Has anyone been to the Algarve for a golf break? I've just booked up for a holiday in Vilamoura and was wondering if anyone could give me advice on any of the following :

-which courses are the best?
-should we take our own clubs or rent?
-do you know anywhere we can get good deals for playing a few courses?

Any advice much appreciated

http://www.golfbreaks.com/destinations/portugal/vilamoura.aspx

Not sure if you can book purely tee times but give them a call and maybe make out you are interested in a holiday and see if they can give you advice about courses. They might be able to reserve you tee times without you having to buy a full package from them

Villa Sol, Millenium and The Old Course are all top notch but not cheap

Book through your hotel for the best deals

Pinhal is a decent track and not as expensive and if you dont mind a drive of about an hour then don't miss Pinta

Lagoona is one to miss

Definitely take your clubs, the rental bags are poor and expensive.
Try to get over to vale de lobo - stunning course with famous signature 7th hole par 3 overlooking the beach!

Villamoura is a great place to stay and loads of courses nearby. Don't forget to try the crazy golf too, it's like carpet and good for the family.

Ok, we go to Vilamoura next Thursday. We've narrowed the courses down to the following 5 from which we'll choose 4:

Quinta Do Vale 42 Euros
Vila Sol 65 Euros
Oceanico - Old Course 70 Euros
Penina 73 Euros
Parque da Floresta 49 Euros

Vila Sol is great. However there are 3 loops of 9 and the older 2 are in my view the better as they are more mature. Not a huge deal but holes 1-18 are the better holes.

If you play Penina make sure its the Old Course (Henry Cotton design) there too. Its a long test but a very good course. Watch out for the turtles in the streams and lakes!

I'd also urge you very strongly to play Vilamoura Old Course and perhaps drop one of the others as its one of the best courses i've played

Edit!!!!!!!!

Since i was there The Old Course is called "Oceanic" for some reason so thats the one i wanted you to play and its on your list!!!!!

Just seen this I'm afraid.

Definitely play Oceanic del, and if at all possible I'd find time for Monte Rei.
If not this year then when you next go, as I'm certain you'll be going again.
Bit of a drive from Vilamoura and a touch pricey but it's my favourite course in the Algarve.


Golf in the Algarve, Vilamoura especially, is hard to beat imo. You'll love it.