Play Famous Golf Courses in Portugal

The Quinta do Lago Golf courses are some of the most famous in Portugal, consisting of the The North, The South and Laranjal, all located within Quinta do Lago. As well as these, some other worthy inclusions to consider are the 27-hole layout at Palmares Golf in Lagos, or for those looking at a Lisbon escape, the two courses at PGA Aroeira, just 30 minutes from the city centre.

The Quinta do Lago golf courses are among the very best in Portugal, offering an unforgettable golfing experience in the heart of the Algarve. Three championship courses await you, The South Course, The North Course, and Laranjal, each delivering their own distinct challenge and charm.

The South Course is famous for its beautifully maintained fairways, mature pine trees, and strategic layout that rewards accuracy and smart play.

The North Course, redesigned by Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley, combines modern design with stunning natural surroundings, featuring creative bunkering and undulating greens.

For something truly unique, Laranjal Golf Course offers a vibrant setting surrounded by orange groves, rolling terrain, and lightning-fast greens, a favourite among Algarve golf enthusiasts.

Whether you’re planning a golf holiday in the Algarve or simply looking to play some of the best golf courses in Portugal, Quinta do Lago provides world-class facilities, breathtaking scenery, and a golfing experience that’s second to none.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Monte Rei is located just a 20-minute drive from the beautiful town of Tavira in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve. Nestled in the hills, the course offers truly inspiring holes that seem to get better with every shot.

Several could be called signature holes, and every par 3 demands careful thought before teeing off. One standout is the 3rd hole: a downhill par 4 that poses questions right from the tee. Once safely in play, you’re faced with an approach to a green guarded by water on three sides, an unforgettable challenge that defines the Monte Rei experience.

Terras de Comporta’s Dunas Course, designed by renowned architect David McLay Kidd, is a stunning new addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape. Nestled amid vast sand dunes and umbrella pines, the course offers a raw, natural feel with wide fairways and strategic bunkering. It embraces the wild beauty of the Alentejo coast, just an hour south of Lisbon, where each hole flows organically with the terrain, creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience. With sustainability at its core, Dunas is quickly gaining recognition as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.

Considered as one of the top and most famous golf courses in Portugal and the jewel in the crown of the Vilamoura Golf Courses, the Old Course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round in the heart of Vilamoura. Tree-lined fairways meander through the landscape and will test every aspect of your game, all located in a charming Algarvian setting. The course is a Par 73 ranked in the top 10 in Portugal, it is the second oldest course in the Algarve and measures just over 6,800 yards from the whites.

But if Vilamoura isn’t your cup of tea and instead you prefer the sound of a more traditional area, then Lagos – considered the food capital of the Algarve – is the place to go. Here you will find the beautiful Palmares Golf, a must-play for any discerning golfer.

Ranked as one of the Algarve’s finest, Palmares offers three loops of 9 (Alvor, Lagos and Praia), each providing a unique golfing experience that blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings. Palmares recently had all of its greens replaced, now boasting superb playing conditions, and paired with the prestigious clubhouse perched on top of the hill overlooking the sea, it really does offer a special golfing experience. 

Away from the golf, being in the food capital of the Algarve, you will find some of the very best food in the area at Lagos. The Algarve is renowned for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try some of the local catches and traditional dishes, such as, Cataplana de Marisco, a traditional portuguese seafood stew cooked in a copper pot, with clams, prawns and fresh fish or squid.

Moving up from the Algarve going North to Lisbon, you will find the two fantastic PGA Aroeira courses (PGA Aroeira – No. 1 and PGA Aroeira – No. 2). This 36-hole complex, situated 30 minutes from Lisbon,  is one of the most prestigious golf resorts in Portugal and is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxing golf break, yet also within easy access to the city centre.

PGA Aroeira No.1 is a Par 72 championship course that offers a challenging experience for players of all skill levels, it features narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers with large undulating greens. It is a well renowned course in the region and has hosted two Portuguese Opens.

PGA Aroeira No.2 is known for its picturesque setting amongst towering pine trees, providing golfers with a beautiful and relaxed environment to enjoy their round. The holes are cleverly shaped around the natural contours of the land and some bunkers have a Scottish pot bunker style feel to them.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog and whether you choose to play in the bustling Vilamoura, Lagos or Lisbon, there’s no question that the Vilamoura Courses, Palmares and the PGA Aroeira courses offer you a great golfing experience in Portugal. If you are finding it too hard to decide, just get in touch and we will do our very best to advise you on where best to book your next golf holiday.