Characterised by incredible views across the Bay of Lagos and offering the stunning combination of parkland, heathland and links golf in a spectacular seaside setting, Palmares – which is situated in the western part of Portugal’s famous Algarve – is the stuff that dreams are made of, making it the perfect place for a relaxing golf break.
Palmares features three nine-hole linked loops (the Alvor, Lagos and Praia) that were designed by world-renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jnr and sweep down to the ocean, allowing golfers the opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty and challenge on offer.
Located primarily on the northern part of the site, the Alvor course combines parkland character with views of the Serra de Monchique hills.
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Elevation changes are frequent and integral to the design as the loop weaves its way through intimate valleys – the parkland setting disappears towards the end of the loop as a preview of the dunes and links holes more prevalent on the Lagos and Praia is provided on the 6th and 7th holes.
Although the Lagos loop begins with the same parkland character, dunelands on the southwestern portion of the site take golfers into an entirely different setting for 16 and 17. The loop also incorporates the only two lakes on the site at the short but challenging par 3 12th and the long par 4 15th.
The last of the three nines, the Praia presents a golf experience all great designers dream of: a seaside landscape with dunes exposed to the elements.
Four seaside holes lie between the beach and railway line, with dunes character continuing across the remaining five holes – including on the strong uphill par 5 closing hole which rises out of the dunes through a deep valley toward the magnificent clubhouse.
Away from the fairways, Palmares – one of 12 golf venues managed by Details – Hospitality, Sports, Leisure – features award-winning facilities, gastronomy and a stunning selection of real estate.
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At the heart of the experience is the highly praised clubhouse, winner of ‘Europe’s Best Clubhouse’ at the 2024 World Golf Awards and home to ‘AL SUD’ – the only Michelin star restaurant in a golf clubhouse in the Algarve.
Golfers can choose from a wide range of luxurious accommodation, including opulent one, two and three-bedroom signature apartments and the resort’s boutique five-star Beach Hotel, while future plans include the opening of a JW Marriott International hotel – the luxury brand’s first hotel in Portugal.
NCG Top 100s Rankings
Palmares is one of several beautiful golfing venues on the NCG Top 100s: European Resorts list to be situated on the Algarve. However, it can safely say that it is the only venue that plays host to parkland, heathland and links golf as a rare 27-hole combo.
RELATED – NCG Top 100s: Palmares
RELATED – NCG Top 100s: European Resorts
VISIT THEM – Palmares’ website
Now have your say
Have you been fortunate enough to play at Palmares? What did you think of the unique mix of parkland, heathland and links across the 27 holes on the property? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
