Vale do Lobo, Algarve, Portugal
Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course
One of the most photographed golf settings in Europe — Vale do Lobo Royal Course features the iconic clifftop holes above the Atlantic, where the ochre cliffs and ocean views create a backdrop unlike anything else in Algarve golf.
About the Course
Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course
Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course was originally designed by Henry Cotton and opened in 1968, making it one of the oldest golf courses in the Algarve. The course was subsequently redesigned by Rocky Roquemore, who created the iconic clifftop holes that have made Vale do Lobo one of the most photographed golf settings in Europe.
The Royal Course is best known for its 16th hole — a par three played across a dramatic ravine in the ochre cliffs above the Atlantic. The combination of the clifftop setting, the ocean views, and the challenge of the shot has made this one of the most famous holes in European golf. The course plays to 6,120 yards from the championship tees and offers a varied and enjoyable test throughout.
Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve's most established resort destinations, with a range of villas, apartments, and hotel accommodation within the estate. The combination of the iconic golf, the beach, and the resort facilities makes this one of the most complete golf holiday destinations in Portugal.
By the Numbers
Course Statistics
Based on course length, terrain & layout
Handicap index suggested for full enjoyment
The Course
Why It Stands Out
The Iconic 16th Hole
The 16th hole at Vale do Lobo Royal is one of the most famous holes in European golf — a par three played across a dramatic ravine in the ochre cliffs above the Atlantic. The combination of the clifftop setting, the ocean views, and the challenge of the shot has made this hole an enduring symbol of Algarve golf.
The Ochre Cliffs
The ochre cliffs that frame the clifftop holes at Vale do Lobo are a geological feature unique to this stretch of the Algarve coast. Their warm, terracotta colour against the blue of the Atlantic creates a visual contrast that is among the most beautiful in European golf.
One of the Algarve's Oldest Courses
Vale do Lobo was established in 1968 — making it one of the oldest golf courses in the Algarve and one of the pioneers of golf tourism in Portugal. Its heritage and its iconic setting give it a character that newer resort courses cannot replicate.
The Vale do Lobo Resort
Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve's most established resort destinations, with a range of villas, apartments, and hotel accommodation within the estate. The beach, the restaurants, and the resort facilities make this one of the most complete golf holiday destinations in Portugal.
The Course
Course Views
Extend Your Itinerary
The Central Algarve — A Complete Programme
Vale do Lobo sits at the heart of the central Algarve's golf cluster. Quinta do Lago and San Lorenzo are within a few miles, and Vilamoura is a short drive along the coast.
Golf Travel
How It Is Included
Vale do Lobo is a key component of our Portugal Algarve collection. We arrange tee times, accommodation within the Vale do Lobo resort or at the Conrad Algarve, and every detail of the routing.
To explore how Vale do Lobo fits into a wider route, visit our The Portugal Algarve Collection page.
Begin Your Journey
Play Vale do Lobo Royal Course
Speak with our team to arrange tee times at Vale do Lobo and build a private itinerary across the championship courses of the Algarve.
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