What Are The Best 18-Hole Golf Courses Near Vilamoura?

The popularity of the Algarve for golfing breaks is well-known. There are several championship courses in a fairly compact region and the airport at Faro receives planes from all over North and West Europe. It’s a relatively short flight; fly in the morning and play the same afternoon. One of the places that has established an excellent reputation for golf and off course facilities is Vilamoura. There is plenty of choice for those wishing to play several different course during their golf holiday:

• Oceanico Pinhal is a pine tree-lined course with some wonderful views out to the ocean in the later stages. It was built 40 years ago, the second in Vilamoura, and has been lengthened in recent years to challenge even the best golfers off the white tees.
• Oceanico Old is a great setting. The elevated first tee sets the standard and anyone playing the oldest course of Vilamoura will not forget it.
• Oceanico Laguna is more wide open but its protection is that everyone can talk positively water. It demands concentration and a few extra balls is a sensible precaution.
• Oceanico Millennium is also fairly open but there is a stretch close to Pinhal and Old where there are pine trees defining the fairways. It is a favourite with ladies because it is not particularly long off the red tees.
• Oceanico Victoria is an Arnold Palmer design and is currently the district’s top championship course having hosted the Portugal Masters and the World Cup.
• Vila Sol is a Donald Steel design which has twice held the Portuguese Open. There are narrow fairways and small greens so forward tees are recommended for all but the best amateurs.

Every golf party has different requirements from a holiday. No one wants to travel overseas and struggle to get round the courses they select. It is important that everyone can talk positively over a relaxing drink after 18 holes, at least two or three of the days.

That is not to say that groups should not really test themselves on the toughest course but they should also play one or two of the easiest. There is plenty of information online to read well in advance of the holiday and tee-times can be reserved once decisions are taken. The climate in the Algarve means that these courses are in good condition all year round. Welcome to Vilamoura!