Alamos
The 6,600 yard layout was formulated by the highly regarded European Golf Design association, and while the course is relatively open from the tee, its large greens are extremely tricky. The enormous putting surfaces are noted for their severe slopes, and are guarded by treacherous bunkers.
The raised greens play havoc with club selection, while Alamos is also punctuated with a number of hazardous water features; in fact, the course is formulated around three large lakes, which provide both excitement and aesthetic beauty.
Alamos has received much praise in its short time on the Algarve, and is a real pleasure to enjoy during a holiday in this golfing paradise.
Salgados
The 6,649 yard layout was originally conceived by Pedro de Vasconcelos, but has since been the subject of revision work, most notably by the Scotsman, Robert Muir Graves. The course has been sympathetically built into a protected wildlife area, where many rare bird species make their home. Salgados has a tremendous variety of holes, ensuring that it is an intriguing test for golfers of all abilities.
The signature hole is arguably the first, where there is no easy opening - golfers must thread the ball onto a fairway bordered on both sides by threatening water features.
Easily accessed from Albufeira, Vilamoura or the Western Algarve, Salgados can fit into just about any holiday itinerary for a golf holiday along the famous coastline.
Oceanico Faldo
The best British player of the modern era has a distinct design philosophy, as he seeks to present a challenge to every player; however, he achieves this not simply through extreme length, but by demanding that the golfer exercises some strategy and thought.
In a throwback to Faldo’s illustrious playing days, the golf course requires patience, prudence and guile, and with an extensive selection of tees, every golfer is well catered for. This prestigious development is a landmark on the Algarve, and seems set to become a golf holiday star attraction.
Oceanico O'Connor
The undisputed highlight of the O’Connor Course is the designer’s take on Augusta National’s ‘Amen Corner’ – holes 7, 8 and 9 are skirted at various points by a great lake which snakes its way dangerously through three splendid holes.
Skirted by traditional Moorish buildings, dating back to the 13th century, the course’s location is steeped in history, which only adds to the drama. O’Connor’s mighty layout builds nicely to a climax with the phenomenal closing hole, which climbs to a fantastic riverside green.
Like the neighbouring Faldo Course, the O’Connor is an exciting new development that only makes the glorious Algarve more attractive for visiting golfers, providing a first class championship test in truly stunning surroundings.
Morgado do Reguengo
Morgado do Reguengo is among the newest additions to the Algarve's impressive golfing portfolio, having opened for business in 2003.
Vale da Pinta Course
The Vale da Pinta is a fantastic parkland course, measuring 6,728 yards. Like the resort's further two courses, it was designed by Ron Fream, a highly regarded American golf architect, and features a number of lakes which are as testing as they are beautiful. Since opening in 1992, the course has established an excellent reputation, culminating with the award of a European Seniors Tour event in November 2007.
Gramacho Course
Designer Fream was aided by multiple major-winner Nick Price in creating the Gramacho Course, the second at Carvoeiro. The Gramacho is unique in that it has 18 sets of tees, but has 27 greens, making for welcome variety. The 6,679 yard layout features many obstacles, including lakes, rocks and walls, as well as the almond, fig and olive tress that help to make the course so beautiful. The Gramacho has been selected to host the Ladies European Tour's finest players, and is a fascinating challenge.
Silves Course
Just ten minutes away is the Silves Course, the third on offer for guests at the Carvoeiro resort. Silves is a typical resort course, with generous rolling fairways, and a number of large water hazards. Bordered by palm and olive trees, the course affords terrific views of the mountains and the valley. The main difficulty is the severity of the green-side bunkers, so accurate approach shots are crucial around this delightful Algarve track.
Alto Golf & Country Club
Situated in a stunning private community in the Western Algarve, Alto was the last course to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The winding fairways and elevated greens are typical of Cotton's architectural philosophy, and ensure that there is a stern challenge for the low handicap players, whilst remaining fair for the average golfer. Set across two rolling hills, visitors will enjoy beautiful views of the Lagos Bay.
Palmeras Golf
With views over the Lagos Bay and towards the distant Monchique Hills, Palmares has a stunning setting, and has an equally impressive course. Five of the holes border the sand dunes near the coastline, and have a distinct links feel, while the remainder winds through the lovely tree-lined undulations of the estate's higher ground.
The 6,497 yard layout is an Algarve favourite, and has a nerve-jangling opening tee shot, where golfers must stand atop the elevated tee and find the fairway of the demanding dog-leg par-4. With the delights of Lagos nearby, it is no surprise that Palmares is such a favourite with regular golf holiday visitors to the popular Portuguese coastline.
