Updated October 2026 • 6 min read
The Algarve has around 40 golf courses, most of them along the coast and many within half an hour of Faro Airport. The main clusters are Vilamoura and the Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo area in the central Algarve, with classic courses such as Penina near Portimão in the west and Monte Rei in the east. Golf is played year-round, and the mild months from October to April are the most popular. Stay at a golf resort to play on site, or base yourself in Vilamoura to reach several courses easily.
This guide covers the main golf areas and courses, the best golf resorts, when to play and our golf packages.
Why Golf in the Algarve
- Many courses close together: around 40 layouts of 9 or 18 holes, more than half of them near the coast.
- Mild winters: average highs in Faro are around 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F) in December and January and about 19 to 21°C (66 to 69°F) in March and April.
- Short transfers: Quinta do Lago is about 15 minutes from Faro Airport, and Vilamoura about 30.
- Variety: inland parkland courses, clifftop holes over the ocean and short resort courses for beginners.
Algarve Golf Areas at a Glance
| Area | Notable courses | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vilamoura | Old Course, Victoria, Millennium, Pinhal, Vila Sol | The biggest cluster, with a marina and many hotels |
| Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo | Quinta do Lago South, North and Laranjal; Vale do Lobo Royal | Upscale resorts near the Ria Formosa, close to the airport |
| Western Algarve | Penina, Morgado and Álamos, Alto Golf, Palmares | Classic courses near Portimão, Alvor and Lagos |
| Eastern Algarve | Monte Rei, Castro Marim | Quieter courses near Tavira and the Spanish border |
The Best Golf Courses in the Algarve
Vilamoura
Vilamoura has the region's largest group of courses. The Old Course, designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, is the oldest course in Vilamoura's group. The Victoria course, from the Arnold Palmer design team, opened in 2004 and has hosted the Portugal Masters. Millennium and Pinhal complete the main group, and Vila Sol is just outside the resort.
Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo
Quinta do Lago, near Almancil and the Ria Formosa Natural Park, has three courses: South, North and Laranjal. The South course, designed by William Mitchell in 1972, has hosted the Portuguese Open many times. Next door, Vale do Lobo's Royal course was built by Rocky Roquemore in 1997 from original drawings by Sir Henry Cotton. Its par-three 16th is played across a ravine on the clifftop.
Western Algarve
Penina, near Portimão, is where Algarve golf began. Sir Henry Cotton designed its Championship course, which opened in 1966 as the first course in the region, and it has hosted the Portuguese Open many times. Nearby, NAU Morgado has two 18-hole courses: Morgado, a par 73 with wide fairways, and Álamos, opened in 2006 and designed by European Golf Design, a shorter and more technical layout. Alto Golf is close to Alvor. Further west, Palmares overlooks the Bay of Lagos.
Eastern Algarve
Monte Rei, northeast of Tavira, is a Jack Nicklaus signature design set in the hills away from the coast. Near the Spanish border, Castro Marim Golf & Country Club has 27 holes with views over the Guadiana River.
Book Green Fees and Golf Passes
If you already have a hotel, you can book rounds on their own. Green fee packs and multi-day passes are available for courses in Vilamoura and at NAU Morgado near Portimão, among others. Course dress codes apply, so pack golf shirts and soft-spike shoes.
⛳ VILAMOURA 3-DAY GOLF PASS
Three rounds of 18 holes on the Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna courses in Vilamoura, with shuttle access between the courses.
See the golf pass →More golf experiences
⛳ ALGARVE HILTON SIGNATURE GOLF
Seven nights at the 5-star Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas with three pre-booked rounds on the Pinhal, Millennium and Old Course, plus flights and a rental car.
See the golf package →The Best Golf Resorts in the Algarve
Staying at a golf resort means playing on site or close by, with less time in the car. These are golf hotels you can book with us:
| Resort | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas | Vilamoura | Easy access to the Vilamoura courses, spa |
| Pestana Vila Sol Golf | Vilamoura | Staying on the Vila Sol course |
| Hotel Quinta do Lago | Quinta do Lago | The Quinta do Lago courses and the Ria Formosa |
| Penina Hotel & Golf Resort | Portimão | Playing the Algarve's first championship course |
| NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club | Portimão | Two 18-hole courses on site |
| Pestana Alvor Praia Beach & Golf | Alvor | A beach hotel with access to nearby courses |
| Pestana Dom João II Beach & Golf | Alvor | Beach and golf in the western Algarve |
| Balaia Golf Village | Albufeira | A 9-hole course, good for beginners |
| Salgados Beach Villas | Albufeira | Next to the Salgados course and lagoon |
| Castro Marim Golf & Country Club | Castro Marim | A quiet golf stay in the east |
Golf hotels: Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago
Golf hotels: western Algarve
Golf hotels: Albufeira and the east
⛳ NAU MORGADO SIGNATURE GOLF
Seven nights at NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club with two 18-hole green fees, a private boat tour to Ponta da Piedade, flights and private transfers.
See the golf package →When to Play Golf in the Algarve
| Season | Weather | For golfers |
|---|---|---|
| October to November | Highs of 20 to 23°C (67 to 74°F), first autumn rain | Mild weather, good for golf |
| December to February | Highs of 16 to 17°C (61 to 63°F), some rainy days | Mild, quieter courses |
| March to May | Highs of 19 to 24°C (66 to 74°F), sunny and dry by May | Mild to warm, good for golf |
| June to September | Highs of 26 to 29°C (80 to 85°F), almost no rain | Hot; early tee times are best |
Plan around the weather
Where to Stay for Golf
- Vilamoura: the most courses within a short drive, plus the marina and restaurants. The easiest base for a multi-course trip.
- Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo: upscale and quiet, with top courses and the shortest airport transfer.
- Portimão and Alvor: classic courses at Penina and Morgado, close to beaches and Lagos.
- Eastern Algarve: fewer courses but quieter, near Tavira.
More Algarve guides
Plan it your way
Custom Your Trip
Tell our local travel advisors which courses, dates and hotels you want and we build your Algarve golf trip around you.
Start your custom trip →Limited time
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Book now →Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in the Algarve?
Around 40 courses of 9 or 18 holes, most of them along the coast between Lagos and the Spanish border.
Where is the best golf in the Algarve?
Vilamoura has the most courses in one place, while Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo have some of the region's best-known layouts. In the west, Penina and Morgado are strong choices, and Monte Rei stands out in the east.
What is the best time of year to play golf in the Algarve?
October to November and March to May offer mild, sunny weather that suits golf. Winter is also playable, and summer is hot, so book early tee times.
What was the first golf course in the Algarve?
Penina, near Portimão. Its Championship course was designed by Sir Henry Cotton and opened in 1966.
Where should I stay for a golf holiday in the Algarve?
Vilamoura is the easiest base for playing several courses. For a resort stay with a course on site, choose a golf hotel such as Penina, NAU Morgado or Hotel Quinta do Lago.
Are there golf courses for beginners in the Algarve?
Yes. Balaia Golf Village near Albufeira has a 9-hole course that suits beginners and anyone who wants a shorter round.
