Par: 72

Length: 6,102m

Designer: Joseph Lee

Course Type: Parkland

Putting/practice green: Y

Driving range: Y

Handicap limit: M 28 / F 36

The area: Located on flat, low-lying marshlands, this course features numerous water hazards and extensive bunkers among its pretty natural surroundings. Another hazard is the wind – it blows over the exposed setting, adding to the links-style layout of the course. It’s one of the Algarve’s trickier picks!

Holes: When it comes to signatures, the drive on the par 4 9th hole requires an accurate shot, with water down the right and a large bunker and out of bounds down the left.

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, pro shop, valet service.

Par: 73

Length: 6,254m

Designer: Frank Pennink

Course Type: Parkland

Putting/practice green: Y

Driving range: Y

Handicap limit: M 28 / F 28

The area: Set your sights on one of the Algarve’s most timeless choices for a game of golf. Renowned throughout the world as one of the oldest in the region, this Frank Pennink-designed course gently undulates through the major hazard – pine forests. It’s a pretty special course.

Holes: The most scenic hole, the par 3 4th, is played over the only water hazard on the course. The green is also guarded by an umbrella pine and three bunkers!

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, pro shop, clubhouse, free shuttle to/from Vilamoura hotels

Par: 72

Length: 6,102m

Designer: Sir Henry Cotton

Course Type: Parkland

Putting/practice green: Y

Driving range: Y

Handicap limit: M 34 / F 36

The area: Set your sights on the last course designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. The area incorporates the local landscape to create rolling fairways and elevated greens. It’s set just outside the breathtaking village of Alvor and provides a rewarding round for all skill levels.

Holes: The 555-yard par 5 16th – once Europe’s longest hole and known as “Sir Henry’s Challenge” – offers a real test. Keep your drive to the right to avoid the pond down the left-hand side.

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, clubhouse, pro shop, buggy rental

Par: 72

Length: 6,393m

Designer: Donald Steel

Course Type: Parkland

Putting/practice green: Y

Driving range: Y

Handicap limit: M 34 / F 36

The area: Here you have it – a typical Algarve inland layout. This 27-hole course winds its way through pine and fig trees, and incorporates a number of lakes into the interesting design. The course has hosted the Portuguese Open on two occasions, so it’s pretty impressive!

Holes: The par 3 7th requires a daring shot over water. The small green leaves a tough putt if you hit the safety of the back, with the slope running towards the front.

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, pro shop, valet service

Par: 72

Length: 6,651m

Designer: Arnold Palmer

Course Type: Links

Putting/practice green: Y

Driving range: Y

Handicap limit: M 24 / F 36

The area: The Victoria course opened in 2004 and since 2007 has played host to the Portugal Masters. The Championship course offers a stern test with extensive water hazards which blend seamlessly with the wetland landscape. The course’s pretty lakes really provide an idyllic backdrop to a round of golf.

Holes: Out of all 18, the par 5 12th hole offers a real test with the fairway flanked to the left by a large lake and bunker to the right.

Facilities: Bar, restaurant, clubhouse, pro shop, free shuttle to/from Vilamoura hotels.