Located in the Vilamoura Marina 30 minutes from Faro International Airport

Vibrant Marina location with great nightlife

Fantastic choice of 6 Golf Courses within a 10 minute drive

The Vila Gale Marina occupies one of the premium locations in Vilamoura, a stone’s throw from the bustling marina, where you will find a vast array of popular bars and restaurants. Of course, the local courses are the main event, there are such an array of championship courses around Vilamoura that you are spoilt for choice. Pinhal and Millennium are among the most popular options. 

The hotel, only 25 minutes from Faro Airport, offers stylish and comfortable rooms, often with views over the marina or beach, as well as a host of on-site facilities. Although you can kick back and relax at the pool or hotel bar, the highlight is its proximity to the local features of the Algarve's top hotspot, with the beach, marina and casino all within a few minutes walk.

For golfers staying in this hotel in Vilamoura, there is a free shuttle to the numerous and award-winning golf courses of the region, namely Quinta do Lago South, Old Course Vilamoura, Pinhal, Millennium and Laguna.

Pinhal Vilamoura

Designed by Frank Pennink with updates from Robert Trent Jones

Established in 1976 making it the 2nd Oldest Course in Vilamoura

20 minutes from Faro Airport and 5 minutes from Vilamoura Marina

The Pinhal Course, flowing over the hills of Vilamoura,  is the second-oldest course in the Vilamoura resort, and like the Old Course Vilamoura was designed by the esteemed Frank Pennink. Since its inception in 1976, the Pinhal has been improved, most notably by Robert Trent Jones in 1985, and remains one of the top courses in Portugal today. 

Found by the popular coastal town of Vilamoura in the heart of the Algarve, the Pinhal Vilamoura is ideally situated for groups of golfers who are looking for a fun round before hitting the town. Pinhal has long been a favourite among returning golfers, as one of best courses in the Algarve it is a worthy addition to any golf break.

Vale do Lobo Royal

Vale do Lobo's Royal Course boasts some spectacular holes, not least of which is the cliff-top 16th hole which has effectively become the face of golf in the Algarve, making it a must play when visiting the Vilamoura region.

Although it is a par-3, the green is set some 238 yards away on the opposite side of a series of plunging cliffs and standing on the tee facing the stunning sandstone cliffs, with a gleaming white sandy beach and the Atlantic Ocean to your left is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences in world golf.

The legendary Sir Henry Cotton's design has been revised by Rocky Roquemore in recent years, and continues to delight visitors year after year thanks to its amazing surroundings and the sweeping elevation changes that define the layout and provide much of the challenge, in addition to of course, the tight fairways that are bordered by mature umbrella pines that are so indicative of golf courses in the Algarve.

Signature Hole   – No. 16: Par 3, 234 yards (White Tees) 

There is little question that the 16th on the Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is the course’s signature hole and it is arguably the signature golfing experience one can enjoy in the whole of the Algarve. This is a brute of a par 3 which can be played one of two ways. Either take on the forced carry over the cliffs to the large green or, if you don’t have the required firepower, take the long way around, utilising the small patch of fairway to the right. This might be the more sensible option for many but few will be able to resist having a crack at the green on such an iconic hole.

The Vale do Lobo Royal Course is ranked as one of the best golf courses in Portugal

Vale do Lobo Ocean

The Ocean Course differs greatly to its neighbour; while the cliff-top Royal demands accuracy above all else, the Ocean allows golfers to use their creativity to great effect. Many of the holes run alongside a nature reserve, before the course winds down to the shoreline, where you can enjoy unparalleled views up and down the coast. The Ocean is a combination of two nine hole loops designed by Sir Henry Cotton & Rocky Roquemore who added the newer nine in 2003, and is a gem of a course that will satisfy even the most demanding golfer.

Perhaps seen as the “second” course at Vale do Lobo, the Ocean might not get the praise it deserves as it’s an excellent course in its own right, and a handful of the holes take you as close to the sea as you’re going to get in the Algarve. These holes, which come towards and middle of the round and into the back nine, are the truly memorable holes on the course and the 15th in particular is a stunner, almost rivalling the famous par 3 16th on the Royal for wow factor.

Previously hosted: The Algarve Golf Open (1971), Portuguese Golf Open (1976, 2002, 2003), Open Foursomes Golf tournament (Since 1983), Portuguese Golf Ladies’ Open (1985, 1987).