Quinta do Lago South
This par 72 championship course (see Quinta do Lago South) within the estate of the same name has hosted the Portuguese Open on several occasions, and is one of the flagship European Tour courses. The undulating layout favours long hitters, but strategic bunkering, the odd water hazard and large, contoured greens provide plenty of challenges. Despite its championship status, the course welcomes golfers of all abilities, and has two well-equipped clubhouses.
9. Quinta da Ria
Quinta da Ria, near Vila Nova de Cacela • www.quintadaria.com
Bordering the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, this 18-hole par 72 layout golf course is said to be one of the best in the region and offers great ocean views. The five lakes were built to provide natural obstacles in the course of the game and also to support the flora and fauna. The many carob, olive and almond trees are now home to numerous species.
The 18-hole Quinta da Ria golf course
10. Monte Rei
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Sesmarias • www.monte-rei.com
The celebrated Jack Nicklaus designed this par 72 championship course, part of an upmarket country club located behind Vila Nova de Cacela. The layout is known for its ingeniously shaped bunkers and challenging water hazards. Facilities include a plush clubhouse and a highly regarded golf academy.
