Palmares Golf

Perched above the sands of Meia Beach on Portugal’s spectacular southern coast is Palmares, considered by some to be the finest jewel in the Algarve’s golfing crown. This epic layout features a fantastic mix of both links and parkland style holes, making all three loops of nine holes well worth playing.

With views over the Lagos Bay and towards the distant Monchique Hills, Palmares has a stunning setting, and has an equally impressive course. Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate's higher ground.

Designed by Trent Jones Jr, the 6,905 yard layout is an Algarve favourite, and has a nerve-jangling opening tee shot, where golfers must stand atop the elevated tee and find the fairway of the demanding dog-leg par-4. Palmares, featuring 27 holes where all 3 loops of 9 return to the clubhouse, has spent 3 consecutive years as Best Golf Course in Portugal.

With the delights of Lagos nearby, it is no surprise that Palmares is such a favourite with regular golf holiday visitors to the popular Portuguese coastline.

Signature Hole: Hole 19, Par 4, 401 yards, SI 6

Featuring on “Golf Worlds” 100 classic golf holes, this hole is simply a masterpiece. The spectacular view from the tee overlooks the entire Southern Coast of Palmares and will almost certainly provide a sense of awe to all golfers. From the tee, a conservative approach uses the downhill slope playing straight. Shots played to the right of the fairway will make for a shortened 2nd shot, due to the nature of the contours. However, what makes this hole particularly dramatic is the possibility of a ‘risk-reward’, gained when cutting the corner of the dogleg and heading directly to the green. Although, golfers should be aware of unseen bunkers and rough surrounding the landing area between these two options. The 19th is certainly one the aggressive player will want to have a go at.

Boavista Golf

Set among the rolling hills of the western Algarve, Boavista Resort has quickly become a fan favourite since it opened in 2002, becoming one of the premier resorts in the region. The 18-hole championship course has developed a reputation for its outstanding year-round condition and awesome ocean vistas.

The typical resort course features numerous water hazards, and is peppered with lovely palm trees, as part of Swan's mandate was to ensure that Boavista developed in complete harmony with the indigenous landscape.

The most enchanting hole is the 7th, a delightful par-4 where you can enjoy stunning views down over the Praia de Luz to the ocean. Swan's 6,620 yard layout has already gained an enviable reputation in its short existence, and is well worth a visit during a golf holiday in the Western Algarve.

Morgado Golf

Morgado do Reguengo is among the newest additions to the Algarve's impressive golfing portfolio. The course is located just North of Portimao and combines Mountain views with mature Portuguese countryside.

As with most new resort courses, Morgado do Reguengo has been built with a number of different tees; although it measures a chunky 7,300 yards from the tips, there is a distance to suit every golfer. So fear not, the course is there for every visitor to the Algarve, and has been already established a good reputation in its short years. 

Despite the course appearing quite open on first viewing, the natural undulations and strategically placed bunkers make the layout very enjoyable. It is spread out over many acres of countryside making it the perfect place to relax and focus on your game.

Signature Hole:  Hole 18, Par 4, 333 yards, SI 9

The 18th is a fantastic finishing hole, with an elevated tee overlooking a wavy fairway and the clubhouse in the distance. A great way to end your round.