Vale Do Lobo Royal Course

Of the two courses, the Royal course is often cited as the most interesting and challenging. While it lacks some of the ocean views of its sister course, it does have a couple of holes where you can see the Atlantic Ocean in all its glory.

For the rest of your round, you’ll be further inland, playing along rolling fairways lined with beautiful Atlantic pines and opulent villas that provide a glimpse as to how the other half lives.

If you read any online review of the Vale do Lobo Royal golf course, it will mention the 16th. A 220-yard par-3 hole plays along the cliffs and over a ravine. It’s so spellbinding, that it’s often cited as the most photographed hole in the Algarve.

Another hole worthy of mention is the 9th. Golfers are greeted with an almost island green that will require precision and the correct club selection off the tee to stand any chance of making par.

The Vale Do Lobo Royal Course plays 6,208 yards off the yellow tees and 5,368 yards off the reds. Par is 72. Men must have a handicap of 28 or below, and ladies must have a handicap of 36 or below to play the Royal Course.

There are some excellent birdie opportunities to be had for higher handicappers. The first hole is a case in point, a 400 yard par-5. Hit a decent drive, and you can easily reach the green in 2 shots. All that’s left is to sink a 2-putt to start your round below par.

While the Vale do Lobo Royal course may feel a little overdeveloped in places and some of the holes lack a little imagination, it’s still worth playing just for the 16th alone. It’s one of those special holes that will stay with you forever, and one to tick off your Algarve golf course bucket list.