Palmares Golf Resort: Where Golf Diversity Meets Atlantic Coast

Over the past decade, golf in Portugal has experienced a remarkable surge, with destinations such as the beautiful Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort putting the country firmly on the global golf travel map. Set between Lagos and Portimão in the western Algarve, Palmares is a 27-hole golf destination that combines championship golf with the natural beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline. Truly a remarkable location that is hard to replicate in any part of the world.

Just 10 minutes from Lagos and 15 minutes from Portimão, Palmares strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and seclusion. Close enough to enjoy the region's restaurants, beaches and culture, yet removed enough to provide the tranquility golfers often seek from a destination resort, Palmares offers an inviting introduction to one of Europe's fastest-growing golf regions.

The Palmares’ Golf Course

Palmares, which Frank Pennick originally designed, was constructed in 1974 as a conventional 18-hole members' golf club until having a major makeover in 2011. In order to create the current 27-hole destination, renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. rebuilt the site and added nine more holes, giving each of the three loops a unique personality.

The experience goes far beyond the golf course; Palmares is known across the world for having one of the most breathtaking clubhouse environments in all of golf. The resort’s stunning panoramic views of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline and the golf course earned it the title of World’s Best Golf Clubhouse in 2025.

Palmares’ current 27-hole layout is split into three nine-hole loops named after the locales they primarily look over. The opening nine, known as the Alvor Course for its sweeping views over the nearby Alvor Nature Reserve, begins as a traditional resort-style parkland layout. The opening holes may not immediately reveal what awaits, but that changes quickly as the course turns back on itself and descends into a stunning, secluded valley that eventually opens toward the coastline. What starts quietly soon becomes one of the most scenic stretches of the entire resort.

Holes 10 through 18, known as the Lagos Course for the city they play toward, begin to take on a distinct character as the layout moves steadily toward the Atlantic while navigating dramatic changes in elevation. Lagos combines expansive parkland golf with a closing stretch that takes on a more links-like feel, creating a diverse nine holes where the scenery is every bit as memorable as the golf.

The routing features three par 3s, three par 4s and three par 5s, but what makes the nine particularly unique is a stretch of six consecutive holes without a par 4. The unusual sequence creates a rhythm rarely found on a golf course, requiring players to continually adjust their strategy as they move between par 3s and par 5s. All the while, the views become increasingly spectacular, with the Atlantic providing a constant backdrop as the round moves toward the coast.

The experience culminates with the Praia Course, holes 19 through 27, a rugged nine-hole stretch of sandy links golf that hugs the coastline and can make you feel as though you’ve been transported to Scotland. The natural terrain, coastal winds and exposed landscape create a distinctly links-like experience unlike anything else in Portugal.

Here, the line between golf course and seaside community begins to blur. Golfers share the landscape with locals enjoying their morning walks along the promenade, while active train tracks run alongside portions of the course, with trains occasionally passing as you make your way around the loop. It's an unexpected element that adds to the character and sense of place.

Praia is also the most demanding of Palmares’ three nine-hole loops, requiring pinpoint accuracy from tee to green. Miss your target, and the sandy scrub can quickly turn a leisurely round into an afternoon of survival golf. But when you find the fairway and embrace the challenge, the combination of links-style golf, ocean views and the surrounding community makes Praia a memorable experience that can rarely be replicated.

Accommodations

Palmares offers more than just golf. The accommodations and total stay are equally important to the resort. The five-star Palmares Beach Hotel offers up to 20 rooms and suites, many of which have individual balconies with expansive views across the golf course into the Atlantic Ocean, for those seeking a more conventional luxury hotel experience. Additionally, there is a restaurant on the premises with a balcony overlooking the surroundings and a private pool for guests to enjoy.

Palmares' flagship apartments provide a variety of layouts to suit various group sizes for those looking for more room and seclusion. A community pool with a view of the tenth hole offers an additional spot to relax in between rounds, and the extra living space gives the area a more domestic feel.

The resort's most eagerly awaited expansion is still in the works. The first JW Marriott in Portugal is now being built and is expected to open in 2028, adding even more luxury to the Palmares experience. It is anticipated that the new complex would include a wide range of amenities, further solidifying Palmares' reputation as a destination where golf is just the beginning.

Dining Options

The dining experience at Palmares mirrors the variety found across its three golf courses, with three on-property restaurants offering distinctly different experiences throughout the day.

The Clubhouse Restaurant provides a more casual option, serving familiar comfort food alongside some of the most spectacular views in Europe. Open for much of the day, it is an easy choice before or after a round, or simply a place to settle in and enjoy the scenery.

For a deeper connection to Portuguese cuisine, Preceito delivers an elevated dining experience rooted in the country's culinary traditions. From land to sea, each dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the ingredients and artistry behind every plate. It's the kind of meal that turns dinner into an experience rather than simply another part of the itinerary.

At 180º Restaurant, the menu follows the rhythm of the day, from breakfast through dinner, with fresh, seasonal ingredients taking center stage. The atmosphere strikes a balance between relaxed and refined, making it an inviting setting to start the morning, unwind after a round or settle in for an evening meal.

Together, the three restaurants add another layer to the Palmares experience, giving guests the flexibility to choose between casual comfort, Portuguese-inspired fine dining and relaxed sophistication without ever leaving the property.

Experience Palmares

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf offers beauty with substance on some of the most breathtaking seaside properties in the Algarve. Palmares offers a full destination experience, with three different golf courses, stunning views of the Atlantic, opulent lodging, fine cuisine, and much to enjoy outside the fairways.

Palmares offers an experience that lingers long after the last putt is made, whether you're organizing a golf-focused vacation or just searching for a memorable getaway along Portugal's coast.