I’ll admit it, despite visiting the Vilamoura area numerous times over the years and playing many of the courses dotted around this stunning part of the Algarve, Vila Sol had somehow eluded me. I’ve driven past it countless times on the way to the marina strip, and I’ve had more conversations than I can count with golfers asking if I’d played it. “You must play Vila Sol,” they’d say. Well, this week I finally got the chance, and I can now understand what all the fuss is about.
First Impressions: A 27-Hole Surprise
Little did I know that Vila Sol is actually a 27 hole complex, three distinct nine hole loops called Prime, Challenge, and Prestige. Here’s what genuinely impressed me: even though all three nines feel slightly different in character, they’re all absolutely world class in terms of the quality of holes on offer.
It’s actually quite rare for me to experience a course where no single hole jumps out as “the signature hole” or “the best on the course.” At Vila Sol, they’re all really quite impressive. It’s a testament to the design work of Donald Steel, who clearly understood how to make the most of this spectacular valley setting.
Course Character: Pure Portuguese Golf
According to members I spoke with during the week, most of the holes can play quite long. But more than length, it’s the tight, tree lined nature of Vila Sol that defines the challenge. Those stunning Portuguese pine trees wrap around the golf course, creating corridors that demand accuracy off the tee.
This is some of my favourite golf to play in this environment. The pine needles carpet the ground beneath the trees, and there’s just something about that aesthetic, the smell, the look, the feel of it all that creates a wonderful atmosphere. It’s quintessentially Portuguese golf at its finest.
If you’ve played other courses in the Vilamoura area, Vila Sol shares a very similar vibe to the tree lined courses like the Old Course at Vilamoura and the Millennium Course. There’s a consistency to that classic Portuguese inland golf experience, the pine corridors, the strategic demands, the natural beauty. If you enjoyed those courses, you’ll absolutely love Vila Sol.
The Clubhouse and Sir Bobby Robson Connection
When you arrive at the clubhouse, you’re immediately struck by how well presented everything is. There’s an old school feel to the place, more traditional than some of the flashier resort courses in the area and I mean that as a compliment.
I’m writing this from the locker room right now, and that traditional members’ club vibe is evident throughout. But here’s something I didn’t know: as you approach the clubhouse, you’ll notice a statue of Sir Bobby Robson sitting on a bench overlooking the 18th green.
It turns out Sir Bobby lived in a house on the side of the 8th hole here at Vila Sol. He took up golf and became very involved with the club. That connection adds a lovely touch of history and character to the place. It’s one of the things that makes Vila Sol feel different from some of the other courses in the Vilamoura area, there’s a real sense of community and heritage here.
A True Members’ Club Feel
Speaking of community, Vila Sol has a genuine members’ club atmosphere that you don’t always find at resort courses. Sitting out on the patio and chatting with some of the members, I was struck by the international mix, Brits, Germans, Scandinavians, French, and even some American accents in the mix.
There’s a real melting pot of cultures that have come together to create the membership here, which I imagine is quite common in these Portuguese and Spanish areas where the weather’s consistently good and the golf is exceptional. But Vila Sol seems to have cultivated something special a proper club culture where members clearly take pride in their course.
Practice Facilities: Room for Improvement
The practice facilities are decent, though I’d say they’re showing their age a bit. There’s a two ended driving range setup, the main range and then at the far end, there’s an old academy area that’s currently not being used as an academy. This actually worked brilliantly for our filming needs, as it gave us access to a putting green, bunkers, and a hitting area without interfering with other golfers.
The main driving range itself has clearly been through a lot of wear and tear over the busy summer months and is looking a little tired at this time of year. It’s still perfectly usable, with a putting green right next to it. There’s also a putting green by the first tee, so you’ve got options for your pre round preparation.
I’d say the practice facilities are functional rather than exceptional, they serve their purpose but could benefit from some investment to bring them up to the same standard as the course itself.
Course Conditions: Impressive Resilience
Speaking of the course, the conditions this week have been really impressive. Vila Sol has weathered some challenging conditions this year. When I was here about a month ago, a tornado ripped through the area, and you can still see evidence of the damage with some trees down. But credit to the green keeping team, they’ve cleared up remarkably well, and the overall condition of the golf course has been excellent all week.
The layout flows beautifully through the property, and the maintenance standards are high. Greens are in good shape, fairways are well kept, and the rough is playable but penal enough to reward accuracy.
Who Should Play Vila Sol?
This is a course that can challenge better players, particularly when played from the back tees off Prime, but it’s also accessible enough for mid to high handicappers, especially if you choose your tees wisely and perhaps combine Challenge and Prestige for your 18.
The tight tree lined nature means you need to think your way around, but if you can keep it on the fairway, you’ll have scoring opportunities. It’s strategic golf that rewards course management and accuracy over pure distance.
Location and Accessibility
Vila Sol sits just on the outskirts of the main Vilamoura resort area, which gives it a slightly more peaceful, removed feeling while still being incredibly convenient. You’re just a stone’s throw from the Vilamoura marina and harbour area with all its restaurants, bars, and entertainment options.
For visitors staying in the Vilamoura area, this is an easy addition to your golf itinerary. The location is excellent, central to other Algarve courses yet with its own distinct identity away from the main resort bustle.
The Transfer Service: A Game Changer
One thing that really stands out about playing golf in this part of Portugal is the transfer service, and Vila Sol is no exception. We’ve been staying at a hotel on the Vilamoura Marina, and getting to Vila Sol each day has been incredibly straightforward.
Simply go to your hotel reception, book your transfer, wait about 15 minutes, and the shuttle picks you up and brings you to the golf course.
When you finish your round, pop into the pro shop, arrange your return transfer, and you’re back at your hotel hassle free. The best part? There’s no additional cost, it’s all included as part of your green fee package.
This service makes the logistics of a golf trip so much easier. When you’re based in Vilamoura, you can walk to restaurants, stroll along the marina, relax on the beach, and you don’t need to worry about hiring a car or navigating to different courses. Everything just works.
Add to that the fact that Faro Airport is only about 20 minutes away, and you’ve got the perfect setup for a stress free golf holiday. For me, that convenience factor is an absolute winner and one of the reasons the Algarve, and Vilamoura specifically, continues to be such a popular destination for UK golfers.
The Verdict
I’m genuinely frustrated with myself that it’s taken me this long to play Vila Sol. It absolutely deserves its reputation as one of Vilamoura’s must play courses. The combination of Donald Steel’s intelligent design, that gorgeous Portuguese pine setting, the 27 hole flexibility, and the genuine members’ club atmosphere makes it stand out from the crowd.
Yes, the practice facilities could use some attention, and yes, it might not have the wow factor of some of the more modern resort courses in the area. But what Vila Sol offers is something arguably more valuable authentic, strategic, beautiful golf on a course that’s stood the test of time.
The logistical ease of playing here with the complimentary transfer service and the proximity to Vilamoura Marina and Faro Airport only adds to its appeal. It’s the kind of course that makes planning a golf trip to Portugal so straightforward and enjoyable.
If you’re planning a trip to the Vilamoura area and Vila Sol isn’t already on your list, it should be. This is proper golf, played in a stunning setting, at a club with real character and history. Combine it with the Old Course or Millennium for a full experience of that classic tree lined Portuguese golf style. I’ll certainly be back, and next time I won’t wait so long between visits.
Practical Information
∙ Configuration: 27 holes (Prime, Challenge, Prestige nines)
∙ Par: 72 (for 18-hole combinations)
∙ Designer: Donald Steel (1991)
∙ Facilities: Clubhouse, pro shop, restaurant and bar, driving range, putting greens
∙ Location: Alto do Semino, Vilamoura (just outside main resort area)
∙ Best for: All skill levels (choose your nine-hole combinations wisely)
Have you played Vila Sol? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this course. Drop me a message or comment below with your experiences.
Dan Hendriksen, PGA Professional