GROUND-ONLY TAILOR-MADE · THE ALGARVE SINCE 1981
The Algarve's first fairways, laid out by a three-time Open champion.
Portugal golf holidays
Penina, in Portimao, was the first course cut into the Algarve, shaped by Sir Henry Cotton over old rice paddies and now lined with the mature trees he planted himself. Base yourself at the Penina Hotel or down the coast at Tivoli Carvoeiro, and there are forty-odd courses inside an easy drive.
4.9 from real golfers
· 44 courses · from
Portugal sits at the top of most UK golfers' shortlists, and the Algarve is the reason why. The drive from Faro spreads out across resorts such as Penina Hotel & Golf Resort and the Penina Golf Course at Portimao, Morgado Golf & Country Club nearby, and Amendoeira Golf Resort at Alcantarilha. East towards Tavira you have Quinta da Ria & Cima Golf Club, while Dona Filipa Hotel anchors the smarter end of Vale do Lobo. The look changes further north: The Praia Del Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort near Obidos and Oitavos Dunes Golf Club at Quinta da Marinha bring an Atlantic, links-flavoured feel that the southern parkland courses do not.
The climate is the real draw. Spring and autumn are reliably warm and dry, which makes March to May and September to November the sweet spot for a UK group wanting playable weather without the August heat. Winter golf is genuinely possible too, with mild days when home courses are waterlogged.
Who does it suit? Couples do well at Tivoli Carvoeiro in Carvoeiro or Vila Gale Ampalius in Vilamoura, where the beach is close and there is plenty off the course. Societies like the Portimao cluster because three or four tracks sit within a short transfer of one base. Higher handicaps will find the resort courses fair; lower handicaps can test themselves on the windier Atlantic layouts.
We are ground-only tailor-made specialists and have been arranging golf since 1981, ATOL, PTS and IATA protected. If you tell us your dates, group size and the standard you play off, we will put together a no-pressure quote for golf holidays in Portugal built around how you actually like to play.
The courses you’ll play in Portugal
Golf resorts — stay & play on-site
Hotels — play the area’s courses
Portugal
Western Algarve
Penina, San Lorenzo and the dunes of Palmares — golf's first coast.
Lisbon Coast
Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa and Praia D'El Rey, from Cascais to Óbidos
Eastern Algarve
Monte Rei, Quinta da Ria and Castro Marim — the quiet Algarve.
Madeira
Palheiro's clifftop greens and Santo da Serra's mountain golf, above Funchal
Ready to play Portugal?
Tell us your dates and group — we’ll build a tailored itinerary and hand-priced quote, usually within 15 minutes.
Plan my Portugal trip →Talk to a specialist · 01277 284284ATOL & PTS protected · Tailor-made since 1981
What golfers say about Portugal
4.997 reviewsGolf Planet Holidays is an excellent company for golfing holidays, they are friendly, very helpful and tremendously efficient. Just back from a very enjoyable time in Tavira, Portugal.
Our 18 strong group of “golfers” enjoyed a trip to Portugal again this October and again we asked GPH to assist us with all the transfers , accommodation and booking the courses / buggies . Experienced and knowledgeable the team at GPH …
A big thank you again Simon for organising our latest trip, this time to Quinta Do Lago. Your recommendation to include Ombria was well worth it ,you might need a few spare balls but it is a great course in the making and worth a visit.…
Frequently asked questions
Golf holidays in Portugal — answers to the questions our golfers ask most.
How much does a golf holiday in Portugal cost?
Golf holidays in Portugal start from
Which region of Portugal is best for golfers?
The Algarve is Portugal's most popular golf region and home to the highest concentration of top courses — Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Monte Rei are all within an hour of Faro Airport. The Lisbon Coast is growing rapidly in popularity with outstanding courses including Oitavos Dunes, Aroeira and Royal Obidos, plus easy access to Lisbon city. Madeira suits those wanting dramatic scenery and a quieter atmosphere. We'll help you choose based on your preferred courses, budget and travel dates.
Do I need a hire car in Portugal?
For most Algarve golf holidays, a hire car is optional rather than essential. Many resorts — particularly in Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo — have golf courses and facilities on-site or within walking distance. We include private transfers from Faro Airport to your hotel in all packages, and can arrange inter-course transfers as needed. That said, a hire car gives you the freedom to explore the Algarve's beaches, villages and restaurants at your own pace — we're happy to recommend the best approach for your group.
When is the best time to play golf in Portugal?
Spring and autumn, roughly March to May and September to November, are best, and the Algarve's mild winters make it a year-round escape.
How many golf courses are there in Portugal?
We feature 44 courses and 54 resorts across Portugal including Quinta do Vale and Ribagolfe. Your specialist matches the courses to your group's standard and budget.
Is there plenty for non-golfers to do in Portugal?
Portugal offers non-golfers a wonderful range of experiences. The Algarve has superb Atlantic beaches, historic Moorish towns like Tavira, excellent seafood restaurants and water sports. Lisbon — accessible from the Lisbon Coast courses — is one of Europe's most captivating cities, with world-class museums, vibrant food markets and stunning architecture. The Sintra palaces, Évora's Roman ruins and the Douro Valley wine region are all within reach. Portugal consistently ranks among Europe's favourite holiday destinations for very good reason.
Still have a question? Ask our golf travel team — a free, no-obligation quote, no call centre.