DESTINATION GOLF GLOBAL GUIDE 2026
Golf and tourism in the Algarve are intrinsically linked, offering a harmonious blend of sport, relaxation, and culture.
The Algarve’ s golfing journey began in earnest during the 1960s with the development of the Penina Golf Course, designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. This marked the birth of golf tourism in the region and laid the foundation for what would become a thriving industry. Over the decades, investment in golf infrastructure, resort development, and tourism amenities transformed the region into a golfing mecca.
Today, the Algarve boasts over 40 golf courses, many of which are championship-calibre. These are strategically located from the western cliffs of Lagos to the eastern border town of Vila Real de Santo António, with the highest concentration around Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, and Albufeira. The diversity in terrain, design, and challenge levels makes the Algarve suitable for both casual players and seasoned professionals.
One of the Algarve’ s biggest draws for golfers is its enviable Mediterranean climate. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters, and warm but not oppressive summers, the region allows for year-round play.
Espiche: Located near Lagos in the Western Algarve, Espiche Golf offers a sustainable 18-hole, par 72 course set amidst rolling hills, lakes, and indigenous vegetation. The course emphasizes eco-friendly practices, blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. Its clubhouse, built into a hillside, provides panoramic views and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers and visitors alike.
Vilamoura Golf: Vilamoura Golf in the Algarve features five distinguished courses: The Old Course, Millennium, Laguna, Pinhal, and the newly rebranded Els Club. Each offers unique challenges, from The Old Course’ s classic design to Laguna’ s blend of links and water features. These courses collectively provide a premier golfing experience in Portugal.
Monte Rei: Located in the eastern Algarve, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club is home to the award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, widely regarded as one of Portugal’ s finest golfing experiences. Immaculate fairways, dramatic water features, and exceptional service combine to create a luxurious, championship-level course set within stunning natural countryside surroundings.
Quinta do Lago: Quinta do Lago in the Algarve boasts three world-class golf courses: the South, North, and Laranjal. The South Course, renowned for hosting the Portuguese Open eight times, offers a challenging par-72 layout amidst scenic parkland. The North Course, redesigned by Beau Welling and Paul McGinley, features undulating fairways and elevated greens. Opened in 2009, the Laranjal Course, set in a former orange grove, presents a distinctive challenge with five lakes and diverse terrain.
GOLF RESORTS Amendoeira Resort: Amendoeira Golf Resort, nestled in the Algarve near Armação de Pêra, spans 270 hectares of scenic countryside. It features two award-winning 18-hole courses— the Faldo Course and O’ Connor Jnr. Course— alongside Portugal’ s only illuminated 9-hole course. The resort offers luxurious accommodations, a golf academy, and extensive sports facilities, including tennis, football, and a gym.
Benamor: Benamor Golf, located near Tavira in the Algarve, is an 18-hole, par-71 course designed by Sir Henry Cotton. Opened in 2000, it offers a scenic, gently undulating layout framed by indigenous olive, cork, and almond trees. The course provides stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sierra do Caldeirão mountains.
Castro Marim: Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club, located in the eastern Algarve, offers a 27-hole golf experience across three nine-hole courses: Grouse, Atlantic, and Guadiana. Designed by Terry Murray, the courses feature elevated tees, scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Guadiana River, and abundant wildlife. The resort also provides spacious villas, a clubhouse
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