The Algarve, Portugal’s sun-kissed southern coastline, is widely regarded as a top destination for golf holidays. With its mix of beautiful landscapes, luxurious five-star resorts, and meticulously designed courses, the Algarve attracts golfers from all over the world. Whether you’re an experienced player looking for a challenging course or a casual golfer seeking a relaxed yet scenic round, the Algarve has something to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore the top golf courses in the Algarve for 2025, highlighting what makes each course unique and why it’s an essential stop on your next golf trip.
Why Choose the Algarve for your next golf trip?
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve is ideal for year-round golfing. Portugal’s favourable weather, combined with the region’s reputation for luxury hospitality and high-quality golf courses, makes it a perfect destination for golf holidays. Many of the courses in the Algarve were designed by legendary architects and offer top-notch facilities, beautiful coastal views, and challenging layouts.
From high-end five-star resorts with comprehensive golf packages to charming hotels near some of Europe’s best greens, the Algarve is fully equipped to provide a memorable golf trip. Green fees vary across courses, with many offering packages that include accommodation, allowing you to enjoy a seamless and luxurious experience.
Top Algarve Golf Courses to Visit in 2025
1. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Monte Rei is a must-visit for any golfer venturing to the Algarve. Located in the eastern part of the region, this course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is ranked among the best in Europe. The Monte Rei course is known for its exceptional layout, which includes lush fairways, strategic water hazards, and breath-taking views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains. The course’s secluded location offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful golf holiday.
As a five-star resort, Monte Rei provides luxurious accommodation, fine dining, and extensive practice facilities, making it ideal for those looking for an exclusive golf experience. Although green fees here are higher than average, the experience at Monte Rei is well worth the investment.
Learn more about Monte Rei Golf Packages
2. Quinta do Lago (North, South, and Laranjal Courses)
Quinta do Lago is a premier golf resort offering three award-winning courses: North, South, and Laranjal. Each course presents a unique challenge, ensuring that golfers of all skill levels can find a suitable round. The South Course is particularly famous, having hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times. Its fairways wind through pine trees and lakes, demanding both precision and strategy.
The North Course, redesigned by renowned golfer Paul McGinley, features wide fairways and a modern layout, making it ideal for those looking to hone their skills. Laranjal, on the other hand, is set within an orange grove, creating a stunning backdrop for a round of golf. Quinta do Lago’s location near Faro and its luxurious five-star resort amenities make it a convenient and desirable stop for any golf trip in the Algarve.
3. Dom Pedro Old Course
The Dom Pedro Old Course, situated in Vilamoura, Algarve, is one of Portugal’s most iconic golf destinations. Known for its classic parkland layout, the course is beautifully integrated into the natural landscape, with pine-lined fairways and strategically placed bunkers creating a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers. Designed by renowned architect Frank Pennink, the Old Course exudes a timeless charm, offering a sense of tradition combined with immaculate upkeep and modern facilities. With its rich history, picturesque surroundings, and reputation for quality, the Dom Pedro Old Course remains a must-play for anyone visiting the Algarve.
Explore Dom Pedro Golf Trip Options
4. Ombria Golf Course
A stunning addition to Portugal’s golf landscape, seamlessly blending challenging play with sustainable design. Surrounded by unspoiled countryside, this eco-conscious course focuses on preserving the natural landscape, offering golfers an immersive experience through hills, rivers, and valleys. Ombria’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t compromise its luxury, as it includes top-notch facilities and a five-star resort, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combine environmental mindfulness with premium golfing.
5. Palmares Golf Course
This course, situated near Lagos offers a unique 27-hole experience with three distinct nines – the Alvor, Lagos, and Praia – each providing a different perspective on the game. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design combines links-style holes along the Atlantic coast with more traditional parkland features, offering sweeping ocean views and varying challenges across the course. Palmares is beloved for its blend of natural beauty and strategic layout, making it an ideal choice for golfers seeking both variety and coastal splendour on their Algarve golf holiday.
Tips for Planning Your Golf Holiday in the Algarve
When planning a golf trip to the Algarve, it’s essential to book tee times and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons from April to October. Many courses offer special golf packages, which include discounted green fees, accommodations, and additional perks. With the availability of five-star resorts near top-rated courses, it’s easy to find packages that cater to both your golfing and relaxation needs.
Travellers should also consider combining their golf holiday with some of the Algarve’s other attractions. From picturesque beaches and traditional Portuguese villages to vibrant nightlife and excellent seafood dining, the Algarve offers plenty of activities to enjoy beyond the golf course. This variety makes it easy to build a well-rounded holiday that caters to all interests.
Conclusion
The Algarve’s reputation as a premier golf destination is well-earned, with its diverse selection of top-quality courses, luxurious five-star resorts, and a climate that allows for year-round play. From the secluded Monte Rei to the vibrant Dom Pedro Old Course, each course provides a unique experience that highlights the best of Algarve golf. Whether you’re planning an intensive golf trip or a leisurely holiday with family and friends, the Algarve’s golf courses offer something for everyone.
