Among our great golf holidays, the Algarve is a beacon of brilliance, where championship-level courses will draw you in to play within lush landscapes. You’ll find Portuguese paradises filled with immaculate fairways, bright-as-they-come greens and those coveted 19th-hole clubhouses. Each one’s bursting with fabulous facilities to make a round or two a breeze, and you’ll bet they come with glowing recommendations too.

Our favourite five? Well, without further ado…

1. Vilamoura Old Course Golf Club
18 holes, par 73

As its name suggests, this vast Vilamoura course has been around for a while. Its pedigree in the golfing game means its reputation precedes it, and you’re in for a remarkable 18-hole experience. There’s a driving range, putting green and pro shop for all the equipment you could need – though don’t forget, you can take your clubs with Jet2holidays if you want to!

The first holes ease you into the layout of the course, but when you come to the 16th, you’re in for more of a challenge. You’ll be tested throughout, with some trick shots required over various dot-to-dotted bunkers, but that’s part of its fun! And you can reflect on the whole affair over an ice-cold tipple in the clubhouse afterwards. Sounds fair to us!

2. Victoria Course
18 holes, par 72

Welcome to another mainstay of the Vilamoura golfing scene. While you’ll be spoilt for choice around the resort, it’s here at Victoria and over at the Old Course that you’ll relish the most in terms of wow factor. Again, you’ll have a driving range and putting green if you just want a steady swing-practising session.

Glistening lakes and cascading waterfalls embellish the 90-hectare course, so it’s no wonder Victoria’s used to host the Portugal Masters. And with five tees to play from, every handicap is catered for here. Watch out for the holes that incorporate bunkers – while the fairways are generally flat, you will have a few cheeky obstacles thrown in for good measure.

3. Pine Cliffs Golf Course
9 holes, par 33

Here in Albufeira, just nine holes offer a shorter but equally exciting game. The clue’s in the title with this one as well, but the surrounding pine trees adorn the course with some seriously pretty scenery. But don’t be fooled – the final hole is a nerve-tester that extends over a ravine, with epic sandy-beach views to be had. It’s all thrills, so it’s hardly surprising one of its earliest members was F1 champion, Nigel Mansell!

You can also make use of the driving range and putting and chipping greens. There’s even an academy for those looking to learn the ropes. If you haven’t broken into a sweat in the Portuguese warmth here, how about combining your visit with a tennis match? There’s a court with your name on it.

4. Quinta do Lago South Golf Course
18 holes, par 72

Despite being redesigned in 2014, this course has had its fair share of time in the limelight, having been used for a few Portuguese Open tournaments. Among the 18 holes, you’ll have to negotiate a bunch of different elements, including water hazards around lakes. You’ll have the chance for some birdies as well though.

The eye-popping emeralds of the landscape will make you want to play even more eagerly, if not just to see what’s around the corner. And it’s worth noting that there’s the North Course too, if you’re after extra golf during your holiday! But we’re fans of taking the load off after a game, so who’s for a glass of something chilled in the bar afterwards?

5. Vale da Pinta
18 holes, par 71

This captivating Carvoeiro course is home to more than just 18 holes of prime golfing opportunity – there’s even tennis, lawn bowling, football and basketball. How’s that for jam-packed? It’s a Pestana plot, so you can expect a great setup on the greens, and you’ll get just that among the beauty of the almond, olive and carob trees.

With bunkers and valleys in the mix, the holes do vary, which mixes things up. Doglegs and tight fairways require accuracy though, so be ready for a tougher game than on some of the other options around the Algarve. The 18th can be tackled in three longer shots, so be prepped to take it well.

There you have it, our top five Algarve golf courses. Think it’s time to tee off on some of these winners? We couldn’t agree more…

Book a golf package holiday with rounds included!

Treat yourself to one of our golf holidays with rounds included and have everything taken care of. These three, five or seven-night stays at selected golf-focused hotels in the Algarve will make your golfing getaway great.

You’ll get all the usual package perks, like your hotel, return flights, transfers and 22kg baggage, alongside various numbers of rounds of golf per person and travel to and from the course.