Golf courses:

Silves Golf Course
Silves is a strategic golf course from start to finish, and the mental game begins from the start. An aggressive, high-quality tee shot where the water challenges you from both sides will leave you with a short, straightforward approach shot to a generous green. Alternatively, you can play more conservatively off the tee, but this requires a long uphill shot, which is much harder to judge further down the fairway. The course is designed to have risks and rewards in equal measure.

The bunkers in particular are positioned to catch the long shots, with long hitters not enjoying a massive advantage here. Although there are six high-quality par-3 holes ranging from 137-201 meters, it is the four par-5 holes that are the most memorable. The 13th hole sums up what this course is all about. A par-5 with an elevated tee that offers some fantastic views. A tricky second shot gives the player the dilemma of going for the green in two or challenging a dogleg left protected by a large water hazard.

It can be difficult to concentrate on such course questions when the majority of holes offer spectacular views of mountains and valleys overlooking palm trees and olive groves. But if you want to score well at Silves, you need to be sharp and focused at all times!

Gramacho Golf Course
Gramacho is one of the few courses in the world with 18 tees and fairways, but with 27 greens. This means that players can enjoy the same course again and again with slightly different challenges. Holes 1 to 4 and 14 to 18 have two greens each, and your approach to each hole will vary depending on which greens are in play.

Although this course has hosted the Portuguese Ladies Open several times, Pestana Gramacho is known as a championship course that is playable for all skill levels, even those with a very high handicap.

In addition to the stunning design, Fream and Price have managed to incorporate the traditional landscape into the layout by using natural stone overhangs, historic dry stone walls and existing old trees along with some elaborate and sculptural lakes and bunkers.

Experienced golfers will certainly enjoy playing to par on this excellent golf course with its challenging par of 71 and a tee length of almost 6,128 meters.

Vale Da Pinta Golf Course, Carvoeiro
Vale da Pinta is a stunning parkland course measuring 6,156 meters. Like the resort’s two other courses, it was designed by Ron Fream, a highly regarded American golf architect, and features several lakes that are as challenging as they are beautiful.

Since opening in 1992, the course has established an excellent reputation, culminating in the award of a European Seniors Tour event in November 2007. The Pinta course, although not the oldest compared to local favorites like Penina, is fast becoming one of the most coveted and admired courses west of Vilamoura.

Alto Golf & Country Club
The winding fairways and elevated greens are typical of Cotton’s architectural philosophy and ensure that there is a rigorous challenge for low handicap players while being fair for the average golfer. Situated on two rolling hills, visitors will enjoy beautiful views of Lagos Bay.

The course is just under 6,400 meters, but that’s mostly due to the monstrous 16th hole, which measures 604 meters and has aptly been dubbed ‘The Giant’.

Nestled among pine, fig, almond and carob trees and flanked by beautiful villas, Alto is a great place for a round of golf during your golf vacation in the Western Algarve.

Vila Sol Prime Golf Course
The Prime loop is considered by locals to be the most challenging at Vila Sol, stretching over 3,241 meters, navigating the tough opening holes with precise and powerful shots. The penalty for missing the fairways is severe, so placing the ball strategically off the tee is crucial.

Vila Sol Challenge Golf Course
The Challenge loop is generally known as Vila Sol’s back-nine on the challenging championship course, but unlike the demanding tee shots on Prime, its main defense is the undulating greens. Make sure to keep the ball below the hole, as putting downward here can be extremely dangerous.

Vila Sol Prestige Golf Course
Prestige is Vila Sol’s shortest 9-hole loop, at 3,122 meters, but is certainly not an easy course. The fairways are narrow at Prestige, so make sure to keep it straight off the tee.