Algarve Golf Courses

Welcome to the Ferragudo Golf Course

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A New Algarve Parkland course with Character, History and Strategic Variety.

At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we recently had the opportunity to visit Ferragudo Golf Course and experience the layout firsthand ahead of its official opening. Walking the course gave us valuable insight into its design, character, and playing experience, reinforcing our belief that it will become a popular addition to the Algarve golf scene.

Now that Ferragudo Golf Course is officially open, golfers can book tee times and golf holiday packages through Tee Times Golf Holidays, with access to the latest availability and our local expertise to help plan their visit.

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The Algarve’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier golf destinations continues to grow, and the arrival of Ferragudo Golf Course adds another compelling chapter to that story. Located in the Portimão area and developed under the umbrella of the Pestana Group, Portugal’s largest hotel and tourism operator, this new parkland layout introduces a refreshing blend of natural integration, strategic design, and historical character.

Ferragudo Golf Course tee-off and fairway

Rather than relying on dramatic elevation changes or heavy water usage, Ferragudo places its emphasis on routing, angles, and shot selection. The course is set comfortably within the Algarve landscape, where mature vegetation and natural contours frame a layout that feels both modern and timeless.

A Par-73 with Flexible Yardages

Ferragudo plays as a Par 73 and offers multiple teeing options to suit a wide range of golfers:

  • White Tees: 5,841 metres
  • Yellow Tees: 5,227 metres
  • Red Tees: 4,594 metres

This flexibility ensures the course can be enjoyed both as a championship test and as a more accessible resort-style round.

A Course Defined by Variety

One of Ferragudo’s defining strengths is the sheer variety of its holes. The routing avoids repetition, instead offering a sequence of short and long holes that demand constant adjustment in strategy. Players are required to think carefully about positioning, especially on approach shots where angles into greens are often more important than raw distance.

Ferragudo Golf - a course with variety

Water is notably scarce throughout the round, used sparingly to maximum effect. In fact, it only comes into play on the closing hole — the Par 5 18th (Stroke Index 6) — where a lake guards the approach to the green, providing a dramatic finishing risk-reward decision.

History Embedded in the Landscape

Perhaps the most distinctive visual and architectural feature of Ferragudo Golf Course is its integration of historic ruins across the property. These remnants of the past are not merely decorative; they form part of the course identity and visual rhythm.

Ferragudo Golf Tee and Chapel ruins

The most striking of these is an old chapel positioned at a natural crossroads of the layout, influencing play on holes 9, 10, 12, and 13. Plans have been suggested to restore this structure and repurpose it as a halfway house — a unique feature that could become one of the most memorable stopping points in Portuguese golf.

A Parkland Built for Shot-Making

Ferragudo is not a course that overwhelms with brute difficulty, but rather one that rewards thoughtful execution. The absence of heavy water hazards places greater emphasis on fairway positioning, controlled iron play, and creativity around the greens.

Ferragudo Golf Parkland Couse

The result is a layout that promises variety, rhythm, and constant decision-making — a course where no two holes feel the same, and where scoring depends as much on imagination as on power.

Final Impression

With its thoughtful routing, historic atmosphere, and strong integration into the Algarve landscape, Ferragudo Golf Course is positioned to become a notable addition to the region’s already impressive golfing portfolio.

It is a course that invites repeated play, not because it is overwhelming, but because it reveals itself differently with each round.

Ferragudo is not just another Algarve golf course — it is a new identity shaped by land, history, and design intelligence.

Ferragudo Golf Course is a welcome addition to an already strong Algarve portfolio — and reason enough to start planning a visit. Browse our Algarve golf holidays and see what the region has waiting for you.


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A Perfect Morning at Pine Cliffs Golf Course

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A review by our CEO, Mr. Carlos Ferreira — sharing his morning on one of the Algarve’s most celebrated coastal layouts.

This morning I had the pleasure of playing at the beautiful Pine Cliffs Resort golf course, and it truly reminded me why golf in the Algarve is considered among the best in Europe. From the moment the sun rose over the Atlantic coastline, the conditions were simply spectacular. Clear blue skies, warm sunshine, and a light ocean breeze created the perfect setting for an unforgettable round.

Tee Times CEO Carlos Ferreira

The course itself was presented in excellent condition. The fairways were immaculate, offering consistent lies throughout the round, while the greens were particularly impressive — fast, firm, and extremely true. Players had to be fully focused on every putt and approach shot, as the pace of the greens demanded precision and good course management. It was the kind of setup that rewards quality golf while still remaining enjoyable for players of all levels.

One of the most striking things this morning was the atmosphere around the course. There was a tremendous turnout, with close to 200 golfers enjoying the magnificent conditions throughout the day. Despite the high number of players, the pace of play remained surprisingly smooth and efficient. Our group completed the front nine in under two hours, which is excellent considering how busy the course was. Credit must go to both the players and the course management for maintaining such a good rhythm during peak conditions.

On the Green Pine Cliffs

Of course, no visit to Pine Cliffs would be complete without mentioning its breathtaking scenery. The dramatic red cliffs, the panoramic ocean views, and the beautifully maintained landscape make every hole memorable. Even between shots, it is impossible not to stop for a moment and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the course. Few places combine championship golf and coastal scenery quite as effortlessly as Pine Cliffs. For anyone planning a golf break along this stretch of coast, Pine Cliffs is reason enough on its own.

Pine Cliffs Resort Aerial View

The signature par-3 sixth hole, famously played across the cliffs, continues to be one of the most iconic golf holes in Portugal. Standing on the tee box with the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly behind the green is an experience that never gets old. It is one of those rare holes where every golfer instinctively reaches for their phone or camera before taking the shot.

Today’s round perfectly captured what makes golf in the Algarve so special: outstanding weather, exceptional course conditions, stunning scenery, and a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere. Whether you are visiting Portugal for a golf holiday or simply looking for a memorable round by the ocean, Pine Cliffs continues to deliver a first-class experience.

After mornings like this, it is easy to understand why so many golfers return to Pine Cliffs year after year.

Discover the history of golf in the Algarve: Penina Hotel and Golf Resort

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The Algarve, a paradise on the southern coast of Portugal, has long been a coveted destination for golf fans worldwide. With its perfect climate, picture-postcard landscapes and several internationally renowned golf courses, this region attracts golfers year after year. At the heart of this enclave is the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort, the original home of golf in the Algarve.

This luxurious five-star resort, set on 360 acres of grassland and natural beauty, is more than just a golf destination – it’s an institution. With three courses, including the Algarve’s first 18-hole championship course, Penina leads the way in high-quality service, Portuguese charm and exceptional golf. It is perfect for luxurious Algarve golf breaks, relaxing family holidays and corporate retreats for those looking for the ultimate Portugal golf break.

Penina Hotel and Golf Resort: a unique experience

In addition to the golf courses, the Penina Resort has 6 restaurants and bars, ATP standard tennis courts, the largest outdoor pool in the Algarve, a football field, a sauna and a 24-hour gym. As if that were not enough, it also has a private beach bar on the nearby Playa de Dunas.

The Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course at Penina is one of the most challenging in Portugal. Flanked by streams, ditches and water hazards, this course is as unforgiving as beautiful. Maintained to the highest standard, it offers a variety of subtle slopes, elevated greens and stunning scenery. And as host of the Portuguese Open on ten occasions, it guarantees one of the best rounds of golf you can find in the country. It has also received other important international competitions, the most recent being the 74 Portuguese International Amateur Championship organized by the Federação Portuguesa de Golfe.

On the other hand, the Resort Course in Penina offers 9 holes for beginners or 18 holes for more experienced players. Following the principles established by the father of Portuguese golf, Sir Henry Cotton, this course is ideal for golfers of all levels and knowledge looking to enjoy the best Portugal golf holidays.

After a day of play on one of the three exceptional courses, guests can enjoy the best local and international cuisine at the resort’s restaurants. From Portuguese specialities to sophisticated Italian dishes, Penina offers a luxury dining experience to suit all tastes.

The history of golf in the Algarve is one of evolution and growth, which we have witnessed since its beginnings at Tee Times Golf Agency. From the first attempts to build courses in the region to the creation of prestigious tournaments such as the Portuguese Open, the Algarve has become a world-renowned golf destination. At the heart of this phenomenon is the Penina Hotel and Golf Resort. This gem has significantly contributed to the Algarve’s reputation as one of Portugal’s best places to play golf. Discover the magic of golf in the Algarve with a stay at Penina!