This guide to the best golf courses in the Algarve 2025/26 highlights the finest layouts for your next golf getaway.
The Algarve is Europe’s ultimate golfing destination. With over 30 courses, year-round sunshine, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, it’s no surprise that golfers from around the world flock to Portugal’s southern coast. Whether you’re looking for a championship test, a scenic challenge, or a hidden gem, the Algarve has it all.
Why Golf in the Algarve?
The Algarve has something for everyone. From world-class championship courses to stunning resort layouts, every round offers a new experience. The region’s consistent climate makes it a golfer’s dream, with sunshine more than 300 days a year. Add in top-tier course design, luxury resorts, and unbeatable hospitality, and you have the perfect golf trip destination.
The best golf courses in the Algarve 2025/26
1. Ombria Golf Course – The Future of Sustainable Golf
Par 71 | 6,700 yards
Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva
One of the Algarve’s newest and most exciting courses, Ombria Golf Course offers an eco-conscious design that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Set within a stunning valley, this course combines challenging elevation changes with breathtaking scenery. The signature 7th hole—a par 3 played over a river—demands pinpoint accuracy.
Ombria is a must-play for golfers who appreciate sustainability, challenge, and scenic beauty.
2. Dom Pedro Old Course – The Classic Algarve Challenge
Par 73 | 7,000 yards
Architect: Frank Pennink
If you want a taste of pure golfing tradition, the Dom Pedro Old Course delivers. This mature, tree-lined layout has hosted countless professional tournaments and remains one of the most revered courses in Portugal. Expect tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and immaculate greens that demand precision and patience.
A round here is an absolute must for those seeking a true championship test.
3. Quinta do Lago South – A European Tour Favorite
Par 72 | 7,150 yards
Architect: William Mitchell
Quinta do Lago South has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times, and for good reason. With its wide, inviting fairways leading to undulating, well-protected greens, it provides an exhilarating test for all levels of golfers. The 15th hole, a dogleg par 5, is a risk-reward masterpiece where long hitters can go for the green in two.
This is championship golf at its finest.
4. Vale do Lobo Royal – The Most Photographed Hole in Portugal
Par 72 | 6,650 yards
Architect: Rocky Roquemore
Famous for its iconic cliff-top par-3 16th, Vale do Lobo Royal is one of the most visually stunning courses in the Algarve. The course features rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens, demanding both power and precision.
If you want a round filled with drama and scenery, Vale do Lobo Royal is unmissable.
5. Monte Rei North – The Algarve’s #1 Ranked Course
Par 72 | 7,200 yards
Architect: Jack Nicklaus
No Algarve golf list is complete without Monte Rei North. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is widely regarded as Portugal’s best golf experience. From the perfectly manicured fairways to the world-class service, Monte Rei delivers an exclusive, five-star golfing experience.
The layout is as challenging as it is stunning, with risk-reward holes, elevated tee shots, and fast, undulating greens.
6. Laranjal – Quinta do Lago’s Hidden Gem
Par 72 | 6,900 yards
Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbours, Laranjal is an underrated gem. With immaculate fairways, beautiful orange groves, and water hazards strategically placed, this course is as picturesque as it is challenging.
If you’re looking for a quieter but top-quality course, Laranjal is a fantastic option.
7. Amendoeira Faldo Course – A Desert-Style Challenge
Par 72 | 7,150 yards
Architect: Sir Nick Faldo
Designed by six-time major winner Nick Faldo, this course offers a desert-style experience unlike anything else in the Algarve. Expect fast-running fairways, deep bunkers, and elevated greens, rewarding strategic shot-making.
This is one of the toughest tests in the region, ideal for golfers looking for a challenge.
8. Castro Marim Guadiana – A Secluded Beauty
Par 72 | 6,700 yards
Architect: Terry Murray
Set near the Spanish border, Castro Marim Guadiana is a beautifully remote course offering stunning views of the Guadiana River. Featuring natural rolling terrain, elevated tees, and fast greens, this course is an authentic Algarve experience.
If you want peace, nature, and a fantastic round, this is a must-play.
9. Dom Pedro Millennium – A Resort-Style Classic
Par 72 | 6,800 yards
Architect: Martin Hawtree
Part of the renowned Dom Pedro collection, Millennium is a resort-style course offering generous fairways and large greens. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxing round with scoring opportunities.
This is the ideal course for a fun, enjoyable Algarve golf day.
10. Espiche Golf Club – A Sustainable & Unique Experience
Par 72 | 6,500 yards
Architect: Peter Sauerman
Espiche is unlike any other course in the Algarve. Built with eco-friendly principles, this course features wide, undulating fairways, no water hazards, and native vegetation surrounding the holes.
A fantastic alternative to traditional Algarve courses, Espiche is a must-play for those who appreciate creativity and sustainability.
Final Thoughts: Where Will You Play in 2025/26?
The best golf courses in the Algarve offer everything from legendary championship layouts to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you want a bucket-list experience at Monte Rei, the history of Dom Pedro Old Course, or the stunning coastal views of Vale do Lobo Royal, the Algarve has it all.
We have played these courses and can vouch for them, now it’s your turn. Plan your next golf trip and experience the Algarve’s finest courses! Explore our tailored golf packages and book your perfect round today!
