Closely integrated into the natural surroundings and with every consideration being paid to environmental sustainability, golf courses in this region have been designed in keeping with the highest professional standards in terms of architecture, landscaping and environmental engineering. All these conditions combine with the exceptional sea-facing Algarve landscape to ensure that this region is home to some of the finest golf courses to be found anywhere in the world.
In the vicinity of Lagos, for example, make sure to visit Palmares Golf, which offers some of the best views of any Algarve course. The majority of its holes are laid out along the rolling dunes overlooking Meia Praia, a golden expanse of sand running from the marina at Lagos to the mouth of the River Alvor, with the upper holes being set amidst groves of fig-trees and almond-trees.
Set in a valley against the beautiful and striking backdrop of steep slopes, the Parque da Floresta - Golf and Leisure Resort is yet another admirable course.
Also successfully capitalising on the magnificence of the natural Algarve countryside is the Quinta da Boavista course, where fig-trees, olive-trees and palm-trees are joined by pretty lakes and waterfalls in a setting that once again offers stunning sea views from most holes.
Further to the east, the Serra de Monchique provides a spectacular backdrop to the Gramacho and Pestana Golf & Resort courses in Carvoeiro. In this case, the original contours have been broadly maintained, whilst the centuries-old olive-trees have also been preserved, one of which is believed to be as much as twelve centuries old.
Albufeira is home to a links course running all the way along the beach amidst some beautiful dunes, to which water hazards have been added in the form of lakes and waterfalls. All of this can be found at Salgados Golf Club.
Waterfalls are also a predominant feature of the Vila Sol – Beach, Golf & Country Club course in Vilamoura, contributing to its reputation as one of the best in the Algarve.
Surrounded by an extensive pine-forest and presenting a genuine challenge to golfers of all levels, the natural environment of the Quinta do Lago golf courses in Almancil is a veritable paradise that also forms part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.
Also near Ria Formosa, in Cacela, there is another golf course of outstanding natural beauty. The Quinta da Ria course has five lakes strategically placed at different points across its fairways, one of them forming an island with a wide diversity of bird life and other local fauna. All of this panorama is further enriched by magnificent views over the sea and the lagoons of the Nature Reserve.
Nearby, the great variety in the fairways and greens and the way in which they have been so pleasantly integrated into the Nature Reserve ensure that playing the Vale do Lobo golf course in Almancil is an experience that comes replete with all the pleasure of being immersed in a unique landscape.