Vale de Lobo Golf Club
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo Golf Club is one of the Algarve’s most celebrated golf destinations, offering two award-winning 18-hole championship courses in a beautiful coastal setting. The Royal and Ocean courses provide contrasting challenges, making the club an excellent choice for golfers planning several rounds during a Portugal golf holiday.
The 18-hole, par-72 Royal Course was designed by Rocky Roquemore using original plans created by Sir Henry Cotton. Rolling fairways wind through umbrella pines, lakes and colourful vegetation, with accurate driving essential to avoid the course’s bunkers and natural hazards. The almost island green at the ninth is one of its early highlights, but the course is best known for the spectacular par-three 16th. Golfers must carry their tee shot across dramatic coastal cliffs to reach the green, creating one of the most photographed and recognisable holes in European golf.
The par-73 Ocean Course offers a different experience. Originally formed from two nine-hole layouts designed by Sir Henry Cotton, it begins among pine trees and beside a nature reserve before gradually descending towards the Atlantic. Its undulating fairways encourage golfers to shape shots and use the natural contours, while coastal breezes can significantly affect club selection. The par-four 11th and 14th holes provide superb sea views, followed by the memorable beachside par-three 15th.
Both courses reward thoughtful positioning rather than power alone, making Vale do Lobo enjoyable for experienced players and mixed-handicap golf groups. The club also offers a golf academy, putting green, short-game practice area, equipment hire and a welcoming clubhouse restaurant and bar.
After golf, players can head to Vale do Lobo’s beachfront Praça for restaurants, drinks and evening entertainment, relax on the beach or enjoy the resort’s spa, tennis and padel facilities. Nearby Vilamoura and Almancil also provide plenty of dining, shopping and nightlife options.
Faro Airport
20km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Request a quote
Time Zone:
GMT+0
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
5°C - 35°C
Cost of a Beer:
£4
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£30
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Almancil is one of the Algarve’s best bases for a Portugal golf holiday, especially if your group wants easy access to the famous Golden Triangle without staying directly inside one resort. Sitting inland between Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura, Almancil puts golfers close to some of the Algarve’s most prestigious courses, beaches, restaurants and luxury hotels. Visit Portugal describes the central Algarve area between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo as one of the region’s most luxurious and best-equipped areas for golf.
For golf, Almancil is perfectly placed. Quinta do Lago offers the South, North and Laranjal courses, while Vale do Lobo is known for its Royal and Ocean courses, including spectacular coastal holes by the Atlantic. Quinta do Lago is around 15 minutes from Faro International Airport, and Vale do Lobo is also less than 30 minutes from Faro and the airport, which makes transfers simple for UK golfers.
Away from the course, Almancil gives you plenty of choice. We would recommend São Lourenço Church for its beautiful azulejo tilework, a beach afternoon at Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo, and a walk through the Ria Formosa boardwalks and nature trails. For evenings, Almancil is a great food base, with easy access to stylish resort dining, beach clubs and traditional Algarve restaurants.
Our tip: choose Almancil if your group wants a flexible Algarve golf break with championship golf, short transfers and brilliant dining close by.
