Batalha sits on the north coast of São Miguel, on ground where 19th-century Portuguese armies once fought for control of the island. Built in 1986 by the architects Bob Cameron and Chris Powell, the course opened to the public in 1993 as a full 27 holes across three loops, A, B and C, each pairing giving a different full round.

The volcanic ground shapes everything here. Manicured fairways and large, undulating greens sit against dry, rocky outcrops and native woodland, a contrast that gives the course real visual bite. The 4th on the C loop is the signature hole, and the tee shot from B6 is one of the most talked-about moments on the course, a soaring, panoramic view worth the walk up alone. Wide, generous fairways make this a genuinely playable course for a range of abilities, while still testing the better player through its length and green complexes. The course has hosted PGA EuroPro Tour events and the Azores Open, real tournament pedigree behind the scenery.

With three loops to mix and match, Batalha rewards more than one visit, and each combination plays like a genuinely different round. Book more than one combination if your trip allows it. For golfers heading to São Miguel, this is one of the essential rounds on the island.