The Algarve is one of the world’s leading destinations for golfers, attracting professionals and amateurs from the four corners of the globe. No matter what their level, golfers revel in the opportunity to play some of the best-designed, well-tended courses available in the warm heat of the Portuguese sunshine.
Faro is home to the Algarve’s international airport and is the starting point for most overseas visitors to this area of southern Portugal. For those who are here to practice their swing and accept a challenge on some of the world’s best courses, there is little need to venture further afield.
Golf in Faro region is varied and offers plenty to suit even the most seasoned golfer. There are no less than seven golf courses within immediate reach of the city centre. These include five at the world-famous Quinta do Lago resort – Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South, San Lorenzo, Laranjal and Pinheiros and two at the prestigious Vale do Lobo resort – Vale do Lobo Ocean and Vale do Lobo Royal.
Quinta do Lago North
Originally called the Ria Formosa course in recognition of its location in the heart of this protected natural park, Quinta do Lago North is not for the faint hearted.
It demands strong drives on the fairway as well as accuracy on the greens, with several holes prone to strong winds and a lake at the 13th and 18th guaranteed to complicate events.
The course offers access to a driving range, putting green, chipping green, golf academy, pro shop, restaurants and bars. Clubs, golf buggies and electric trolleys are available for hire.
18 holes: €125.00
9 holes: €70.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €70.00
Address: Quinta do Lago – 8135 Almancil
Telephone: 289 390 700
Quinta do Lago South
Quinta do Lago South is one of the best places for golf in Faro. It has hosted the Algarve Open several times and is the perfect course for a long hitter.
Lakes come into play at the 3rd, 15th and 17th creating a hazard for the most competent of golfer and the 8th, 10th, 15th and 18th are generally acknowledged to demand the most skill.
Facilities include a driving range, chipping green, putting green, pro shop, restaurants and bars, and golf academy. Clubs, golf buggies and electric trolleys are available for hire.
18 holes: €150.00
9 holes: €75.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €70.00
Address: Quinta do Lago – 8135 Almancil
Telephone: 289 390 700
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is located right in the heart of Quinta do Lago and has earned a strong reputation for its upkeep and conditions.
It has been ranked in the past as the second-best course in Europe and maintains a strong ranking amongst the continent’s leading courses, ensuring that golf in Faro continues to be a delight.
The course offers beautiful scenery through pine forest and with views out over the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
The course offers the usual facilities of Quinta de Lago including driving range, putting green, chipping green, golf academy, pro shop, restaurant and bar. Clubs, golf buggies and electric trolleys are available for hire.
18 holes: €150.00
9 holes: €75.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €61.00
Address: Quinta do Lago – 8135 Almancil
Telephone: 289 396 522
Laranjal
Laranjal was Quinta do Lago’s third course to open, set in the heart of a former orange grove.
This par 72 course is one of the shining lights in the Faro golf scene, demanding precision and power combined with supreme concentration and a soft touch on the greens.
The course takes the golfer on a scenic tour through greenery and wooded areas thick with pines, cork trees and of course the orange trees from which it takes its name.
Putting green, chipping green, driving range, golf academy, pro shop and bars and restaurants complete the offering from Laranjal.
18 holes: €115.00
9 holes: €69.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €70.00
Address: Quinta do Lago – 8135 863 Almancil
Telephone: 289 359 910
Vale do Lobo Ocean
Unsurprisingly, the Vale do Lobo Ocean course earns its name from the beautiful views it provides out across the Atlantic Ocean.
Golf in Faro region would not be complete without a round on this landmark course and this is a well-established course in a well-established area.
The quality of the fairways and greens matches the quality of the views that the Vale do Lobo Ocean course provides. A course for all standards.
Facilities include putting green, chipping green, practice net, pro shop, tennis academy, swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
18 holes: €150.00
9 holes: €75.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €75.00
Address: Vale do Lobo, 8135-864 Almancil
Telephone: 289 353 535
Vale do Lobo Royal
The Vale do Lobo Royal course is comprised of one half of the original Vale do Lobo course with the additional of several inventive new holes that add an interesting twist to your golfing experience.
This was one of Portugal’s first major courses on the Algarve and is deserving of a round not just for its reputation but for its varied play.
It takes a delightful meandering course through a range of scenery, challenging the golfer along the way and culminating in a supremely testing 18th that is guaranteed to sort the men from the boys!
As with the Ocean course facilities include chipping and putting greens, practice net, pro shop, restaurant and bar and sports facilities including a swimming pool and tennis academy.
18 holes: €150.00
9 holes: €75.00
Handicap requirements: Men – 28, Ladies – 36
1 hour lesson: €75.00
Address: Vale do Lobo, 8135-864 Almancil
Telephone: 289 353 535
