What to do and see in Almancil, Algarve: The Best Golf Courses

Golf, Beach and Life at Quinta do Lago “With three of the best golf courses in Europe, Quinta do Lago is an obvious choice for me. But what I love the most is not having to worry about the family - with the beach, the lake, restaurants, tennis, water sports and even shopping, there is always plenty for them to do and there is an incredible events and activities calendar. And the best thing is always knowing the children are safe.” (Paul McGinley) Enjoy the Quinta do Lago Experience Sitting amongst 2,000 acres of the picturesque Ria Formosa Natural Park and its unique beaches, the resort offers its residents and guests an unparalleled location benefiting from a year-round temperate climate. One of the most desired addresses in Europe, Quinta do Lago is a unique destination where magnificent golf courses and grand villas blend with green umbrella pines, the tranquility of lakes, the beauty of sandy beaches and the wildlife from the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Quinta do Lago also boasts one of the finest practice facilities in Europe. With its state of the art driving range, Paul McGinley Academy and TaylorMade Custom Fitting Centre providing the ultimate practice experience. Our programs are tailor made for each player and designed to your specific needs. Learn with the best. At each of our restaurants, there is a gourmet experience to be enjoyed. Each of them takes advantage of the spectacular scenery, superb climate and fresh Mediterranean produce that the resort has become famous for. Quinta do Lago offers an exclusive events calendar that is put together each year for the benefit of guests and residents. With an action-packed list including picnics in the park, outdoor concerts, beach parties, golf clinics and outdoor movie nights, there is always a new experience to be enjoyed, whatever the time of year.

This excellent course, with some long par 4s, has hosted the Portuguese Open several times and features the par 3, 15th hole with nothing between the tee and green but water.

Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort offers a unique concept in luxury living. 1,500 residential and holiday properties, makes it the largest luxury resort of its kind in Portugal with endless facilities and services in a unique location

The North Course was totally redesigned in 2014, by renowned architect Beau Welling, in conjunction with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. The new layout has been built to the highest specifications, with an investment of €9million. All the greens, tees, bunkers, irrigation and drainage systems and cart paths have been re-built using innovative technology. Four sets of tees have been introduced on each hole to accommodate players of all levels. Golfers are challenged by a combination of undulating greens, well-positioned bunkers and water hazards. A low-cut Bermuda grass approach has been introduced around greens to create recovery shot options, therefore encouraging all levels of play. Through the introduction of seasonal rough grass and the planting of specimen trees, the aesthetics and environmental impact of the par-72 course has significantly improved. The renovation has allowed for water recycling, solar energy while the grassy areas will encourage new ecosystem

The Ocean Golf Course features undulating fairways which run alongside nature reserve, before leading gently down to the shores of the Atlantic The front nine are located on a slightly hilly land which characterises Vale do Lobo, surrounded by pine trees with sea view from several holes. The back nine in particular are characterised by spectacular ocean views, with some holes almost stretching down to the beach. On reaching the brow of the hill on the 11th, players come suddenly upon a sight fit to take the most concentrated golfer's breath away. The fairway runs directly down towards the beach and, for the next few holes, outstanding views and Atlantic breezes are guaranteed to make a player's round exhilarating, even if his game is below expectations.