Where to Stay: Vale do Lobo Resort
Just a 20-minute drive west from Faro airport you will find the Vale do Lobo Resort, the largest golf resort in the Algarve. The Vale do Lobo Royal Course sits at the very heart of the resort and is very well maintained. Year-round you will find both fairways, tee-boxes, and greens always in excellent condition.
The fairways are gently undulating, especially through the back nine holes, which are the latest additions to the course, added in the late 1990s. The Royal course is surrounded by pine trees, lakes and wildflowers, making for a charming setting. However, do not let the backdrop lull you into a false sense of security, as playing the course is far from being a stroll in the park.
The Vale do Lobo Royal Course is one of the best golf courses in Algarve hosted the 2003 Portuguese Open, and therefore, players can expect a good test of their golfing ability. The length of the course, 6,166 yards, is by no means the longest. The majority of visitors here will have played longer courses and has more length than the Ocean Course. There is an extensive collection of water hazards and bunkers, which must be avoided to record a low score. The rough on the Royal Course, is also tough and unforgiving, making accuracy off the tee absolutely crucial.
Stand out holes on the Royal Course, including the 9th, with the almost island green. The 16th, which is often used as the image to advertise Algarve golf around the world. Measuring at 224 yards from the back tees, the 16th is the signature hole and requires a tee shot, over three spectacular cliffs, to reach the green. However, with a narrow fairway and tricky green, the 18th hole is a real challenge, so concentration is paramount until the final putt has been made.
The Vale do Lobo Royal Course, is located just 25 minutes away from Faro airport, in the Algarve, Portugal (not far from Vilamoura). For visitors to the Algarve, looking for a fantastic golfing break, the Vale does Lobo Royal Course is not only convenient but lives up to its reputation, as being on many of the top 100 golf course lists in Continental Europe.
In addition to the tremendous golf course, there are some fantastic facilities available at the venue. The clubhouse is superb, in addition to a pro-shop, well-equipped fitness centre, and practice facilities. They say you get what you pay for and that phrase certainly rings true at Vale do Lobo Royal Course. Some of the distances between greens and tees can be lengthy, so a buggy is perhaps the best option. Other than that, there is nothing to dislike about this golf course, and it comes highly recommended, for players of all abilities.
Nearby Golf Courses in the Vale do Lobo Area:
Vale do Lobo Ocean Course is a five-minute walk away.
Other courses include San Lorenzo Golf Course, Pinheiros Altos Golf, Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South and Quinta do Lago Laranjal are also within ten minutes drive. We can also recommend a stay at the Dona Filipa Hotel for 5-star luxury and access to superb golf.
