For the majority of avid European golfers seeking the ideal golf holiday Algarve would certainly be top of their list of desirable destinations. With its huge selection of courses, ranges of hotels/villas/holiday homes to suit all budgets and a variety of entertainment, shopping, world class cuisine and scenery to enjoy when not golfing.
Western Algarve Portugal
Facing onto the Atlantic sea, the courses along the western coast bring in a welcome sea-breeze at the height of summer to cool you down. This also makes for interesting golfing challenges, especially on the many links courses (one of the big draws for many U.S. visitors). Outside of your golfing holiday Algarve has some relaxed sight-seeing of the fishing villages of Alvor and Lagos are well worth a visit to soak up the atmosphere and unwind.
Green fees generally start around the €50-€75 range, and are slightly higher on weekends or peak periods (August).
Courses:
€50-€65 green fee
- Gramacho
- Vale da Pinta
- Boavista – A difficult, scenic but rewarding course overlooking the town of Lagos.
- Morgado do Reguengo
- Salgados
- Alto
- Palmares
€65-€80
- Parque Da Floresta – The most westerly course in the Algarve. Challenging hillside course (so book a buggy!).
- Penina Championship Course
€100-€110
- Oceanico O’ Connor. Opened in 2008. Christy O’Connor designed parkland course set in a valley with a variety of streams and tight fairways.
- Oceanico Faldo. Oceanico’s other course – this time designed by Nick Faldo with a challenging desert style design.
Central Algarve Portugal
The big draw to the central area of the Algarve is always going to be Vilamoura. Visitors come for the range of plush hotels, the nightlife and the proximity of a selection of top-class courses. For those seeking a break from the excitement though, there are plenty of villas and hotels within a short car journey from town and all the courses.
Courses:
€50-€60 green fee
- Oceanico Laguna
- Oceanico Pinhal
- Oceanico Millennium – A nice mixed parkland course with plenty of water obstacles.
- Pinheiros Altos
€60-€80
- Vila Sol
- Quinta Do Lago
€80-€100
- Quinta do Lago Laranjal
- Oceanico Old Course – A mature challenging course that most Vilamoura bound golfers wish to play on their visit, so book in advance.
€100-€110
- Oceanico Victoria
- Vale Do Lobo Ocean
- Vale Do Lobo Royal – The ‘Royal’ and ‘Ocean’ courses are a must-play course. It has played host to the Portugeuse open on several occasions so can provide a challenge to the most experienced of players.
Eastern Algarve Portugal
The eastern Algarve area generally has a milder climate (so is ideal for winter golfing holidays) but also boasts some of the more pricey and sophisticated golf resorts – notably the Quinta do Lago is a match cost-wise to the Vale do Lobo resort in central Algarve.
Courses:
€40-€60 green fee
- Quinta do Vale. Designed by Seve Balasteros. Opened 2008.
- Castro Marim. Noted for its castle style clubhouse.
€60-€90
- Benamor
- Quinta Da Ria
- Quinta De Cima
€130+
- Monte Rei – The price reflects the fact this course was designed by Jack Nicklaus.
For a fuss-free golf holiday Algarve really does have it all. The courses, the weather, the right settings and atmosphere. As a result many golfers often base their entire Portugeuse trip within the Algarve region alone.
Related Posts: Golf Holidays Portugal | Getting There – Airlines and Tours To Portugal | Golf Holiday Algarve | Golf Madeira | Golf Lisbon and Estoril | Top 10 Golf Clubs in Portugal
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