Golf enthusiasts know that Portugal is a premier destination for playing the sport. With its stunning coastal vistas, temperate weather, and varied terrain, Portugal has some of the best golf courses in the world. But did you know that some of the best golf courses in Portugal are often overlooked?
If you’re planning a golfing holiday, it pays to look beyond the usual hotspots. That’s why we’ve rounded up four hidden gems that you should definitely check out. These courses offer great value for money, challenging play, and beautiful scenery that will make your golfing experience truly memorable.
Cast Your Net Further Afield Than Vilamoura
While Vilamoura is undoubtedly a popular destination for golfers in Portugal, it’s not the only option. In fact, some of the best courses in Portugal are located outside of Vilamoura. While Vilamoura has a great selection of courses and amenities, it can also be quite crowded and expensive. By looking further afield, you can discover hidden gems that offer great value for money and a more relaxed pace of play.
The courses we’ve highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the fantastic golf courses available in Portugal. If you’re willing to travel a little further, you’ll find even more options to explore. The western Algarve, for example, has several great courses that are less well-known than those in Vilamoura. The Alentejo region, north of the Algarve, also has some excellent courses that are off the beaten track.
1. Espiche Golf Course – Superb Value
The Espiche Golf Course is one of the best value golf courses in Portugal. Located just a few kilometers from the historic town of Lagos, the course is set in a picturesque valley surrounded by hills. The course is suitable for players of all levels, with wide fairways and relatively flat greens. The main challenge here is the wind, which can make some of the holes quite tricky. But with green fees starting at just €51, it’s hard to beat the value for money offered by Espiche.
2. Pinheiros Altos – Quinta do Lago Resort
Pinheiros Altos is a 27-hole golf course located in the prestigious Quinta do Lago resort. The course is situated on the edge of the Rio Formosa Natural Park, a protected wetland area that is home to a variety of bird species.
The course itself is a challenging mix of pine trees, lakes, and sandy bunkers. The layout is such that it can be played in three different 18-hole combinations, offering plenty of variety for repeat visits. At €80 per round, Pinheiros Altos is more expensive than some of the other courses on this list, but it’s still great value considering the quality of the course and the stunning location.
3. Palmares – Superb Views
Palmares Golf Course is another hidden gem that every golfer should experience in Portugal. Located in Lagos, on the western Algarve, this course offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Meia Praia beach, and the Alvor estuary. Originally designed by Frank Pennick in the 1970s, the course has been recently redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. to enhance its natural beauty and improve playability.
The course boasts 27 holes, which are divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique challenge. The Alvor course runs through low-lying hills and valleys, while the Lagos course winds its way through tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain. The Praia course is located on the edge of the Atlantic, providing breathtaking ocean views and testing players’ skills in the face of the wind.
The green fees for Palmares Golf Course start from €87, which is great value for money considering the quality of the course and the facilities on offer.
4. Quinta da Ria – Surrounded by Rugged Terrain
Quinta da Ria is located in the eastern Algarve, surrounded by the rugged and wild terrain of the protected land known as “Sotavento.” The course is set in a stunning natural landscape, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa estuary.
The course itself is challenging but fair, with plenty of water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. The back nine is particularly memorable, with several holes that run along the coastline. Green fees start at €64, making this course excellent value for money.
5. Quinta do Vale – Designed by Seve Ballesteros
Last but not least, we have Quinta do Vale, a hidden gem located on the Spanish border. The course was designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros and is widely considered one of his best creations. The course is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and offers stunning views of the Guadiana River.
The layout is challenging but fair, with plenty of strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The course is relatively quiet compared to some of the more popular courses in the Algarve, so you can enjoy a peaceful round of golf in a beautiful setting. At just €58 per round, Quinta do Vale is another excellent value for money option.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a golfing holiday to Portugal, don’t limit yourself to the usual hotspots. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover, each with its own unique charm and character.
From the great value of Espiche to the stunning location of Pinheiros Altos, the challenging play of Quinta da Ria to the Seve Ballesteros-designed Quinta do Vale, there is something for every golfer in Portugal. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tee times now and get ready to experience some of the best golf courses in Europe.
Also read: Essentials for Golf Course Maintenance
