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Complete Guide to Golf in Vilamoura
Vilamoura is one of the most popular destinations for golfers visiting the Algarve in Portugal. It hosts some of the region’s most challenging and spectacular golf courses. If you’ve come here wondering which are the best golf courses in Vilamoura, read on, as our complete guide will show you the best courses to play, complete with green fee prices.
Of course, no golf holiday is complete without staying in superb accommodation, so we’ve also reviewed the best golf hotels and resorts in Vilamoura to suit all tastes and budgets. So buckle up and get ready to plan your dream Vilamoura golf holiday.
Best Golf Courses in Vilamoura
You’ll want to play the best golf courses when you visit Vilamoura on your golf holiday. We’ll break them down into categories depending on what you’re looking for in a golf trip.
- Best overall golf course
- Best for low handicappers
- Best for large groups and societies
- Best for beginners
- Best for multiple rounds
- Worth travelling for
Best Overall Golf Course in Vilamoura – Dom Pedro Victoria
Dom Pedro Victoria is the best golf course in Vilamoura. It’s a championship golf course designed by Arnold Palmer and has hosted the Portugal Masters every year since 2007. There’s a large opulent clubhouse and some long wide open fairways for the big hitters.
Look forward to the seventeenth, selected by Arnold Palmer himself as the signature hole of the course.
Green fees at Victoria start at €137 in the low season, rising to €176 in the high season.
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Best Golf Course in Vilamoura For Low Handicappers – Dom Pedro Old Course
The Old Course in Vilamoura is the best golf course in Vilamoura for low handicappers. It’s the second oldest course in the Algarve. Whilst there’s less water here than at Victoria, there are a lot more trees and fairways are tighter. You’ll need to be accurate with your iron play and drives to score well here.
The signature hole is the eighth. A gradual decline to a fairway bunker, a gentle dogleg right, and a rise to a narrow green that is well protected by trees on all sides. Get a par here and you’ll be delighted.
Green fees at The Old Course start at €137 in the low season, rising to €176 in the high season.
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Best Golf Course in Vilamoura for Large Groups – Dom Pedro Millennium
When choosing a golf course for large groups, you need a golf course that can challenge the better players, but isn’t impossibly tough for those still getting to grips with the game. Millennium Golf Course fits the bill perfectly.
This Parkland style golf course has plenty of interesting holes and a smattering of water to add some trepidation to the round. It’s a great all-round course that welcomes societies and large groups.
Green Fees at Millennium start at €89 in the low season, rising to €123 in the high season.
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Best Golf Course in Vilamoura for Variety – Dom Pedro Pinhal
Pinhal Golf Course gets the nod for the broadest variety of holes. There’s everything here and will keep you thoroughly entertained throughout your round.
One minute you’re on the flat; the next, you’re on undulating fairways. You’ll be playing over ravines, blind shots, dog legs left and right, large greens, small greens, and diagonal greens.
Green Fees at Pinhal start at €89 in the low season, rising to €123 in the high season.
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Best Golf Course in Vilamoura for Beginners – Dom Pedro Laguna
If you’re new to golf, then Dom Pedro Laguna is a good option. That said, Men still require a handicap of 28 and ladies 36 to play here.
There are lovely wide-open fairways and not much to get in your way, perfect whilst you’re still getting to grips with the sport.
If you are an absolute beginner or want to try golf for the first time whilst visiting Vilamoura, Balaia Golf Course is a great option just 13km West of Vilamoura
Green Fees at Laguna start at €89 in the low season, rising to €123 in the high season.
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Best Golf Course for Multiple Rounds – Pestana Vila Sol
Pestana Vila Sol is a 27-hole golf resort, so if you’re planning a few rounds of golf during your golf holiday in Vilamoura, it’s a superb option.
There are three separate loops of nine holes at Vila Sol, The Prime Loop, the Challenge Loop and the Prestige Loop. Each has its own character and unique set of challenges and you can mix them up on different rounds.
Green Fees at Vila Sol start at €80 in the low season, rising to €121 in the high season.
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Golf Courses Near Vilamoura Worth Travelling For
If you’ve got a car to hand on your Vilamoura golf holiday, then there are a few additional golf courses that are well worth playing. All of the courses below take less than 30 minutes to get to if you’re staying in Vilamoura.
Vale do Lobo Royal Course
Just 10km east of Vilamoura along the coast, lies the Vale do Lobo Resort. There are actually two golf courses, here the Royal Course and the Ocean Course, but the Royal is the best to play.
The 16th is often cited as the most photographed hole in the Algarve and it’s easy to see why. Players must tee off over a 200 yard ravine that plays alongside a spectacular cliff face. It’s a hole that you’ll want to play again and again.
Green Fees at Vale do Lobo Royal start at €91 in the low season, rising to €135 in the high season.
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Quinta do Lago Laranjal Course
If you want a golf course that’s a bit special, Quinta do Lago Larangal is worth the journey. Set within the exclusive Quinta do Lago Resort, Laranjal is manicured beyond belief.
It was voted best golf course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards. Whilst that accolade is now over a decade old, Laranjal has lost none of its charm. It may be pricier than other options in this guide, but it’s worth it for a very special round of golf.
Green Fees at Quinta do Lago Laranjal start at €131 in the low season, rising to €166 in the high season.
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Best Golf Hotels & Resorts in Vilamoura
No golf holiday to Vilamoura is complete without the right hotel or golf resort to stay at. Your accommodation needs to suit your requirements.
We’ve compiled a list of handpicked golf hotels and resorts in Vilamoura to suit various requirements. Let’s dive in
Best Overall Golf Hotel in Vilamoura – Anantara Vilamoura
Anantara Vilamoura Resort is the best golf hotel in Vilamoura. Rooms are beautifully appointed and it’s right next to the Victoria Golf Course, which we’ve rated as the best overall course in the area.
There’s a huge range of facilities including swimming pools, spa and gym. There are also multiple dining options all of which are of an exceptional standard.
Anantara is luxurious without being over the top and nightly rates are great value considering all that the hotel provides.
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Located next to the Dom Pedro Millennium, Laguna, Victoria and Old Courses, Anantara Vilamoura Resort is perfect if you want to play several golf courses in Vilamoura whilst visiting the Algarve.
Packages From:£269
Accommodation From: £80 – £253 per night
Best All-Inclusive Golf Hotel in Vilamoura – Dom Pedro Vilamoura
If you want all food and drink provided during your stay, Dom Pedro Vilamoura is Vilamoura’s best all-inclusive golf hotel. In fact, it’s one of the only all-inclusive hotels that deserves to make our list.
Dom Pedro Vilamoura is conveniently located close to the harbour and the hotel provides free daily shuttle services to and from the Dom Pedro golf courses.
Dom Pedro Vilamoura Hotel
Dom Pedro Vilamoura is owned by the same group that operates the Dom Pedro golf courses. Recently renovated and offering a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant, and a bar, there’s plenty to offer golfers a comfortable stay.
With its central location and view of the Atlantic Ocean, Dom Pedro Vilamoura is a superb place for golfers who want to be close to the town’s many bars and restaurants. Prices range from €90 per night in the low season to €250 per night in July and August.
For more options check out our guide to the best golf hotels in Vilamoura.
Packages From:£269
Accommodation From: £80 – £253 per night
Best Value Golf Hotel in Vilamoura – Dom Jose Beach Hotel
For anyone wanting to get the biggest bang for their buck without compromising on quality, look no further than the Dom Jose Beach hotel. Dom Jose Beach Hotel is the cheapest golf hotel in Vilamoura, which doesn’t compromise on standards.
Rooms start from as low as £50 per night and are located on the beachfront. The rooftop swimming pool is a particular highlight, and its central location means it’s a great base for a golf holiday.
Dom Jose Beach Hotel
The Dom Jose Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a more central location in Vilamoura. The rooms are clean and modern, many with an ocean view. There’s a rooftop pool, bar, restaurant, and gym. Rooms start at just €50 per night with breakfast included, representing excellent value for money.
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Accommodation from: £53-£236 per night
Best Golf Resort in Vilamoura – Pestana Vila Sol
If you don’t want the hassle of travelling to and from your hotel to the golf course, then a golf resort is the perfect answer to your golf holiday.
Pestana Vila Sol is the best golf resort in Vilamoura as it offers both accommodation and access to its 27-hole golf course on the same resort.
Rooms are well well-appointed and it boasts 3 swimming pools and multiple dining options.
Pestana Vila Sol Vilamoura Hotel
Pestana Vila Sol offers everything all in one place. The accommodation and golf course are on the same site. This 5-star resort offers comfortable accommodation, friendly staff, 3 swimming pools, a bar and restaurant and an excellent breakfast to fuel you before your round of golf.
Packages From:£269
Accommodation From: £80 – £258 per night
Vilamoura Green Fees
Vilamoura Golf FAQ’s
How Many Golf Courses Are There in Vilamoura?
There are six golf courses in Vilamoura, five of which are owned and operated by the Dom Pedro Group. Check out our detailed guide on the best Dom Pedro Golf Courses.
But if you’re willing to travel a little outside Vilamoura, there are nine golf courses near Vilamoura that take less than 30 minutes to get to by car.
What Vilamoura Tee Times Are Available?
Vilamoura golf courses generally offer tee times from 8:00 until 17:30 each day. Some courses offer discounts if teeing off after 15:00, known as twilight rates.
What is the best Vilamoura Golf Course for Beginners?
Dom Pedro Laguna is the best course in Vilamoura for beginners, but men still require a handicap of 28 and ladies 36. If you don’t have a handicap yet, look at Balaia golf course, just 13km west of Vilamoura. It’s a delightful 9 hole course that’s very welcoming to beginners; no handicap is required to play here.
What is the dress code for golf in Vilamoura?
Standard golfing attire is required at all Vilamoura golf courses. This includes trousers or tailored shorts, polo shirts and golf shoes and socks. Soft spiked shoes must be worn, and no football shirts, tracksuits or swimming apparel is allowed.
Is Vilamoura good for golf?
Do you need a handicap to play golf in Vilamoura?
All clubs in Vilamoura require a handicap to play them. For men, this is 28 and for ladies it is 36.
Can you Hire/rent golf clubs in Vilamoura?
All golf courses in Vilamoura have club hire available.
Do Vilamoura golf courses have buggy hire?
Buggy hire is available at all Vilamoura golf courses. However supply is limited, so it’s always best to pre-book a buggy early when booking your tee time.
