Reasons to visit the stunning Algarve region (Part 2) – Quite simply – Golf for everyone!

Quite simply – Golf for everyone!

The Algarve is not only a near perfect year round brilliant choice for serious golfers, but it has something golfic (pretty sure that is not a word but lets go with it) for the whole family, yes really!  I will tell you why in a few minutes but first a little context…

It is not by accident that this Southern most part of Portugal is an extremely popular choice for groups of very dedicated and serious golfing friends and societies, who visit for a sun and green filled getaway.  With over 30 quality courses in the area, the ease of access from Faro (or Lisbon) airport, fantastic selection of accommodation to suit all budgets, the stunning ocean views and over 300 days of sunshine a year it is easy to see why a visit here is not far from the top of any golfers wish list.

I guess I should add a disclaimer here that I love golf and here are a few of the many reasons why. Walking round 18 holes of golf is, contrary to some peoples perception, fantastic exercise. You can compete with anyone despite contrasting abilities due to the handicap system. There is an amazing set of un written rules which are basically good etiquette and lead to discipline, respect for yourself and your playing partners which by itself is a fantastic reason to get kids interested in golf from an early age. There are many different formats, no age limit and both sexes can compete together on the same course. You can practice literally anywhere. You can play as a team or an individual and every round of golf is different!  I will stop there but I hope you get the idea……

Back to the Algarve in particular and why it is great for getting families playing golf together.  Let’s start with Mini Golf!!!   I can imagine what you are picturing, some concrete monstrosity however you may be surprised by the recent investment that has been made into creating fun and imaginative courses to keep kids and parents engaged and wanting to go back.

We recently visited the Val Do Lobo area as they were just putting (see what I did there?!) the finishing touches to a complete refurbishment of their mini golf course now called Par tee Mini Golf. They have added many water features and oversized entertainment and it is open every day from 10:00 to midnight, perfect for some late night family entertainment on those hot Summer evenings.  Top tip, there is a little kiosk and a lounge area but there is also a fabulous new restaurant called U&Co, which practically overlooks this little course and is open for breakfast lunch and dinner. We had a fantastic dinner here and would highly recommend it. It would be very easy and convenient to tie in a meal and mini golf here.

Another mini golf course which is a bit different and definitely worth a visit is the immaculate Mini golf Quinta do Lago, where you will get to play famous golf holes from prestigious courses around the world such as Augusta, The Belfry and Sawgrass, in miniature of course. This is great fun for golfers and novices alike. 

Be aware that there is not much shade here so best not to visit at midday if possible.  Literally a one minute walk from here you will find the Quinta Do Lago Driving range which is not only perfect for getting started on graduating from mini golf to the larger version, but which is also the location of KOKO restaurant, a great spot for a family meal. They have an all day menu and you can also get delicious ice creams, milk shakes and smoothies here, the perfect place to tot up your scores and crown a winner after your family golfing adventure. 

Finally, if you have a dinosaur lover in the family then head to Alvor Adventure Golf, click here to see why.

Getting Started – Beginners Golf

Now that you are hopefully tempted to start using a whole set of clubs and not just the putter, lets go quickly back to Quinta do Lago Driving Range …..

 There are so many options here to help you get started as a family, for example the aptly names “Beginners Golf Family Pack” where your family can learn together.  What better way to spend your holidays than with the gift of a trying a new sport which will potentially be a life long healthy passion.  There are also Sunset Golf Clinics, Summer Golf Camps and a special Junior Pack for young golfers to learn from professionals and grow their confidence.   All of this in stunning surroundings and close proximity to the glorious Algarve beaches.

A couple of MUST PLAY courses (in my opinion!)

So lets assume that you now have the golfing bug, here are a few not to be missed,  fabulous golfing experiences to look forward to next time you visit…..

Vale Do Lobo Ocean Course

There are 2 courses at Vale Do Lobo and we recently played the Ocean Course (for research purposes) and are delighted to say that it still lives up to expectations. This is definitely a personal favourite as it is one of those layouts where it is easy to remember each hole. That is to say that each hole is a different adventure to the last. It is challenging in parts, especially if there is a stiff breeze, but fair and the fairways and greens were in great condition when we played. What will keep you wanting to come back to this course are the spectacular views and the holes that lead down to the Ocean (which is what you would have expected right?). It is so stunning that I sometimes find I have to pinch myself when playing here to check it is all real!

The other course at Vale do Lobo is the iconic Royal Course which is where you will experience the famous 16th hole over the cliffs. Not the easiest tee shot, but so gratifying when you do actually hit the green in one and there are incredible photo opportunities to be had here.  Top tip, you can get fantastic “twilight” rates on either of these courses, especially in the Summer.  If you do play in the evening, be aware that it is very difficult to see the 16th green from the tee as the setting sun will be right in your eyeline, which is certainly not the worst thing ever and I only mention it because it can make it difficult to see where your ball went!  You should easily have time to play 18 holes and make it to the gorgeous club house terrace for cocktails and dinner.   Again highly recommended for the food and friendly service.

San Lorenzo

The other course we recently played is smack bang in the middle of the stunning Ria Formosa nature reserve, which I mentioned last week in our article about excursions in the area. I am not exaggerating when I say that we had the course to ourselves, there was literally nobody else on the course which was surreal, fabulous and a bit crazy.  We chose to have electric trolleys for the front 9 and then, due to the heat, switched to a golf cart for the second nine, which shows you how accommodating the personnel are here! The receptionist, bartender and caddy master could not have been friendlier or more helpful.

The views here are again incredible and there are 2 holes in particular where you are hitting out towards the ocean and just hoping that you measured your distance correctly or that you are playing when the tide is out! 

This really is an amazing golf course and worth playing any time you can!  Top tip, if you stay in the Dona Filipa hotel you can get a great value package that includes free golf and Buggy.  More on the Dona Filipa next week………

There are of course many other brilliant courses in the area, too many to describe here so if you would like some information please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Who wouldn’t love to chat about golf or holidays or both?! ……

• Algarve
• golfing
• Koko restaurant
• mini golf
• ocean course
• Portugal
• Quinta Do Lago
• Ria Formosa
• royal course
• San Lorenzo
• Southern Portugal
• U&Co restaurant
• Val Do Lobo
• Val Do Lobo Par tee