Vilamoura Old Course, Algarve
Golf in the Algarve has exploded since the legendary Henry Cotton, twice winner of the Open Championship, came to Portugal's south coast in the 1960s and built Penina, the Algarve's first grass golf course.
With great travel links and a wonderful climate the area is a premier golfing destination and a glance at this Algarve golf course guide reveals the courses to justify that reputation.
Golf in the Algarve can broadly be split into three geographical areas, each home to a number of excellent golf courses.
The Eastern Algarve, situated between Faro and the Spanish border, boasts the excellent courses of Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima as well as the excellent Monte Rei Golf and Country Club, all located near the town of Tavira.
Vale do Lobo, Algarve
The Central Algarve, centred around the resort of Vilamoura,is the most well known base for Algarve golf and is home to some of the Algarve's most recognisable names.
The classic layout of the Old Course Vilamoura with its tricky doglegs and umbrella pines is truly representative of golf in the Algarve and it is complemented by Pinhal, Laguna, Millenium and Victoria, the other Vilamoura resort courses.
Great golf is also available at Vila Sol, Quinta do Lago, San Lorenzo and Vale do Lobo, where the par 3 16th on the Royal Course is the areas signature hole.
The Western Algarve is also home to some terrific golf with highlights coming at Boavista, Palmares and the excellent Penina.