Palmares Golf

Why Play Palmares Golf Course in Portugal

You can easily understand why the golf in the Algarve is considered one of the world's finest destinations. As well as beautiful locations to stay, one of the most notable is Lagos, a historic town with a rich history. Because of its close vicinity to the Onyria Palmares Golf and Beach Resort, this town is an excellent choice for a base of operations. This stunning championship 27-hole golf course, located directly on the coastline and near Lagos, Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, is considered one of the most fantastic layouts in Portugal. It is also a tremendous challenge for players of all levels, as seen by the different tee locations.

Palmares Golf Course Overview

It is comfortably ranked inside the top 100 golf courses in Europe, plus the top 10 courses in Portugal, and it’s easy to see why. Designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1975, Onyria Palmares has hosted several amateur and professional events and added to the PGA Europro Tour circuit.  in 2010 the layout went under a re-design by famed course designer Robert Trent Jones.

The golf course setting is picture-perfect, with tremendous views over Lagos Bay and towards Monchique Hills. It is a lovely mix of links-style and parkland holes, offering an enormous challenge to players of all abilities. Five of the holes are played on the dunes alongside the Atlantic Coast. The remaining holes are played inland, across gently undulating fairways.

There are three nine-hole loops, called Alvor, Lagos and Praia, each with their characteristics. The Alvor loop is inland and features hillsides and valleys, making it great for those who enjoy a change in elevation during a round of golf. The Lagos is the only one to offer a water hazard, with two lakes coming in to play on the 3rd and 4th holes. Finally, the Praia course will find the link-style holes between the beach and the railway line.

The Palmares golf course is renowned for always being in excellent condition, whatever the time of year. Despite being easy on the eye, expect to be challenged, played at various heights during 18 holes. In terms of physical endurance, this can prove tough for those not used to the changes in elevation and the style of holes. The greens are very well kept; although slow, they require thought before putting. That’s not to say they are slow. Far from it. Instead, the greens play at a steady pace, which most players will find perfect for low scoring. 

Watch out for the undulating greens on the links section of the course, however, as these can prove tricky. Visitors to Onyria Palmares can expect a great welcome from the staff. While the clubhouse may not be as modern as others in the area, it certainly offers everything a golfer could require.

Palmares offers stunning coastal golf near Lagos, and many visitors use this as their base to explore the broader Algarve golf region including Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago.

In summary, Palmares golf course is fantastic, incorporating several quality holes and spectacular ocean scenery. Any golfer should make it a priority to play here during an Algarve golf break.

For more information on golf courses in the West Algarve, then read this expert guide written by Tom, our Algarve specialist.

Other options to stay:

Vila Gale Lagos

NH Lagos Algarve Resort

Marina Club Lagos

Boavista