Espiche Golf
Lagos
Espiche Golf offers a peaceful and distinctive golf experience in the countryside of the western Algarve, close to Lagos and Praia da Luz. Surrounded by vineyards, native vegetation and views towards the Monchique Mountains, the course feels wonderfully removed from the region’s busier resort areas while remaining close to some of Portugal’s most popular coastal towns.
Designed by South African golf architect Peter Sauerman, the 18-hole, par-72 course measures approximately 5,890 metres. Rather than reshaping the landscape, the layout has been carefully integrated into its natural surroundings, with lakes, streams, indigenous planting and protected habitats contributing to both the scenery and the challenge.
Accuracy is extremely important at Espiche. Narrow fairways, elevation changes and strategically placed bunkers reward golfers who think carefully about their position from the tee. The large, undulating greens can also be demanding, particularly when approaching from the wrong angle. It is a course where patience and good course management are often more useful than outright power, making it an interesting test for experienced players while remaining enjoyable for a wide range of handicaps.
Sustainability is central to the Espiche experience. Native landscaping, wildlife protection and water-conservation measures help the course blend naturally into the surrounding countryside. After the round, golfers can relax at the contemporary clubhouse and Gecko Restaurant, which offers food, drinks and panoramic views across the course and Algarve landscape.
Away from golf, Lagos is packed with things to do. Visitors can explore the historic old town, enjoy seafood beside the marina or take a boat trip around the caves and dramatic rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. The beaches of Praia da Luz, Dona Ana and Camilo are also close by, making Espiche an excellent choice for golfers who want to combine a strategic round with sunshine, coastal scenery and relaxed evenings by the sea.
Faro Airport
92km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
8°C - 32°C
Cost of a Beer:
£5
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£40
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Playa San Juan is an excellent base for a relaxing golf holiday in Tenerife, combining a traditional coastal atmosphere with easy access to some of the island’s finest courses. Located in Guía de Isora on Tenerife’s sunny west coast, the village is around 36 kilometres by road from Tenerife South Airport. It feels calmer and more local than the larger resorts around Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, making it ideal for golfers who prefer peaceful evenings beside the sea.
The star attraction for golfers is nearby Abama Golf. Designed by Dave Thomas, this spectacular 18-hole, par-72 championship course climbs across the western slopes of Mount Teide and provides wide views over the Atlantic Ocean towards La Gomera. Its changing elevations, white-sand bunkers and technical holes make it a memorable test for experienced players, while several tee positions help make the course manageable for different handicaps.
Golf Costa Adeje is another superb option, with an 18-hole championship course and the shorter nine-hole Los Lagos layout. The main course was created from a former banana plantation, retaining its traditional terraces and stone walls while introducing broad fairways, strategically placed bunkers and wonderful sea and mountain views. Golf Las Américas can also be included in a longer itinerary, offering an attractive par-72 course set inside a natural amphitheatre.
Away from the golf course, Playa San Juan has a sheltered beach made up of dark sand and volcanic pebbles, alongside a promenade stretching for almost two kilometres. The waterfront is lined with cafés, shops and restaurants where visitors can try fresh fish and traditional Canarian dishes. Boat excursions also leave from the fishing harbour, providing opportunities to explore Tenerife’s western coastline.
Los Gigantes, with cliffs rising as high as 600 metres above the sea, makes an excellent nearby excursion, while Teide National Park offers volcanic scenery, walking routes and unforgettable viewpoints. Tenerife’s mild winters and average annual temperature of around 23°C make Playa San Juan particularly attractive for an autumn, winter or spring golf holiday from the UK.
