First impressions matter in golf, and Palmares Resort near Lagos on Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast delivers an immediate sense that something impressive awaits. This 27-hole facility, recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers a golfing experience that seamlessly blends parkland elegance with authentic links character across three distinctive nine-hole loops—Alvor, Lagos, and Praia.
Three Nines, Three Personalities
Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr., Palmares presents golfers with three distinct nine-hole courses, each offering its own character and challenges. The Alvor nine features parkland golf with significant elevation changes, taking players through hillsides and intimate valleys lined with mature pines. The Lagos nine begins with a similar parkland character but incorporates the only two water features on the property before transitioning beautifully into expansive dunescape. Finally, the Praia nine delivers pure seaside links golf, with four holes playing between the beach and railway line in classic coastal fashion.
This three-nine configuration allows for multiple 18-hole combinations, ensuring variety for return visits and catering to different preferences and skill levels.
The Alvor and Lagos Experience
Playing the Alvor and Lagos combination—effectively holes 1 through 18—provides a comprehensive introduction to what makes Palmares special. The Lagos nine particularly impresses with how it blends seamlessly into the dunes. You feel the anticipation building as the course transitions, sensing that you’re approaching links-style golf whilst maintaining its own distinctive character and feel.
One of the standout features across both nines is the quality of the par-threes. These holes demonstrate thoughtful design and variety, each presenting unique challenges and strategic decisions. Strong par-threes often elevate a golf course from good to exceptional, and Palmares delivers on this front consistently.
The Praia Links
Whilst time constraints prevented playing the Praia nine, wandering around this seaside links loop reveals its special character. Four holes play directly alongside the beach, offering that authentic coastal golf experience that links enthusiasts seek. The exposure to the elements, the dunescape, and the proximity to the Atlantic create an atmosphere distinct from the parkland character of the opening holes.
The ability to experience all three styles—parkland, transitional dunes, and pure links—within a single facility makes Palmares genuinely unique in the Algarve region.
Choosing Your Tees: A Tale of Two Rounds
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from two rounds at Palmares centres on tee selection. The first 18 holes played from the yellow tees provided an immensely enjoyable experience. The course revealed its strategic qualities whilst remaining playable, allowing for proper scoring opportunities. This forward tee position offers the ideal balance between challenge and enjoyment, giving golfers a genuine feel for the course design without overwhelming them.
The second round from the white championship tees presented an entirely different proposition. At over 7,000 yards for the combined 18 holes, Palmares transforms into an absolute beast—a true championship challenge that demands length, accuracy, and course management excellence.
From the whites, the course requires drivers and three-woods into numerous holes, with five-woods becoming necessary even on par-threes. This isn’t hyperbole—the championship tees genuinely present a formidable test that will challenge even strong players. The increased length fundamentally changes the strategic calculus on virtually every hole.
For visitors to Palmares, the recommendation is clear: choose your tees according to your objectives for the day. Strong players seeking a genuine championship test should absolutely play the white tees, but those prioritising enjoyment and the opportunity to appreciate the course design would be better served from the forward markers. There’s no shame in playing from tees that allow you to experience the course as it was intended—with strategic decisions, scoring opportunities, and memorable shots rather than simply surviving hole after hole.
A Facility Elevated
At 50 years old, Palmares has reached a significant milestone, and the recent takeover by the Details Group marks an exciting new chapter. The same ownership that has transformed the Old Course at Vilamoura into a world-class facility is now applying similar vision and investment to Palmares.
The Details Group clearly targets the upper market segment, and their commitment shows throughout the property. Real estate development around the golf course proceeds thoughtfully, with stunning properties that blend beautifully into the hillside rather than dominating or detracting from the natural landscape. This careful integration of residential elements with the golfing environment maintains the course’s character whilst creating an aspirational resort atmosphere.
The Clubhouse Setting
The clubhouse at Palmares deserves special mention for its spectacular positioning. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the beach and the Atlantic beyond, it provides a dramatic focal point that blends beautifully with the natural topography. The setting offers panoramic views across Lagos Bay and towards the Monchique Hills, creating a memorable backdrop for post-round refreshment and reflection.
This clifftop location epitomises the Palmares experience—dramatic, beautiful, and making full use of the spectacular coastal setting that makes the Algarve such a compelling golf destination.
A Bright Future
The combination of Robert Trent Jones Jr.‘s thoughtful design, the stunning coastal setting near Lagos, and the Details Group’s commitment to excellence positions Palmares for continued success. The 27-hole configuration offers tremendous flexibility, the course conditioning meets high standards, and the overall experience delivers on the promise of that impressive first impression.
For golfers planning an Algarve golf trip, Palmares merits serious consideration. The variety across the three nines means you could easily play multiple rounds without repetition, and the ability to adjust difficulty through tee selection makes it accessible to a wide range of abilities whilst still challenging accomplished players.
Final Thoughts
Palmares Resort represents everything that makes Algarve golf special—stunning natural settings, thoughtful course design, excellent conditioning, and a genuine championship test when desired. The seamless blend of parkland and links golf across the three nines creates variety that keeps every hole interesting.
Whether you choose the enjoyable challenge from the yellow tees or the stern examination from the championship markers, Palmares delivers a memorable golfing experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful coastal settings. With the Details Group’s investment ensuring the facility continues evolving towards world-class standards, Palmares looks set to maintain its position as one of the Algarve’s premier golf destinations for decades to come.
For those seeking variety, challenge, and spectacular scenery in their golf, Palmares near Lagos provides all three in abundance.
Dan Hendriksen, PGA Professional