The Best Golf Courses in the Algarve (2026 Green Fees)

The Algarve is one of Europe’s top golf destinations, with around 40 courses, mild winters and greens with views of the Atlantic. Whether you’re planning a golf trip or just want a round on holiday, here are the best golf courses in the Algarve, with 2026 green fees and tips.

Quick answer: for a bucket-list round, Monte Rei (about €200–280) or Quinta do Lago South. For iconic views, Vale do Lobo Royal and its famous clifftop hole. For views over Lagos bay, Palmares. For value, Boavista, Espiche or Morgado. The best season is October to April, and you should book tee times early in spring and autumn.

The best courses

Monte Rei (eastern Algarve)

A Jack Nicklaus signature course in the hills near Vila Real de Santo António, regularly rated the best in Portugal. Immaculate, quiet and expensive: green fees from about €200–280.

Quinta do Lago (South and Laranjal)

The heart of the Golden Triangle near Almancil. The South course (about €180–250) is a classic that has hosted the Portuguese Open, and Laranjal (about €130) is a newer, beautifully landscaped course among the lakes and pines. (The North course may now be members-only, so check before booking.)

Vale do Lobo Royal

Home to one of the most photographed holes in Europe: the par-3 16th, played over red cliffs to a green above the beach. Green fees about €130–180.

San Lorenzo

Set between the Ria Formosa lagoon and the sea, with stunning back-nine holes along the water. One of the region’s most loved courses (around €200).

Palmares (Lagos)

A 27-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout with views over Meia Praia and Lagos bay, mixing links-style dunes and hillside holes. About €100–130 (plus a buggy).

Penina (Portimão)

The Algarve’s first championship course, designed by Henry Cotton in 1966, set on former rice fields. A classic with lots of history.

Value courses

• Boavista (Lagos): sea views and a friendly vibe, from about €65–90.
• Espiche (near Luz): eco-friendly and natural, about €55–80.
• Morgado and Álamos (Portimão): two good-value courses side by side, about €100.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura has several courses, including the Dom Pedro Old Course. The former Victoria course, long home of the Portugal Masters, has been rebuilt as the private Els Club Vilamoura, which hosted the Portugal Invitational (PGA Tour Champions) in 2026.

Tips

• Best season: October to April. Spring and autumn are the busiest (and priciest); midsummer is hot and quieter.
• Book tee times well ahead in peak season, and look for twilight rates and multi-round packages.
• Handicap certificates are often required at top courses.
• Golf clubs can be rented, and most airlines carry golf bags for a fee.
• Hire a car to reach different courses. See car rental.

Where to stay

Stay in the Golden Triangle (Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura) for the top courses, or Lagos for Palmares and Boavista. See where to stay in the Algarve, luxury hotels in Albufeira or places to stay around Vilamoura. Book tee times: see golf experiences.

Golfing in winter? See the Algarve in winter.

From our sister blog: Our 7-day Algarve road trip itinerary on Sunset Travellers.

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