Is This Algarve Golf Course Europe’s Best Kept Secret?

Tucked away in the sun-drenched coastline of southern Portugal lies a golf course that blends world-class design, panoramic ocean views, and a sense of quiet exclusivity. Just minutes from the town of Lagos, this Algarve gem has long been a favourite among those in the know — but is still waiting to be discovered by many.
golf palmares europe's best kept secret
A Golf Experience Unlike Any Other in Europe

While most courses offer 18 holes, this course stands out with its 27-hole layout, divided into three distinct 9-hole loops: Alvor, Lagos, and Praia. Each loop offers a unique golfing experience, from tree-lined parkland fairways to links-style holes running along the Atlantic coast. The ability to mix and match the loops allows for a fresh challenge every time you play.

Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course masterfully integrates the natural Algarve landscape into a strategic and memorable round of golf. Elevated tees, undulating greens, and stunning vistas ensure that every hole is as beautiful as it is rewarding.

 

Parkland fairways and coastal marina views at Palmares Golf, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal.

Seaside green and dunes at Palmares Golf, with Atlantic Ocean views near Lagos, Algarve.

 

Breathtaking Views and Tranquil Surroundings

Perched above the Bay of Lagos, the course boasts some of the most spectacular views in European golf. The terrain cascades down from the hills towards the ocean, with sweeping panoramas of sand dunes, beach, and sea. A nearby railway line even crosses the landscape, adding a touch of charm to the already picturesque setting.

What truly sets this course apart is its atmosphere: it offers a tranquil, uncrowded alternative to the busier golf hubs of southern Europe. Here, you’ll find wide fairways, whispering pines, and the sound of waves crashing in the distance — a perfect environment for focused, peaceful play.

 

Award-winning clubhouse with ocean views at Palmares Golf, Lagos, Algarve, Portugal.

 

Award-Winning Facilities

In 2024, the course’s clubhouse was named the Best Clubhouse in Europe by the Golf Awards, and it’s easy to see why. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the course and ocean, it combines modern architecture with natural beauty. Golfers can relax in elegant comfort, browse premium equipment at the pro shop, or enjoy fine dining at AL Sud, the Michelin-starred restaurant on site.

This elevated experience, from course design to hospitality, helps explain why so many golfers return here year after year — and why others are only just beginning to discover it.

 

Interested in discovering this course for yourself? Book a round, explore stay & play options, or simply learn more about golf in Lagos and the Western Algarve.

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Play a 27-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., where coastal views, natural beauty and golfing challenge come together.