Your next Algarve golf holiday should start here

The Algarve in Portugal has become a golfing mecca where players embark on a regular pilgrimage to bask in the sunshine and try their hand at a championship pedigree course.

With around 20 championship courses in the region and many more decent tracks, it really is a golfer’s playground, with pristine fairways, undulating terrain and stunning backdrops everywhere you look.

The legendary English golfer and three-time Open Championship winner, Sir Henry Cotton, saw the vision, and in the 60s designed Penina, in the hopes of creating a year-round course etched into the rolling terrain.

Penina was the first 18-hole course in the region and the catalyst for the boom of resort golf here, with huge names in the sport such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Nick Faldo, following in the footsteps of Cotton to design new courses.

Pestana Golf Resort is a prime location to enjoy the great courses in the Algarve. The Pestana Group operate multiple resorts/courses in the region, each of which provide differing tests set within a beautiful landscape.

The resort at Carvoeiro lies on the outskirts of the town, surrounded by countryside and is home to all the facilities and amenities you need for a great golf break.

Here is what the resort and the region have to offer - starting with the golf courses.

Gramacho Golf Course

Gramacho initially existed as a nine-hole course when it was laid down by golf architect Ron Fream in the early 70s, however it was soon transitioned into a full 18 with the help of Zimbabwean golfing legend Nick Price. 

The course has a few interesting quirks that make it stand out from its counterparts in the region. With 27 putting greens you can never be sure how Gramacho is set up making every round feel like a different test, while the striking carob trees dotted round the course add accents of the region’s heritage with some of them being 100 years old.

The 10th is the postcard hole, with an elevated tee shot over water surrounded by palms, requiring perfect club selection to leave a chance of birdie, and more importantly stay dry!

Measuring 6,107 yards, this par-72 is certainly a memorable occasion. A visually striking course that is a demanding but inviting challenge for players of all handicaps.

Vale da Pinta Golf Course

Another Fream design, Vale da Pinta is a par 71 championship pedigree course measuring 6,115 yards from the back tees. 

Similar in many ways to its neighbour Gramacho, with undulating fairways that weave around the native carob and olive trees. However, natural surroundings aside, Vale da Pinta has a very different feel.

With multiple doglegs, carefully placed hazards and narrow fairways, it’s a layout requiring pinpoint accuracy and astute course management. It is also more undulating than Gramacho, frequently leaving uneven lies and forcing creative shot-making.

The par-3 13th is a standout hole, playing over water onto a heavily guarded green requiring a committed strike and precise distance control.

Silves Golf Course

Located beside the historic town of Silves, this championship course was designed by Fausto Nascimento and opened in 2007.

Measuring at 6,141 yards, this par 70 may not feel as intimidating as other courses in the region but the peaceful rural setting and backdrop of the Monchique Mountains certainly keeps you engaged.

While mid-to-high handicap players will find this course a fair challenge, it is no slouch and tests course management with risk vs reward holes. For example, on the signature par 5 hole at 13, there is a lake along the right side that is possible to cut, but a mistake will inflict serious damage on the scorecard.

Accommodation

Pestana Carvoeiro offers a range of spacious apartments and townhouses, making it well suited to golf groups and longer stays. 

Spread out and make yourself at home in spacious accommodation featuring separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Many properties also boast a private terrace or balcony with views over the lush golf courses or beautifully landscaped gardens. Whether you're relaxing after a day on the fairways or enjoying a meal together, the extra space and self-catering facilities make it the perfect home away from home for your golf getaway.

Restaurants & Bars

Dining at the Pestana Golf Resort in Carvoeiro centres around the welcoming clubhouse restaurants, where guests can tuck into delicious Portuguese favourites and international classics while swapping stories of the day's best shots (and the ones you'd rather forget!). 

Afterwards, settle in at the clubhouse bar for a well-earned 19th hole toasting to a great day on the fairways in the comfort of a refreshing beverage. If you're in the mood to explore, venture into Carvoeiro or head to Ferragudo just a short drive away, for an excellent choice of restaurants, cafés, and lively bars to round off the evening.

Spa & Leisure

Away from the fairways, Pestana Golf Resort Carvoeiro offers a good selection of leisure facilities to help guests make the most of their stay. 

Before you tee off again, it is important to have a mental and physical recharge. A refreshing dip in one of the resort's outdoor swimming pools ought to do the trick, or soothe tired muscles at the Pestana spa and fitness centre. 

Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and peaceful communal spaces, it's the perfect place to kick back with a drink, soak up the sunshine, and unwind after a rewarding (or tough!) day on the golf course.

Other Activities

While golf is the main attraction, there is plenty to explore beyond Pestana Golf Resort. The picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo is just a short drive away, offering waterfront restaurants, narrow cobbled streets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Nearby Carvoeiro is another popular destination, known for its lively centre, sandy beach, and selection of cafés, bars, and shops.

The Algarve coastline is also within easy reach, with highlights including the dramatic cliffs and sea caves at Benagil, scenic coastal walks along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and boat trips to explore the region's famous rock formations. 

For those looking to unwind, several beaches, including Praia do Carvoeiro and Praia dos Carneiros, are close by. Wine tasting, water sports, and visits to the historic town of Silves also make enjoyable day trips, ensuring there is plenty to do between rounds of golf.

If you would to know more and how to potentially book, please visit https://www.golfbreaks.com/en-gb/holidays/carvoeiro/pestana-golf-resort-carvoeiro/.