The Algarve has always been a key part of our business at Your Golf Travel. It's just a short flight from the UK and with countless top class courses and superb weather well into the Autumn months, coupled with the the array of beaches, nightlife and restaurants; it's easy to see why. It's one of the most complete golf holiday destinations in the world and most importantly; it's very affordable too. Some of my favourite courses are in Portugal so I always enjoy returning for a visit be it with my wife or on a lads golf ti. If you're planning a golf holiday to the Algarve, here are some of my top recommendations...
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago is an excellent resort with three unbelievable golf courses, a superb 5* hotel and endless facilities including the Paul McGinley Golf Academy where you might even bump into the 2014 Ryder Cup Captain himself! The resort is really close to the Ria Formosa National Park so the setting is beautiful and you've got really easy access to the beach too. The cocktails at Koko Beach are amazing and I love dining at Bovino.
After golf:
Koko Beach Club
Bovino- https://www.quintadolago.com/en/restaurants/bovino-steakhouse/
Koko Beach- https://www.quintadolago.com/en/restaurants/koko-beach/
The Shack- https://www.quintadolago.com/en/restaurants/the-shack/
Monte Rei:
Monte Rei
Monte Rei is arguably the best golf course in Europe and the club certainly offers one of the best "member for a day" experiences in the world. The levels of service here are world class and the facilities match the quality of the Jack Nicklaus Signature course too. Monte Rei is tucked away from the concentration of courses around Albufeira so it feels much more isolated and peaceful, with stunning countryside all around. 'Special' is a word I commonly use to describe this place so if you're happy to spend a little more than usual in the Algarve; Monte Rei is a must.
After golf:
Town of Olhao (Between Monte Rei & Faro) - well known for it's fish restaurants, head for the ones closest to the fish market and you can't go far wrong.
San Lorenzo
I know plenty of people who'd rank San Lorenzo as the best course in the Algarve and it's definitely one of my favourites. The first few holes ease you into your round and when you reach the 5th with the beach and sea in the background, the real fun begins. The next few holes run alongside the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve which again comes into play over the closing stretch of holes making San Lorenzo one of the most memorable places to play in Portugal. The Dona Filipa Hotel services the golf course and is one of the best in the region. An evening in the Duques Lounge Bar with a few drinks and some live music is a great way to unwind after a day on the golf course.
After golf:
Paixa wine cellar
Ria Formosa Restaurant- http://hotelfaro.pt/ria-formosa-restaurant
Paixa (Vale do Lobo) -http://paixarestaurante.com/en/intro
Monty's (Vale do Lobo) https://montys-algarve.com/
Casa do Campo (Almancil)- http://www.casadocampo-restaurante.com/www.casadocampo-restaurante.com/Welcome.html
Pequeno Mundo (Almancil) - http://www.restaurantepequenomundo.com/page1_Home.html
Old Course
Vilamoura is the beating heart of golf in the Algarve and in the evening, the marina is a great place to enjoy a relaxing meal, or a bit of partying in one of the many bars. We've been known to frequent The Irish Pub which is one of the most lively places to have a few pints of Guinness after round or two!
There are so many golf courses to choose from in Vilamoura, but the Old Course is surely the best of the bunch. The Old Course followed Penina as the region's second course and it still offers one of the most enjoyable tests of golf in the Algarve which speaks volumes for the quality of the design.
After golf:
Puro Beach Bar
The Irish Bar- https://irishbarvilamoura.com/
Puro Beach- https://www.purobeach.com/en/beach-club-vilamoura/
Il Lamparo- http://www.illamparo.com/en/
Ramires Peri Peri (Guia)- http://www.restauranteramires.com