Algarve, best golf destination in the world, 2020

Golfing on the Algarve Coast is a winner.

The Algarve is virtually synonymous with golf. Every year, thousands of golfers from all over the world come to the southern coast of Portugal for a unique experience. They come here to play challenging courses or take their first steps in the game. With the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west and the remote mountains to the north, the Algarve is the perfect setting for a golfing holiday. Along the 160 km (100 miles) of its southern coast, you can be sure to find, among the more than 40 golf courses available, one that will satisfy your tastes and your needs.

Algarve, part of Portugal, travel target, verry nice

The Algarve has very little rain and over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it is the ideal place for golfers.

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) has chosen the Algarve as the “Best golf destination in the world for 2020”, a distinction that the Algarve Tourism President attributed to the quality of the 40 courses of the region.

Read more about the voting for best golf destination in the world 

Portugal golf, Monte rey

Portugal golf, Monte Rey

Monte Rei golf course

The magnificent Monte Rei golf course is located in the inland area of ​​the Algarve and is located near the town of Tavira. This outstanding new Jack Nicklaus signature trail offers everything a player would expect from this international golfer and designer. The Corso Monte Rei takes place on the rolling hills north of the Via Infante motorway (A22). Each hole has an attractive visual challenge that combines a variety of test factors to ensure that most standard golfers can play with fun and challenge in every hole. The detail combined with natural aspects, already existing or specially created, offers a course to remember. Upon arrival you will be given careful 5-star services, secure parking and Buggy included in the cost of the green fee.

quinta-do-lago-Portugal

 

Golf course south of Quinta do Lago

The Quinta do Lago South 18-hole golf course is located within the luxurious Quinta do Lago estate and was redesigned in 2014. The original course was used several times for the Portuguese Open. The course favors the long hitter but requires the player to choose a specific course to score well. Although both loops counter-clockwise, the first nine suggest a draw, while the second favors a fade from T.

Holes 3, 15 and 17 present lakes that must be negotiated. The holes 8, 10, 15 and 18 are the most challenging tests for the scratch player while the holes 2,3,5,12, 13 and 17 offer the best possibilities for birds. A pleasant gaming experience for players of all standards.

val do lobo golf course

Vale do Lobo golf course

Vale do Lobo Ocean Golf Course

The Ocean Golf Course at Vale do Lobo is a sister camp of the Royal. The name of this course appropriately suggests the enviable position. As an old golf course, it has had a strong influence on positioning the Algarve as a destination in the world of golf. Fairways have a tendency to be tight and precision is essential when playing. The holes of the ocean golf course wander among the pines with a marvelous view of the sea between the houses that flank the sides of the fairways. Some of the holes take you along the cliff with the blue of the Atlantic sea as a backdrop.

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course

The Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course 18-hole championship is a sister to the Ocean Course. This course combined several existing forums of the original Vale do Lobo course and introduced some interesting new special holes. The course layout is cleverly planned with a mixture of challenges that are slowly accumulating until the end of the eighteenth.

The famous seventh hole Par 3 of the old days is now the spectacular sixteenth of this new course. The eighteenth closing is a difficult hole to finish on, with its narrow fairway and deceptive green.

Vale do Lobo golf course

When not go golfing at the Algarve coast: Ponta da Piedade

In the promontory south of Lagos. These golden cliffs with sharp cliffs and jagged rock formations have been carved by wild winter storms that hit this coast. Inside the Ponta da Piedade there are marine arches, hidden caves, and precariously balanced sea pillars, all surrounded by the turquoise waters of the sea.

Ponta da Piedade rochas

Ponta da Piedade rochas

The cliffs are panoramic if viewed from the land side, but to appreciate the true beauty, rent a small boat, which is able to navigate around the rock formations.

Castle of Silves and city walls

The imposing red-brick castle of Silves rises high above the city and from this castle, the Moors (9-12th century) dominated the entire Algarve. Guarding the Moorish city were some of the most formidable walls ever built in Portugal, while trade followed the river Arade to cross the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Panoramic view of Silves by night, Algarve, Portugal

The remains of this illustrious past are scattered throughout the city and this includes the beautifully persevered castle and the Gothic cathedral, which was originally a mosque. Far from historical attractions, Silves is a fascinating city with a distinctive Portuguese relaxed atmosphere.

Praia da Falésia

Continuing for almost seven kilometers is a beach of golden sand traced by striped cliffs of various oche shades.

The competition is rigid, but this could be the largest beach in the Algarve and is also one of the longest in Portugal.

 

Those cliffs have a lot to do with it, because the combination of light sand, blue sea and rust red rocks make this a nice destination for walks in the low season.

There is a path at the top of the cliff through pine forests and with a panoramic view.

Come at sunset when the light is phenomenal.

Church of São Lourenço

In Loulé there is an 18th-century baroque church that you must see to yourself.

If the whitewashed exterior is modest, the interior will leave you speechless.

The walls and ceiling are completely covered with fabulous blue azulejos (traditional glazed ceramic tiles with tin) dating back to 1730.

They are so extensive that the church is often called Igreja de Louça (Church of China). The tiles were made by Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes, recognized as one of the masters of the art and depict scenes from the life of San Lorenzo.

Dolphin in the Algarve

In all the major marinas along the Algarve you will see advertised ocean boat trips.

For example, there is deep-sea fishing, but the experience you will really treasure is spotting dolphins.

There are a large number of common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in the ocean off the Algarve, so you are almost certain to have a successful expedition.

This is also made easier by the curious nature of the creatures, and before you know it, pods of up to 50 will keep you company.

Water parks

These are always mandatory if you are on vacation with children and fortunately, the Algarve has some water parks in competition with the best in Europe.

Side & Splash in Estômbar is the largest in Portugal and one of the largest on the continent, with 16 slides and pools and nearly two hectares of grassy areas open for sunbathing.

The Aquashow Park in Quarteira is perhaps for older children as some of the slides are not for the faint of heart, like FreeFall, the highest slide in Europe at 32 meters.

Meanwhile, Zoomarine Algarve has a zoological park with live shows along with its new “Beach” area with a wave pool, fine white sand and water slides.

Where to stay on the Algarve coast

Martinhal Beach Resort.

Located just outside the historic Sagres, in the western virgin of the Algarve. The luxury town-style accommodation faces the sea: the villas are ideal for family groups. There are numerous activities, five swimming pools, children’s clubs for all ages and a fabulous spa located on private land.

Casa Beleza do Sul

Located in the virgin center of Tavira, the best of both worlds, panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, but easy access to Clube Tavira Golf, Benamor Golf Club and Quinta da Ria Golf.

Martinhal Beach Resor

Martinhal Beach Resort: located just outside the historic Sagres, in the western virgin of the Algarve. The luxury town-style accommodation faces the sea: the villas are ideal for family groups. There are numerous activities, five swimming pools, children’s clubs for all ages and a fabulous spa located on private land.

Casa Beleza do Sul

Located in the virgin center of Tavira, the best of both worlds, panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, but easy access to Clube Tavira Golf, Benamor Golf Club and Quinta da Ria Golf.

Vila Vita Parc

A beach paradise and a paradise for children. An extensive cellar offers many options to complement each dish. With a two-star Michelin certificate and a selection of ten restaurants serving the Mediterranean to Japanese cuisine, your taste buds will have the experience of your life.

Convent of Graca

Located in the heart of the historic Tavira om the Algarve coast, the Convent of the Canary Yellow Graca dates from the 16th century. Now it offers thirty-six elegant rooms with a contemporary touch, garden with pool and a beautiful cloistered patio where you can dine in the warmer months.

Convent of Graca

Where to stay in Lisbon

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Charming traditional-style hotel in the historic center of Lisbon. Old world charm, elegant rooms bathed in sunshine and perfect terrace to relax. Sit by the fire with a book borrowed from the private library. A home away from home with a warm and family-friendly atmosphere.

Heritage Av Liberdade

Classic contemporary-style rooms in an elegant 18th-century building, located on the city’s exclusive avenue, Avenida da Liberdade. The luxurious bedrooms designed by Miguel Cancio Martins have huge bathrooms and plenty of natural light. Close to the main places of interest and shops, yet offering an atmosphere of quiet luxury.

Hermitage Castelo Casa Chafariz

Offers luxurious self-contained accommodation in central Lisbon. The apartments have bright and welcoming interiors with modern furnishings and historic details. Book a larger apartment for a family stay that can accommodate up to six people. An elegant city break.

Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade

Offers a beautiful design that mixes traditionally inspired dark wood furniture with clean interiors and modern art. A luxury hotel with all its comforts is the perfect place to discover the city.

Valverde Hotel is a five-star boutique hotel located in a Lisbon residence. The rooms feature a blend of contemporary and antique furniture with high-quality linens and comfortable pillows and the suites offer living spaces and terracotta tiles. The patio restaurant serves superb cuisine and the shops and restaurants of Avenue da Liberdade are within walking distance.

Palacio Ramalhete is a boutique hotel located in an 18th-century palace in the elegant Janelas Verdes neighborhood of Lisbon. The rooms have original ceramic tiles, antique furniture and bedding; Reserve a suite for a traditional fireplace. Relax with a drink by the pool or in the cozy bar; An elegant bolt hole.

 

Visit Portugal

Golf holiday destinations, a world-wide selection

 

 

Map overview

Latest travel articles