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PALMARES OCEAN LIVING • LAGOS

Palmares Golf Course

Palmares Golf Course is the perfect destination for golfers longing for a luxurious and scenic golfing experience. Voted World's Best Clubhouse in 2025.

Holes
Holes27
Par
Par72
Architect
ArchitectRobert Trent Jones
Location
LocationLagos, Algarve

Our Expert View

Palmares is defined by variety. The three loops have noticeably different characteristics, with changes in elevation, exposure and playing style throughout the round. That variety is one of the course's strongest features and keeps it from feeling repetitive.

The course rewards good positioning more than outright distance. Several holes offer generous-looking landing areas from the tee, but the preferred angle into the green can make a significant difference. Missing on the wrong side often leaves a much more difficult recovery than the width of the fairways initially suggests.

The conditioning was very good, with consistent lies through the fairways and greens that rolled smoothly and at a fair pace. Approach shots generally held well when struck properly, while poorly positioned shots were still punished.

The elevation changes are an important part of the experience. They create some excellent views and add interest to the routing, but they also make Palmares more physically demanding than it first appears. A buggy is the more comfortable option for most visiting golfers.

Overall, Palmares offers a strong mix of strategy, scenery and shot variety. It is not simply a course that relies on its coastal setting; there is enough quality and variation in the golf itself to make the round stand out.

PlayedPlayed: 10 September 2026
Pace of playPace of play: 4 hrs 15 min
WeatherWeather: 27ºC, sunny, flat calm
WalkingWalking: Buggy advised
Course conditionCourse condition: Very Good
GreensGreens: Bentgrass
FairwaysFairways: Bermuda
Our TipOur Tip: Book twilight for the best sunset views.
Palmares, Clubhouse
Camera icon
Palmares, Clubhouse10 September 2026
About Palmares
COURSE OVERVIEW

About Palmares

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf is a 27-hole championship venue located in Odiáxere, near Lagos in the Western Algarve, offering sweeping views across the Bay of Lagos, the Alvor Estuary, and Meia Praia beach. Designed by renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and opened in 2011, the resort features three distinct nine-hole loops—Alvor, Lagos, and Praia—each presenting a unique landscape, distinct strategy, and par of 36.

The layout allows golfers to combine any two nines for a complete par-72, 18-hole round measuring up to 6,321 metres depending on the combination played. The Alvor loop winds through tree-lined hillsides with dramatic elevation changes and valley views. The Lagos loop transitions into parkland terrain, incorporating natural water hazards and lakes. The coastal Praia loop descends into the dunes alongside Meia Praia beach, delivering an authentic seaside links experience with fast-running fairways and ocean breezes.

Palmares features Bermuda grass tees and fairways, smooth Creeping Bentgrass greens, and strategically sculpted bunkers across all 27 holes. The venue’s natural topography and coastal exposure demand clever shot-making, thoughtful club choice, and adaptable wind play across every round.

Practice facilities at Palmares are exceptionally comprehensive, anchored by a 300-metre grass-stall driving range featuring six target greens, practice bunkers, and elevated tee positions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Golfers also have access to two putting greens, dedicated short-game chipping areas, and professional instruction through the resident PGA Head Professionals at the Palmares Golf Academy.

The resort’s centerpiece is its award-winning clubhouse, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm RCR Arquitectes. Featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the clubhouse offers panoramic ocean views across the Bay of Lagos, a fully stocked pro shop, changing facilities, and exceptional dining at the Clubhouse Restaurant. On-site rental services include premium club sets, modern buggies, manual trolleys, and electric trolleys.

COURSE DETAILS

Course Facts & Facilities

Course characteristics, practice facilities and clubhouse services at a glance.

Buggy Hire
Club Hire
Driving Range
Putting Green
Short Game Area
Practise Bunker
Golf Tuition
Greens:Bentgrass
Fairways:Bermuda
Clubhouse
Parking
EV Charging
Accessible Facilities
Bar / Lounge
Changing Facilities
Outside Seating
Pro Shop
Restaurant
Towels Provided
WiFi internet access
WATCH & EXPLORE

Video, Flyovers & Gallery

Explore the course through videos, aerial views and photos.

Stay & Play at Palmares
Featured

Stay & Play at Palmares

Discover the Signature Apartments at Palmares and what it’s like to stay right on the doorstep of the golf course.
Playing Palmares with a Caddy

Playing Palmares with a Caddy

Experience Palmares on the course with Dan Hendriksen Golf, as he takes on the challenge of breaking par with the help of a caddy.
Palmares Golf Course photo gallery

Course Flyovers

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 1
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 1

Play
Par 4 · White 427m · SI 3
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 2
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 2

Play
Par 3 · White 208m · SI 15
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 3
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 3

Play
Par 4 · White 362m · SI 9
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 4
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 4

Play
Par 5 · White 543m · SI 7
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 5
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 5

Play
Par 4 · White 358m · SI 11
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 6
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 6

Play
Par 4 · White 357m · SI 13
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 7
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 7

Play
Par 3 · White 195m · SI 17
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 8
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 8

Play
Par 5 · White 499m · SI 5
Palmares | Alvor | Hole 9
FLYOVER

Palmares | Alvor | Hole 9

Play
Par 4 · White 403m · SI 1
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 10
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 10

Play
Par 4 · White 334m · SI 12
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 11
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 11

Play
Par 4 · White 451m · SI 2
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 12
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 12

Play
Par 3 · White 164m · SI 18
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 13
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 13

Play
Par 5 · White 496m · SI 4
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 14
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 14

Play
Par 3 · White 224m · SI 10
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 15
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 15

Play
Par 5 · White 462m · SI 16
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 16
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 16

Play
Par 3 · White 179m · SI 14
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 17
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 17

Play
Par 5 · White 499m · SI 8
Palmares | Lagos | Hole 18
FLYOVER

Palmares | Lagos | Hole 18

Play
Par 4 · White 355m · SI 6
GUEST FEEDBACK

Verified Guest Reviews

Super friendly reception at check-in. Starter Anna was top with a great explanation of the course. Excellent quality in the restaurant with a wonderful overall experience at this club.

Sig

A really enjoyable round and service. Cracking clubhouse and staff service. The edges of the fairways were a little tired but the course was generally in good condition. Would I play here again? Yes.

Jonny Warner

Clubhouse was nice and lunch was good with a great view. Preferred the Alvor 9.

S. J. Carson
PLANNING YOUR ROUND

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before booking your round.

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf is situated in Odiáxere, near the historic coastal city of Lagos in the Western Algarve. The course overlooks the Bay of Lagos, the Alvor Estuary, and Meia Praia beach, approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from Faro Airport.
Frequently asked questions
LOCATION

Map & Nearby Hotels

Palmares Beach House Hotel

Palmares Beach House Hotel

Approx. 0.1 km
Palmares Signature Apts.

Palmares Signature Apts.

Approx. 0.3 km
Meia Praia Lagos

Meia Praia Lagos

Approx. 4.2 km
Vila Galé Lagos

Vila Galé Lagos

Approx. 4.5 km
Boavista Golf & Spa

Boavista Golf & Spa

Approx. 9.9 km
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort

Penina Hotel & Golf Resort

Approx. 11.4 km
Pestana Dom João II

Pestana Dom João II

Approx. 17.5 km
Pestana Blue Alvor Beach

Pestana Blue Alvor Beach

Approx. 17.9 km
Alvor Atlântico Beach

Alvor Atlântico Beach

Approx. 17.9 km
COURSE CONDITIONS

Course Maintenance Schedule

Notification bell
CURRENT STATUSOpen for Play
Course Condition
Course ConditionGood
Next Maintenance
Next Maintenance10 April 2026
Last Verified
Last Verified2 October 2026

Maintenance & Course Works

Ongoing Resort & Course Development
Ongoing Resort & Course DevelopmentIn Progress
Calendar Icon10 April 2026 – 31 December 2026

Development and improvement works are taking place in selected areas around the resort and course.

ClockCourse Availability
Course remains open for play. Some works may be visible from selected holes.
Recovery PeriodRecovery Period
No fixed recovery date while works continue.