Why go
The Algarve is Europe's value golf capital: forty courses along the southern coast, dependable winter sun, cliff-top holes at Vale do Lobo and championship layouts at Monte Rei and San Lorenzo.
Best time to visit
October to May
Weather
Mild winters around 65F, hot dry summers.
Getting there
Faro (FAO) serves the whole coast.
Getting around
Rental car; the A22 links every resort.
Where to eat
Cataplana seafood, grilled sardines and the Michelin scene in Almancil.
Courses
Play in Algarve
Monte Rei North Course
Consistently rated Portugal's best: one tee time every ten minutes and immaculate turf.
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,185
- Green fee
- $195+
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf
True links holes on the beach at Lagos plus vineyard holes above the bay.
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,903
- Green fee
- $95+
Quinta do Lago South
Eight-time Portuguese Open host, umbrella pines and wide, rolling fairways.
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,158
- Green fee
- $140+
San Lorenzo Golf Course
Routed through the Ria Formosa lagoon with a famous run along the salt marsh.
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,822
- Green fee
- $150+
Vale do Lobo Royal
Home of the cliff-carry 16th, the most photographed hole in continental Europe.
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 6,480
- Green fee
- $150+
Stay
Where to base yourself
Vila Vita Parc
A cliff-top estate with Michelin dining and a private beach.
$380 – $850 per night
Clifftop near Porches
Conrad Algarve
The Algarve's most polished five-star, minutes from three top courses.
$300 – $620 per night
Quinta do Lago area
Hotel Quinta do Lago
Lagoon-side classic with direct access to the South course.
$230 – $470 per night
Ria Formosa
Anantara Vilamoura
Golf-focused resort with big rooms and easy tee times.
$200 – $390 per night
Beside Victoria Golf
Events
Amateur events nearby
Algarve Winter Series
Feb 7, 2026 Individual stableford
A five-event winter series across Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago.
$180
Handicap 28 or better
Monte Rei Invitational
Mar 21, 2026 Two-man better ball
Portugal's top-rated course, limited to 40 pairs.
$390
Handicap 18 or better
From the travel desk
Stories from Algarve
Ready to play Algarve?
Read the course reviews