Play Famous Golf Courses in Portugal

The Vilamoura Golf courses are some of the most famous golf courses in Portugal, consisting of the Old Course, Millennium, Pinhal and Laguna, all located within the bustling Vilamoura. As well as these, another worthy inclusion for any golf trip to the Algarve is Palmares Golf in Lagos, or for those looking at a Lisbon escape, the two PGA Aroeira courses located 30 minutes from the city centre.

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.