Famous Golf Courses in Portugal

The Quinta do Lago golf courses are some of the most famous in Portugal, consisting of The North, The South and Laranjal, all part of the Quinta do Lago resort.

As well as these, some other worthy inclusions to consider are the 27-hole layout at Palmares Golf in Lagos, the famous Vale do Lobo courses or for those looking at a Lisbon escape, the two courses at PGA Aroeira, around 30 minutes from the city centre.

Near Lisbon, you will find the two fantastic PGA Aroeira courses (PGA Aroeira – No. 1 and PGA Aroeira – No. 2). This 36-hole complex is a well-known golf destination 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 normally played as a par-72 championship course that offers a challenging experience for players of all skill levels.

Its pine-lined fairways demand accuracy off the tee, with strategically placed bunkers adding to the challenge. It hosted the Portuguese Open in 1996 and 1997, and welcomed the tournament back in September 2026.

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. Designed by Donald Steel, the course features five large lakes, well-placed fairway bunkers and undulating greens. Different tee options allow golfers to choose a suitable challenge.

If you are looking to play the Vale do Lobo courses, then look no further than the Dona Filipa Hotel. It is a five-star golf hotel nestled in the heart of Vale do Lobo.

The hotel is a base for exploring the local courses, including Vale do Lobo’s Royal Course.

With an outdoor pool, restaurants and a choice of rooms and suites, the Dona Filipa Hotel is an appealing base for a golf holiday in the Algarve.

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 its 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 in 2014 by Beau Welling in collaboration with Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley, combines modern design with stunning natural surroundings, featuring creative bunkering and undulating greens.

For a different experience, Laranjal Golf Course offers a vibrant setting with orange trees, rolling terrain and challenging greens. Built on the site of a former orange grove, it lies around two kilometres east of the main resort.

Quinta do Lago Golf – Laranjal Course – 3

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 near the beautiful town of Tavira in Portugal’s Algarve. Nestled in the hills, the course offers truly inspiring holes that seem to get better with every shot.

The North Course reopened in September 2026 following a six-month renovation with Nicklaus Design. Improvements included restored greens and bunkers, expanded teeing areas and enhanced practice facilities.

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. Bunkers on both sides place a premium on accuracy with your drive, making good positioning important for your approach.

Terras da Comporta’s Dunas Course, designed by renowned architect David McLay-Kidd, opened in October 2023 and is a stunning addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape.

Nestled amid vast sand dunes and umbrella pines, the course offers a raw, natural feel with fairways shaped by the natural terrain and strategic bunkering. It embraces the wild beauty of the Alentejo coast, south of Lisbon, where each hole flows organically with the terrain, creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience.

Dunas also takes steps to reduce its environmental impact, including using native planting and treated wastewater for irrigation.

One of the best-known golf courses in Portugal and a favourite among the Vilamoura 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.

Designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, this par-73 layout is one of the oldest courses in the Algarve.

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

Set near the coast in the western Algarve, Palmares offers three loops of nine (Alvor, Lagos and Praia), each providing a unique golfing experience that blends effortlessly into its natural surroundings.

With a clubhouse overlooking the Bay of Lagos and the Alvor Estuary, it really does offer a special golfing experience.

Away from the golf, you will find plenty of restaurants to explore in 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 dish cooked in a covered copper pan, with recipes featuring a variety of shellfish and seafood.

We hope that you have enjoyed this week’s blog. 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