TOP 25 RESORTS IN PORTUGAL
You’ve discovered the best courses in Portugal, but where are the top places to play and stay? Read on…
1 QUINTA DO LAGO ALMANCIL
The golf Home to three superb 18-hole championship golf courses (North, South & Laranjal) that are in our Portugal Top 50 and two in our Continental ranking.
Off-course amenities A wealth of practice facilities and a wide range of sports and leisure activities, plus 12 bars and restaurants.
Accommodation The funky four-star Magnolia Hotel with comfortable rooms, a spa, lively pool area and gym.
GW verdict Quinta do Lago has been transformed as a resort entry by the addition of the Magnolia Hotel. Prior to the acquisition of this cute residence in the heart of the ‘super resort’, QDL relied on villas for its accommodation because the hotels within the town-like complex do not have the same owner as the golf courses.
Now, the picture is different. And while Magnolia isn’t the biggest or most luxurious hotel in the top 10, we absolutely love it! It has a vibrant atmosphere, neat bedrooms, a lively pool area and excellent bar and restaurant. And its gym is world-class.
2 PRAIA D’EL REY OBIDOS
The golf Two world-class courses with the stunning part-links, part-parkland Praia de’l Rey being joined by the equally spectacular West Cliffs.
Off-course amenities A number of good restaurants, plus a tennis centre, football pitch and a leisure complex with heated indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, sauna, steam baths, fitness centre and spa.
Accommodation Refurbished five-star hotel overlooking the Atlantic, plus villas and apartments.
GW verdict An immense golf offering, fabulous location and really good accommodation – unlucky not to be No.1.
3 DOM PEDRO VILAMOURA
The golf Five 18-hole courses with the stunning Old Course and dashing Victoria the stars, backed-up by the Millennium, Pinhal and Laguna.
Off-course amenities The hotels are packed with amenities.
Accommodation Three four-star hotels (Dom Pedro Vilamoura, DP Marina and DP Portobelo) – 500 rooms in total.
GW verdict Five courses plus three four-star hotels: Dom Pedro is clearly comprehensive! It has so many rooms and amenities across the Vilamoura, Portobelo and Marina hotels, while the Old is the pick of the 90 holes. Loses marks for being relatively spread out, but none of the hotel-to-course trips is onerous.
4 TROIA SETUBAL
The golf A masterpiece of a Robert Trent Jones seaside course.
Off-course amenities A spa with more than 70 different treatments, kids’ club, two rooftop pools and a casino.
Accommodation The five-star Troia Design hotel.
GW verdict The course is fabulous – witness its position in the top 10 of our Continental courses list. The hotel has lots of amenities. Super setting.
5 OITAVOS DUNES CASCAIS
The golf A classic Arthur Hills design with Atlantic views. Off-course amenities Top spa, a Jacuzzi, sauna, and indoor swimming pool with heated salt water.
Accommodation Five-star hotel with views over the ocean or course.
GW verdict A Continental Top 100 (usually in the top 25) course with fabulous Atlantic views are the highlight of this entry. But the hotel is no letdown, being uber-minimalist in style and lying just a few steps from the 18th green.
6 MONTE REI TAVIRA
The golf Spectacular Jack Nicklaus course which weaves across rolling terrain. World-class championship golf in immaculate condition.
Off-course amenities Swimming pool and tennis courts.
Accommodation A collection of luxury villas, which is now getting close to 150 in terms of rooms – exquisitely furnished.
GW verdict With 142 rooms on resort from 2021, and with a Michelin-starred restaurant, this high-end resort offers the ultimate in quality and service.
7 PENHA LONGA CASCAIS
The golf Classic Robert Trent Jones Jnr (Kyle Phillips steering the ship) undulating parkland, plus the nine-hole Monastery. Off-course amenities The spa is one of Portugal’s finest, while The Assamassa is an elegant dining room. Lots for families. Accommodation Wonderful five-star hotel, tastefully decorated and furnished. GW verdict Constant drama on the course. The on-site hotel is arguably even better; chic look and terrific amenities.
8 AMENDOEIRA ALCANTARILHA
The golf Two Portugal top 20 courses – the Faldo and O’connor.
Off-course amenities Five-a-side football, tennis courts, a 1km jogging track and a great gym.
Accommodation A collection of luxury properties – from spacious two-bedroom apartments to grand four-bedroom villas.
GW verdict The Faldo and O’connor – which, as our ranking suggests, are equal in quality – and superb apartments and villa accommodation see Amendoeira rank high.
9 ROYAL OBIDOS OBIDOS The golf The last course designed by Seve guarantees plenty of thrills and spills. Off-course amenities Extensive dining options and an array of leisure facilities include a gym, spa, tennis courts, cycle trails and outdoor swimming pool. Accommodation A very chic five-star boutique hotel.
GW verdict The course has been a fixture in our Continental Top 100 since it opened in 2012. The stylish, modern hotel does not disappoint. 10 VIDAGO PALACE PORTO
The golf A classic parkland/woodland that was originally the 1934 creation of Mackenzie Ross.
Off-course XXXXXXX amenities Include indoor and XXXXXXXXX outdoor pools and a Zen-inspired spa. Accommodation You feel like royalty at the historic five-star hotel with its exquisite rooms and suites.
GW verdict If you prefer character and pedigree over glitz and dazzle, this is for you. A mini Gleneagles.
11 QUINTA DA MARINHA LISBON
The golf A Robert Trent Jones Snr course from 1984, boasting views of the Sintra Mountains and Atlantic.
Off-course amenities Health club and spa, a large pool, sauna, Turkish bath and a gym.
Accommodation Choose between a fivestar hotel with all the amenities you need, or 44 individual villas.
GW verdict One of Portugal’s biggest and best hotels is the star attraction here, making it one of this list’s premier destinations for families.
12 PENINA PORTIMÃO
The golf The first course to be built on the Algarve opened in 1966 and has hosted 11 Portuguese Opens.
Off-course amenities A very lengthy list that includes a health and beauty centre spa, sauna, pool, games room, gym, kids’ club and five restaurants and two bars. Accommodation Five-star hotel boasting 188 refurbished rooms and suites.
GW verdict The course in mature woodland is excellent. The large hotel is arguably even better.
13 QUINTA DA RIA TAVIRA
The golf Excellent contrasting courses – one technical (Cima), the other scenic (Ria). Off-course amenities Tennis, bike riding and swimming pools. Accommodation A fine combination of rooms, suites and apartments.
GW verdict Expect a quietly excellent break in an unfussy yet super Robinson hotel, with two fine courses.
14 PALMARES PORTIMÃO
The golf Twenty seven holes across three nines, with a mix of seaside and parkland. Off-course amenities Swimming pool, bar, lounge and restaurant. Accommodation The shiny new hotel offers 20 rooms with sea views.
GW verdict Robert Trent Jones overhauled their three loops of nine, then they added a neat on-site hotel.
15 AROEIRA SETUBAL
The golf Frank Pennink-designed Aroeira I sits among tall pines, while Aroeira II is by Donald Steel and plays around six lakes. Off-course amenities An outdoor pool plus four impressive tennis courts. Accommodation Opt for apartments or a brand-new, four-star hotel.
GW verdict Transformed by the addition of a stylish hotel, opened in autumn 2019. It is super-stylish and a great base from which to play Aroeira’s two courses.
16 PINE CLIFFS VILAMOURA
The golf A spectacular nine-hole course with an amazing 6th, an awesome par 3 over the cliffs.
Off-course amenities Several excellent restaurants, five tennis courts, health and fitness club, sauna, Jacuzzi, outdoor pools and a huge spa.
Accommodation Five-star hotel plus luxury villas.
GW verdict The nine cliff-top holes are scenic, the accommodation is exquisite. The non-golf amenities are sensational. Family utopia.
17 VILA SOL VILAMOURA
The golf Three nine-hole, Donald Steeldesigned loops – Vila Sol has hosted the Portuguese Open.
Off-course amenities Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, plus three tennis courts and a kids’ club.
Accommodation Modern five-star hotel.
GW verdict Golf among the pines is very pleasant and so is the hotel and villa accommodation.
18 CAMPO REAL LISBON
The golf A roller coaster round with a splendid variety of holes.
Off-course amenities Two bars plus pools, outdoor Jacuzzi, spa and health club, tennis, equestrian centre and kids’ club. Accommodation Five-star Dolce hotel.
GW verdict Stylish hotel and solid course make it an impressive all-rounder.
19 VALE DO LOBO VILAMOURA
The golf Royal and Ocean courses starring two of Europe’s most spectacular par 3s – the 16th on the former and 15th on the latter.
Off-course amenities Leisure facilities plus praça – the Portuguese for ‘square’ or ‘plaza’, a mix of shops, bars and restaurants. Accommodation Luxury one- and twobedroom apartments.
GW verdict On first glance its position may look oddly low, but Vale do Lobo ‘only’ has apartments as accommodation. If it had a hotel it would be top 10.
20 PALHEIRO FUNCHAL, MADEIRA
The golf A mini Augusta with views of Funchal and the coast.
Off-course amenities Indoor and outdoor pools, badminton, croquet, tennis, fitness room and a spa, fine dining. Accommodation Five-star boutique hotel.
GW verdict Interesting course and a wonderful hotel with luxurious touches.
21 SALGADOS ALBUFEIRA
The golf Sits next to Salgados Beach and a nature reserve.
Off-course amenities Pools, beach and a very fine spa.
Accommodation Self-catering Lagoas villas and Palm Village apartments and suites, plus the five-star Salgados Palace.
GW verdict Playable and scenic course and great accommodation make Salgados a superb option for a chilled-out golf and beach holiday.
22 MORGADO PORTIMÃO
The golf Two contrasting courses: the shorter Alamos and more demanding Morgado.
Off-course amenities Two pools, tennis, spa, bar and restaurant, gym. Accommodation Four-star hotel.
GW verdict Two solid courses and really nice apartments overlooking the fairways.
23 BOAVISTA LAGO
The golf Howard Swan-designed course. Off-course amenities A central hub with a restaurant, pools and leisure facilities. Accommodation A selection of neat villas.
GW verdict Tranquil Algarve option.
24 PONTE LIMA PONTE DE LIMA
The golf Parkland on a mix of flat and undulating terrain.
Off-course amenities Myriad amenities in the hotel and also at the course. Accommodation Neat Ponte de Lima hotel.
GW verdict A nice option in the Porto area.
25 PESTANA GRAMACHO LAGOA
The golf One of the Algarve’s most interesting courses.
Off-course amenities Tennis courts, indoor pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Accommodation Located on the 8th fairway of Gramacho, the new Pestana Golf Resort comprises 34 studios as well as 23 hotel rooms.
GW verdict Neat studio accommodation; one for golf enthusiasts.