Along the sunlit coastline of Portugal’s Algarve region, Palmares stands as a golf destination offering diversity, challenge and scenic beauty—all within a single, unified 27-hole course. Situated near the town of Lagos, Palmares offers golfers a rare opportunity to experience multiple styles of golf within one cohesive layout.
Variety Within a Single Layout
Unlike traditional 18-hole courses, Palmares features a 27-hole configuration thoughtfully designed to offer variety while maintaining the continuity of a single course. The layout consists of three distinct 9-hole sequences—Alvor, Lagos, and Praia—each contributing its own character to the full round.
- Alvor Loop: Elevated parkland holes with pine-lined fairways and sweeping views across the bay.
- Lagos Loop: A balance of parkland and water-lined holes requiring careful shot placement and strategy.
- Praia Loop: Authentic seaside links, where rolling dunes and Atlantic winds introduce constant variation.
The ability to combine these loops provides golfers with different 18-hole combinations, allowing for fresh challenges on each visit while remaining part of one unified golfing experience.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
The entire course was crafted by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., who is recognised for blending natural landscapes into strategic golf design. At Palmares, the terrain’s natural undulations, coastal elevation, and ever-present sea breeze create a dynamic playing environment that evolves throughout the round.
Each hole flows seamlessly into the next, making full use of the Algarve’s coastal scenery. Fairways rise and fall naturally, greens are subtly contoured, and bunkering encourages thoughtful club selection. The proximity to the Bay of Lagos enhances the course’s visual appeal without distracting from the technical elements that experienced golfers appreciate.
A Balanced Challenge for All Golfers
Palmares manages to cater to a wide range of players. For some, it offers an enjoyable round amidst stunning scenery; for others, it presents the strategic test expected of a championship-standard course. The combination of parkland, lakeside and links-style golf ensures that every round requires both adaptability and concentration.
While it remains one of the Algarve’s quieter destinations compared to more commercialised resorts, Palmares has steadily earned recognition among golfers who value variety and thoughtful design.
The Setting Enhances the Play
Beyond the course itself, the location of Palmares contributes to its unique atmosphere. Positioned just minutes from Lagos, the course benefits from a blend of natural surroundings, historical context, and unobstructed coastal views. The calm, uncrowded setting allows golfers to fully appreciate the subtleties of the design and the rhythm of play.
Conclusion
Palmares offers a unified 27-hole golf course where each round can take on a different character depending on how the loops are combined. This balance of variety, natural beauty, and strategic design reflects why many golfers include Palmares among the Algarve’s most rewarding golfing destinations.
