Why the Algarve is Still a Hole-in-One Destination for Avid Golfers

Guest Post by Rob Knox

As the winner of the world’s best golf destination award five years in a row, it comes as no surprise that golf enthusiasts flock to the sunny Algarve year after year. With its testing fairways, glorious weather and outstanding facilities, Rob Knox from Sun-hat Villas & Resorts, specialists in Algarve villas, explains why golfers and their families alike love the Algarve.

Spoilt for choice

Ranging from level fairways for beginners, to undulating landscapes that test even the most experienced of golfers, the Algarve has plenty of world-class golf courses spread across its stunning Mediterranean coastline.

For golfers who are looking for a quiet, relaxed break away from the usual tourist traps, head to the peaceful cliff-side town of Carvoeiro, offering rocky coastlines and restaurants serving up the fresh catch-of-the-day. Here you’ll find the vast green spaces of Vale de Milho, a course hidden away from tourists and typically frequented by the locals who know it best. There’s no handicap required and no need for golf attire, so if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere to tee off, this is the place for you.

Albuferia on the other hand, offers a livelier location with family-friendly restaurants, thrill-seeking water parks and bars down every street – perfect for those who want more activities after a day on the fairway. Here, you can take a swing at the famous Pine Cliffs Golf Course, one of Portugal’s most original unique courses, located in a pinewood setting. Superbly equipped with the latest technology, including V1 swing analysis, this nine-hole course is perfect for advanced golfers who love to spend hours on the green, mixing with fanatics from across the world.

Golfshake Golf Guide to the Algarve

Average climate

No one likes to jet off on holiday only to be met by dark grey clouds hanging above, and that is one of the reasons Portugal is so popular among golfers. Boasting around 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve is a paradise that ensures you get the most out of every day. Even during the cooler months – November to February – temperatures only drop to around 9 degrees Celsius and can still reach highs of 16.

Post-game treats

Of course, if you work up a sweat, there are plenty of restaurants and clubhouses to cool down in while enjoying a refreshing drink and a bite to eat. Courses including Monte Rei in Vila Nove de Cacela and The Old Course in Vilamoura offer guests exclusive access to their private clubhouses, exchanging putting horror stories or recounting your best drives of the day.

Already a popular destination for sports loving holidaymakers, Dano’s vintage-style sports bistro-restaurant offers drinks, big food platters and a shaded terrace so you can enjoy being outdoors. The bistro, at the heart of The Campus in Quinta do Lago, is also home to football facilities, tennis courts, cycling trails, and a spa.

For the budding golfer in your family

The Algarve offers outdoor activities for all ages, including water parks, scuba diving trips and stunning natural parks. If you want to introduce your little ones to golf, there is no better activity than crazy golf.

For a course designed to test players with the usual sand dunes, uneven terrain and the dreaded water traps, Albuferia Mini Golf is a must. As well as offering a chance to hone your short game, you can also unwind with traditional Portuguese delicacies in the waterfall restaurant. For a bit more fun, why not try your hand at the prehistoric Adventure Golf Alvor where you’ll find dinosaur-themed obstacles and secret shortcuts.

For aspiring golfers in the family, take a trip to Quinta do Lago Mini Golf where you can experience playing some of the world’s most famous holes, such as Augustus, Belfry or Sawgrass, in miniature form!

Suited and booted

As one of the world’s top destinations for golf, the Algarve has no shortage of shops stocking the latest clothing and equipment. Whether you’ve left something back at home or simply want to update your bag, you will find it here. Nevada Bob’s Golf in Vale do Lobo is an international name, providing everything to clubs and clothing, to more traditional golfing gifts to remember your holiday.

Check out the Golfshake - Golf Guide to the Algarve