Restaurants & Golf
Alvor restaurants
Taverna do Guedes Tipica-Alvor
This old building was once a wine adega and still retains the atmosphere, For views of the river and to see the food being grilled sit on the roof terrace and sample the fresh fish. Pork and chicken are oven baked. Very affordable and great for an evening out.
Restaurant Galeria-Alvor
Relax with Jazz music, International Cuisine and attentive service. Try gratinated seafood starter in a shell, Kebabs with Yoghurt Sauce or Salmon Provencal. Paella is a speciality a good feast for two served valencian style in traditional large paella pan.
 Paella
Fisherman’s Rest-Alvor
This restaurant has one of the best positions in Alvor at the bottom of the street leading to the Fish Market almost down to the waters edge. Choose fish and you may even see your fish being landed. A dish called Caldeirada is not to be missed - a typical Fisherman’s stew.
Cotton’s Restauarant - Alto Club
A classy restaurant with superb food and matching service. Elegantly furnished and very relaxing with large terrace. Three times a week you can enjoy listening to music by a live pianist and on Friday’s there is a BBQ and live music. Vegetarians are also catered for and there is a wide menu of steaks, lamb and fresh fish. Due to its' popularity it is advisable to pre-book during peak periods.
 Kebabs
Bolan Bar-Alvor
A fun packed restaurant to the sounds of Reggae, Funk, Soul and Salsa. Bob Marley prints adorn the walls along with ethnic paintings. Try the melt in the mouth shoama kebabs.
Restaurant Fonte de Pedra - Alcalar (nr. Alvor)
Alcalar is famous for its Neolithic burial chamber which is open to the public. This country restaurant is a few minutes away and combines superbly for a day or evening out and has been a long-time favourite with British and local residents. Inside is typically rustic and embellished with antiques. The food is the best of Portuguese, but creative, try the Pork with figs, casseroled rabbit or lamb, steak with almonds or fresh fish. Reasonable prices. Again, due to its' popularity, it is advisable to pre-book during peak periods.
Lusitania Pizzeria-Alvor
A beautifully restored fishermans house. Choose from a typical Portuguese menu or try the Pastas and large traditionally baked pizzas with generous toppings. Take lunch under the vines or enjoy the evening buzz in the pretty terrace garden.
Restaurant Hellmans-Alvor
Situated overlooking Alvor bay. Dine and watch the yachts and fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour. Views across the bay towards the lights of Lagos. Portuguese and International cuisine, fish being a speciality. Meat lovers and vegetarians also well catered for.
 Grilled Sardines
Restaurant Vagabondo-Alvor
Situated on the main road down to the harbour, a charming restaurant with a pretty terraced garden surrounded by almond and orange trees. Watch the food being cooked on the charcoal grill. Huge kebabs for two persons as well as lamb with gratinated potatoes. Shrimps piri-piri and much more. Extensive childrens menu.
Al Dente - Alvor
Opposite the back entrance of the Alto Club, is this Italian Restaurante and Pizzeria. Staff will escort you to a table in the informal conservatory to dine, or why not ask to be seated in the front area and watch your food being prepared. There is something on the menu to suit everyone, the service is quick and the food is excellent. It does tend to get very busy early evening with families and young children, but it is well worth the wait.
Burgau and Luz area restaurants
Burgau Beach Bar
Not open in evenings till mid-April. Gets very busy in the summer. Good quality food served - chicken, steaks, kebabs, fresh fish plus the usual meat filled rolls, burgers etc. The bar is situated directly on the beach, ideal for both children and adults to eat and for children to return to playing. Reservation recommended.
 Traditional Sunday Roast
The Pig's Head, Burgau
Situated about 500 yards outside of Burgau on the Luz coast road. Excellent home cooked meals available most evenings .Opening times vary seasonally There is a large bar with ample seating area and games room equipped with a large screen satellite TV’S. Spend the day round the pool and large terrace. Sundays enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch with a choice of roasts and 3 courses. Full and children’s menu available from 6pm onwards.
Boia Bar, Salema
Don’t let the name mis-lead you. This is a Portuguese bar/restaurant on the beach in Salema. Park in the main car park at the bottom of the hill on the right and walk about 20 yards along the road to the left. Choice of seating inside and out with an extensive choice of fish and meat dishes. Beautiful surroundings and very friendly staff.
Chaplin's, Luz
Formerly known as ‘The Baccuss Bar’ situated opposite the church in Praia da Luz. This is a family bar with Satellite TV offering a wide and varied menu with something for all tastes and a very popular Sunday Lunch menu.
Fontenario, Espiche
An excellent family run restaurant run by Julio and Debbie, offering an extensive Portuguese and International menu in relaxing and pleasant surroundings. Try the cardinal prawns followed by meat kebab or one of the many traditional Portuguese dishes. Small children’s play area outside on terrace.
 Prawn salad
O Cellero, nr. Burgau
On N125 between Lagos and Burgau, just before Burgau turn off. An excellent meal with first class service and a wide choice of meat, fish and shell fish. All of which is presented before cooking for your inspection.
O Poco, Luz
Not tried by ourselves but highly recommended by clients. On the Luz promenade near where rocks start on west end of beach above O Pirata. Chicken Piri Piri, good fish menu and excellent steaks. Appreciate the lovely sea view whilst you enjoy your meal.
Fortaleza Da Luz
Resevations are recommended at this restaurant established for 16yrs. Open daily throughout the year. There is an internal ocean terrace and another outside in the gardens. During the summer the garden restaurant is a ‘Brazillian Churrasco’ with an open air bar selling tropical fruit, cocktails (alcoholic & non alcoholic), juices as well as the full range of usual drinks.
 Fresh lobster
Ancora, Burgau
A very friendly and relaxed ambiance. In good position overlooking the sea. Daily dish of the day. Extensive menu and many mouth watering dishes. Lobster is a house speciality but must be ordered in advance.
Lagos area restaurants
O Cantinho Algarvio at Rua Afonso de Almeida, Lagos
A family run restaurant with traditional Portugueuse cuisine. House specialty includes fish cataplana, grilled fish,wild Boar. Home made desserts.
Swordfish steak
O Pirata Restaurante Bar at Estrada do Porto de Mos, Lagos
A very friendly and welcoming restaurant. Cosy rustic atmosphere. Serves Portuguese specialitites with Azorian flavour and hospitality. Excellent steaks and shrimps, Swordfish and sauté banana, grilled tuna, stroganoff etc. Home made desserts. English breakfast available too. Open from 10am until 2am.
Restaurante Fontenario off the old N125, Espiche, nr Lagos
An excellent family run restaurant run by Julio and Debbie, offering an extensive Portuguese and International menu in relaxing and pleasant surroundings. Specialities include lamb Fontenario, cataplanas, kebabs, Portuguese steak and fresh fish. Also provide a small children’s menu and play area.
Golf Courses
We have access to all the popular golf courses in the west Algarve and benefit from preferential rates with pre-booked tee times of your choice. Please email us for a quote.
Alto Golf and Country Club
Situated near to the picturesque village of Alvor, the Alto Club Golf course which opened in 1991 was designed by Sir Henry Cotton. The theory he had in mind was that a golf course should not only be testing for low handicap players, but also provide an enjoyable and agreeable game for the novice player too. The Alto Golf Course runs through two valleys, having winding fairways and undulating greens, strategically placed bunkers and trees, plus dog-legs. For the first 9 holes, players have an excellent view over the bay of Lagos. The final 9 are played along gentle slopes, the most challenging being a par 5 at the 16th hole, which is considered to be one of the longest holes in Europe. At 604 meters, it requires three long and accurate shots to avoid the lake, hold the angled fairway and find the small, well protected green.
Facilities at the Alto Golf course include a restaurant and bar, driving range, putting green, pitching and bunker area and a golf pro shop.
Details:
Length 6,125m
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes are not required for play
Smart dress code
Morgado do Reguengo
This lovely golf course lies to the north of Portimao, having stunning views of the Monchique Mountains and surrounding countryside. The 18 hole course is set amongst valleys, rivers and woodlands in a 980 hectare estate, having large tees and greens, deep bunkers and a gently undulating fairway. 9 of the holes are undulating with the remaining 9 being dominated by water hazzards. Although the Morgado Golf course was only opened in 2003, it does actually have a surprisingly mature feel to it, characterised by the planting of over 500 olive trees. The club house is perfectly located too, with the south terrace enjoying views of the driving range and twelve of the eighteen holes.
Facilities at the Morgado Golf course include a driving range, putting green, golf academy, golf pro shop, restaurant and bar.
Details:
Length 6,675m
Holes 18
Par 73
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Le Meridien Penina Golf and Resort
Originally paddy fields for rice growing, the Penina Golf course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton, was the first to be built in the Algarve in 1966. During its' conversion, over 400 thousand trees were planted and because this is a flat course, water hazzards have been included to catch the unwary long hitter. The sequence of holes on this course is actually very original since the last 9 holes begin and end with par 5. Therefore, the first half of the course is par 35 leaving the remaining 9 to be par 38. At hole 5, a new lake has been created to protect the green and more water has been added around green 13 creating a small island. Bunkers have also been deepened since the original design was built, along with the re-building of tees according to modern techniques, making this a real championship course.
Facilities at the Meridien Penina Golf and resort include a driving range, putting green, golf academy, golf pro shop, restaurant and bar.
Details:
Length 6.273m
Holes 18
Par 73
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 32
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Boavista Golf
Opened in 2002 and designed by Harold Swan, this impressive 18 hole course has quickly matured and is a pleasure to play. The Boavista Golf championship course is situated between Lagos and Luz and extends through breathtaking scenery from the EN125 coast road, to stunning views of the ocean. The course has been ingeniously designed to both preserve and integrate with the natural undulating terrain. The native olive, almond, fig and palm trees are a feature of the landscaping and a number of water features add to the Boavista Golf challenge.
Facilities include a golf academey, club house and driving range.
Details:
Length 6,053m championship
Length 5,751m competition (5,273m men and 4,751m women)
Holes 18
Par 71
Handicap men 27
Handicap women 35
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure resort
Designed by Pepe Gancedo and opened in 1987, the Parque da Floresta Golf course has been constructed with minimal alteration to the existing terrain. Near the village of Budens, the course is designed through valleys and over hills with stunning views of the ocean and countryside at every turn. This 18 hole course is one of the most challenging in the Algarve and will stretch the golfers' skills to the limit. water comes into play for the 15th 16th and 17th holes, where bold yet accurate shots will reap benefits for the brave. At Parque da Floresta Golf you will find first class facilities at the club house and the Vigia Golf Academy can help prepare you for the course.
Details:
Length 5,673m
Holes 18
Par 71
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Palmares Golf
The new Trent Jones Jr course opens on 1st March 2010. To pave the way for this opening the current course will close on 6th November 2009. Close to the historic town of Lagos and designed by Frank Pennink, Palmares Golf is a course of undeniable quality and beauty. Having spectacular views over the bay of Lagos, playing the course is a real treat. The first hole is probably one of the most stunning in the Algarve by being both high up and looking directly out to sea. The next 5 links run at sea level and paralell to the beach of Meia Praia, turning back inland towards the direction of the clubhouse at hole 6. A new challenge then sets in with holes designed along curved valleys edged by pine trees. Even the clubhouse, serving light snacks, has beautiful views.
Facilities at Palmares Golf include a restaurant and bar, driving range, pitching green, putting green and a golf shop. Golf lessons can also be arranged.
Details:
Length 5,961m
Holes 18
Par 71
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Pestana Pinta Golf Course
This championship course near Carvoeiro and opened in 1992, was designed by Ronald Fream, a most respected architect whose style involves the preservation of nature. The Pestana Pinta Golf Course runs through an old olive grove where some of the trees are over 700yrs old. The course is quite adaptable to suit all standards of play, this being acheived by 5 sets of tees for each of its' holes. The wide, deep greens are protected by 59 similarly sized bunkers.
Facilities include a putting green, driving range, chipping and bunker practise area, a golf shop, restaurant and bar.
Details:
Length 5,861m
Holes 18
Par 71
Handicap men 27
Handicap women 35
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Quinta do Gramacho
Originally a 9 hole course designed by Ronald Fream, it has been cleverly re-designed and extended to become a fully fledged 18 hole course. The Quinta da Gramacho course is unique, being one of only a few in the world to have 18 sets of tees, 27 greens, yet only 18 fairways. Holes 1 to 4 and 14 to 18 have two greens, and this can change your game plan depending on which green is in play. The terrain is liberally scattered with a large quantity of carob, fig, palm, almond and olive trees, while the existing features have been improved by well positioned lakes and bunkers. Experienced golfers will acknowledge that they will have played a very fine, testing course.
Facilities at Quinta do Gramacho include a golf pro shop, a driving range, chipping green and bunker area, a golf academy and a restaurant and bar.
Details:
Length 5,919m
Holes 2 x 9
Par 72
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Laguna Golf
Designed by Joseph Lee and opened in 1990, this is one of the most recent of the Vilamoura courses and makes full use of the wet, marshy ground near the sea. The Laguna course is nat a particularly long course but it could be visually intimidating in places. the 5th hole for example is nicely elevated but the line of drive is narrowed by the over hanging trees and lake. As the name of this course suggests, water plays a big part on about half of the holes, although the terrains natural look has still been preserved. The course is flat and is both suited for the novice player and the high handicap player. Apart from the 79 bunkers, another hazzard facing the golfer on this course is the wind that frequently blows over the exposed location.
acilities at Laguna Golf include a bar, restaurant, golf pro shop, driving range, chipping green and putting green.
Details:
Length 6,121m
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Millenium Golf
In 1999 this 9 hole course was re-furbished by well known UK golf architects Hawtree and Sons, to become the new, exciting 18 hole Millenium Course. Many of the original tees, greens and 9 holes were re-built and several design features were incorporated to make it more golfer-friendly. Several of the bunkers on the Millenium Course have been re-shaped too and the smaller greens expanded. The renovated North course was then joined with the new 9 hole loop, resulting in the two 9's of the course complimenting each other. The terrain is partially open with the remainder winding through the attractive pine trees. This does however tend to make the fairways narrow, so placing more accuracy of play on the golfer.
Facilities at the Millenium Course include a club house, bar, restaurant, golf pro shop and putting green.
Details:
Length 6,143m
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 24
Handicap women 28
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Pinhal Golf Course
Originally designed by Britain Frank Pennink in 1975, the Pinhal Course at Vilamoura underwent re-furbishment in 1985 by American Robert Trent Jones. The combination of ideas from these two very different architects has resulted in the golfer being confronted by very different kinds of play. The course is laid out through the middle of a pinewood and has views over the sea. The fairways are wider and more open than those found at The Old Course at Vilamoura, however, the greens are smaller, resulting in the golfer needing accurate approaching shots. Water comes into play with the small lake at the 4th hole during the second shot. The undulating green can be torturous, making par a real acheivement. There is water too at the 8th hole. The green is immediately behind the small lake and a timid shot may well result in your shot not finding the bank and so rolling down into the water.
Facilities at Pinhal include a golf shop, bar, restaurant, putting green and driving range.
Details:
Length 6,151m
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
The Old Course
As its' name suggests, this is the oldest course found at Vilamoura, in the Algarve. designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, he wanted to create a course in the Algarve that would remind players of British parkland. The fairways run through the surrounding pine trees, adding an extra challenge to the game. the Old Course is an attractive course, with a great variety of holes and is well maintained, being renovated in 1997. The par 3 holes are all different and represent the toughest challenge on the course, requiring careful selection of irons by the golfer and near perfect ball control. Trees lining the doglegs play a decisive role over the rest of the course with the small greens leaving no margin for errors. A unique feature of The Old Course is that is a par 73.
Facilities include a driving range, putting green, golf shop, restaurant and bar.
Details:
Length 6,254m
Holes 18
Par 73
Handicap men 24
Handicap women 28
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
The Victoria Course
This course is the most recent to have been opened in the Algarve. Designed by Arbnold Palmer and opened in 2004, it is laid out on virtually flat terrain of over 90 hectares. A series of constructed mounds have been specially landscaped to mimick the outline of inland hills ion the horizon, enriching the course with a feeling of movement. Several lakes and waterfalls also add to the attractive surroundings, giving the course character. The Victoria Clube de Golfe is a notabale course in Europe and at present, the longest 18 hole course in Portugal with each hole having a minimum of 5 tees, so making it appealing to all standards of golfers.
Facilities include a driving range, putting green, golf pro shop and a restaurant and bar at the clubhouse.
Details:
Length 6,505m
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 24
Handicap women 28
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
Silves
The relatively new course at Silves is elegantly designed by Fausto Nascimento and located in a peaceful position. From the opening hole, players are faced with two water hazards but a strong straight shot rewards the player with an easy uphill approach shot. Most holes allow players to enjoy the spectacular mountain and valley view, overlooking palm trees and olive groves. There are orange and fig trees along the course too.
Facilities include a chipping green, bunker area, golf pro shop, golf academy, tennis, restaurant and bar
Details:
Holes 18
Par 70
Length White 5.615m
Length Yellow 5.256m
Length Blue 5.256m
Length Red 4.728
Alamos Golfe
Established in 2006, this relatively new yet challenging course is set around 3 large lakes. The 6,600 yard layout of this 18 hole course includes hazardous water features, tight undulating fairways and large but tricky greens, has a variety of holes, plus some drives through tight tree lined avenues. The enormous putting surfaces are also renowned for their severe slopes, guarded by treacherous bunkers. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, clubhouse, driving range, putting green and buggy hire. Lessons can also be pre-arranged.
Details:
Length 6,600 yards
Holes 18
Par 72
Handicap men 28
Handicap women 36
Soft spikes required for play
Smart dress code
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