Golf Courses of the Eastern Algarve, Portugal


Quinta de Cima

Named in the 2004/5 Peugeot Golf Guide as the best course in Portugal, this William Roquemore championship course is rapidly gaining an international reputation. With it's sister course, Quinta da Ria (see below) being named by Peugeot as joint-second best course in the country also, portugal east of Faro airport now has much to offer. Many ancient trees incorporated into the design add to the course's character. Designed to host tour events. Lightly undulating, easy walking.

Our verdict: a real star, highly recommended.

Championship tees 6,256 metres; men's 6,045; women's 4,971
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 8
Course Type: Lightly undulating open countryside & parkland

Quinta da Ria

Located in a peaceful setting by the Ria Formosa nature reserve, it is an attractive and quite open course, and several holes have sea views bordering on a very attractive stretch of the Atlantic. Slightly shorter and a little easier than it's sibling Quinta de Cima, this is a great course for all levels of golfer. Rated in the Peugeot Golf Guide as joint-second best course in Portugal. Both Ria and Cima blend naturally into countryside ideal for golf and are free of residential develpment. If you don't enjoy your golf at these two courses, you're playing the wrong sport. Lightly undulating, easy walking.

Our verdict: one of the Algarve's finest, a "feel-good" course with great views.

6,110 metres
Par 72
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 7
Course Type: Lightly undulating open countryside, seaside

Benamor

Based on an original design by Sir Henry Cotton, this scenic course is located in open countryside between the ocean and the mountains. There is a good mix of holes in an undulating parkland setting with many evevation changes. Some shorter par 4's in the early part of the round give you a chance to build a score before the course builds to a testing finishing stretch. Although the "billiard table" greens will keep everyone on their toes throughout.

Our verdict: an enjoyable course in an attractive location at a reasonable green fee.

5,500 metres
Par 71
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 5
Course Type: Undulating parkland


Castro Marim

5 kilometres from the spanish border, with commanding views from the elevated tees of the Atlantic and across the Guandiana river estuary into the spanish region of Andalucia. It isn't long, but it is acuracy and course management that are the issues here, not length. It twists and undulates with many elevation changes, is often tight, and has a few surprises to keep you on your toes. Another 18 holes are under construction.

Our verdict: fantastic scenery, varied, and good value. A good one for mid and higher handicappers.

5,265 metres
Par 71
Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36
Challenge rating (out of 10) 4
Course Type: Parkland, slightly hilly

Colina Verde is a 9 hole par 28 "executive" course with sea views.