The Algarve has been ranked by specialist magazines as one of the best golf destinations

The Algarve has been ranked by golf magazines, as well as international golf associations, as one of the best golf destinations not only in Europe, but in the world, for several consecutive years. The south is home to the best golf courses in the country. The Mediterranean climate, ideal for outdoor activities, and the real estate offer in luxury resorts make this region an unbeatable place for investment, relaxation and leisure at any time of the year.

The Algarve's golf resorts offer exceptional and quality facilities, award-winning golf courses, a variety of services, hospitality, proximity to beaches and dream properties. There are places of rare beauty because most of the courses are located in preservation areas, with breathtaking views and, in many cases, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. They are internationally recognized for the quality of their facilities, with a course architecture designed by prestigious players and legendary champions such as Sir Henry Cotton, Rocky Roquemore, Arnold Palmer and Ronald Frea.

If you love playing golf and are looking for the perfect paradise to play while enjoying your holidays or retirement, you don't need to be a golf champion, you just need the right place. 

1. Royal Golf Course, in Vale do Lobo: the famous 16th hole

Strategically surrounded by lakes, lush pine trees and wildflowers, the Royal Golf Course in Vale do Lobo is one of the most prestigious and popular golf courses in the country. It was designed by American architect and designer Rocky Roquemore ? Perhaps the greatest golf course designer in the world? who based his design on original drawings by Sir Henry Cotton. The course features a Par 3, with a green island on the 9th hole, and the famous 16th hole, exceptionally located on the cliffs, with the sea as a backdrop, which makes it one of the most photographed in Europe. It also benefits from being situated close to the most stunning beaches in the Algarve and surrounded by unique villages. It is the ideal place for those looking for a place to retire.

2. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club: luxury on the other side of the Algarve

Beyond Faro and on the other side of the Algarve, more genuine, less hectic, but no less impressive, is the Monte Rei Golf & Country Club. Elected the Best Golf Club in Portugal in 2017, by the Leadingcourses.com platform, it is one of the best evaluated by players. The iconic golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, together with its exclusive services, impeccable quality facilities and luxurious properties, make a visit to this Country Club an unforgettable experience.

Located in Vila Nova de Cacela, this 18-hole golf course, with more than 400 hectares, is ideal for golf lovers and families looking to combine sport with tranquility. The icing on the cake is in the center of the resort: the Vistas restaurant, the first to receive a Michelin star on this side of the Algarve.

3. Amendoeira Golf Resort: the one to play at night

In the heart of the Algarve, you will find the three golf courses of Amendoeira Golf Resort. The award-winning Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, three-time Masters champion and three-time British Open champion. It is also home to the challenging O'Connor Jnr. course that stretches through a valley dotted with lakes and streams. In addition to these two award-winning 18-hole courses, you'll also find the only illuminated Par 3 in Portugal, allowing you to play on a 9-hole course at night or dusk.

The resort properties are set on 270 acres of pure tranquility and views of the golf course. Apartments and villas with Moorish-influenced architecture, interior patios, tiles and private terraces with stunning views.

Located in Alcantarilha, in the center of the Algarve, and 30 minutes from Faro airport.

4. Vale do Lobo: play golf in the middle of a nature reserve

Anyone looking for a property in a luxury golf resort should visit Vale do Lobo, the most coveted location in the Algarve. The award-winning Ocean and Royal Courses golf courses need no introduction, even in a global context, as some of the most current, renowned and media-reported golf events are held here.

Of its two courses, we highlight the Ocean Golf Course, consisting of two magnificent 9-hole courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, inaugurated in 1968 and 1972. The goal here was to unite the two fields in a grandiose project, which became a reality in 1985. It is not surprising, therefore, that it is one of the favorite courses of professional players. For golf lovers, the activities do not end on the fabulous greens. Socializing among colleagues and friends and sharing experiences can continue on Clubhouse.

Vale do Lobo, which has direct links to the beach, is home to some of the most luxurious properties in the Algarve.

5th Dom Pedro Victoria Golf: Portugal Masters stage

Opened in 2004, the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course Vilamoura in the Algarve was designed by American architect Arnold Palmer to be the most ambitious golf resort Portugal has ever known. As an award-winning golfer himself, he knew what was needed to add value. On about 90 hectares of land, "The King", as he was known, designed an area with 18 greens. The complex includes a highly praised driving range and a putting green of about 2,500 m2. Being one of the most complete resorts in Europe, it is not surprising that, in 2007, Dom Pedro Victoria Golf was chosen to host the Portugal Masters, the largest golf competition in the country.

6. Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club: the "Grande Dame" of the Algarve

It is often said that once you visit the Old Course, designed by British golfer, journalist and architect Frank Pennink, it is impossible to forget it. This is not due to its longevity – it is the second oldest golf course in the Algarve – but rather to its idyllic location, tucked away in the middle of a magnificent pine forest, in the heart of Vilamoura, just a 20-minute drive from Faro Airport. The Old Course has 18 holes of varying difficulty; For example, on the first hole, the strokes must be short to avoid hitting the pine trees, from the sixth hole onwards the challenge increases because of the wind and the proximity of the sea. On the eighth hole, considered the most difficult of the course, mastery of the game is essential. The sixteenth hole is not for the faint-hearted, it is 514 meters long and offers a long and straight shot.

7. Palmares Beach & Golf Resort: the most breathtaking views

It is in the surroundings and in the breathtaking views that the greatest asset of the Palmares golf course lies. Located near Lagos, in the Algarve, this course was completely redesigned by American designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. He designed 27 holes on the side of a south-facing hill, overlooking the Bay of Lagos, transforming this golf course into one of the most attractive in the Algarve. In this natural amphitheatre you will find three circuits with 9 interconnected holes: the Alvor Course, the Lagos Course and the Beach Course. They can be played sequentially or independently, but whichever way they are played, it's impossible to ignore the views. The first circuit passes through forests and descends to the beach, offering a panoramic view over the Alvor estuary and the ocean. The second takes the player to the beach with stunning views.

The third is located almost entirely on the beach, between the sand dunes. The infrastructure of this unique resort completes the idyllic landscape with apartments and Clubhouse designed by the winners of the 2017 Pritzker Architecture Prize.