DESTINATION · ALGARVE

Algarve – Portugal's Senior Classic.

The Algarve has 42 golf courses along 150 km of Atlantic coast – the highest density in Portugal. Mild climate from October to April, fair prices, excellent hotel infrastructure. This is what has made the Algarve the favorite destination for German senior golfers for 40 years.

MMy first senior golf trip took me to the Algarve—and I’ve been returning every year ever since. There’s a reason why 30 % of all German senior golfers have visited the Algarve at least once: the climate, the courses, and the German travel infrastructure. Olimar, as an Algarve specialist, and the fact that German is spoken locally make it the most stress-free destination for seniors.

The Algarve is Portugal's golf region: 42 courses, many of them in the resort complexes of Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago. Mild Atlantic climate (17-25°C year-round), short journey (3.5-hour flight from Germany), Europe's best senior infrastructure. Olimar dominates the tour operator scene.

Three Algarve Sub-regions

Region 1 — Vilamoura

✓ MARINA RESORT, 5 PLACES.

Vilamoura: Resort town with its own marina, 5 championship courses (Old Course, Pinhal, Millennium, Laguna, Victoria). Senior infrastructure is very good: German hotels (Tivoli, Hilton), German tour guides, well-maintained restaurants.

Region 2 — Vale do Lobo & Quinta do Lago

✓ PREMIUM SEATS.

Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago: two premium resorts, each with two top courses. Higher prices (green fees 100-180 euros), but unbeatable hotel standards and playing quality. Senior premium segment.

Region 3 — West Algarve (Lagos, Sagres)

COASTAL BEACHES.

West Algarve with Boavista, Espiche, Palmares: less resort feel, more Atlantic coast flair. Fair prices (green fee €60-100), quieter courses, dramatic cliff locations.

Golf courses on 150 km of Algarve coast

Federação Portuguesa de Golfe 2024

More stable climate from October to April — the longest senior season in Europe.

Five Senior Recommendations for the Algarve

1st Place - Quinta do Lago Old Course

✓ ALGARVE CLASSIC.

Quinta do Lago Old Course (1974, William Mitchell): perfect senior layout. Green fee €120-€180. Very senior-friendly (fair distances, wide fairways, well-marked).

2nd Place — Vilamoura Old Course

✓ TRADITION + VALUE FOR MONEY.

Vilamoura Old Course (1969, Frank Pennink): one of the oldest courses in the Algarve. Green fee €90-150. Senior programs available, combinable with Vilamoura multi-course pass.

3rd Place — Penina Resort

✓ HISTORIC (HENRY COTTON).

Penina (1966, Sir Henry Cotton): Portugal's first Championship course. Green fee €80-130. Penina Resort Hotel directly on the course - good hotel-golf combination.

4th Place — Palmares (Lagos)

WEST ALGARVE CLASSIC.

Palmares (Lagos, Robert Trent Jones Jr.): Coastal layout with Atlantic views. Green fees €80-130. Hotel Cascade Wellness nearby. Less touristy than Vilamoura.

5th Place — Monte Rei (Tavira)

✓ EAST ALGARVE PREMIUM.

Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus Signature): Portugal's top-rated premium course. Green fee €200-280. Very secluded, quiet, exclusive. A must-play once in a senior's life.

The Algarve is the German senior golfer's home away from home. Climate, infrastructure, language support, predictability — everything works together.

— Markus Reisen, Managing Director Olimar Reisen

Three tips for your Algarve trip.

Check Olimar as the organizer

Olimar dominates the German Algarve market. If not booked yourself: Olimar is usually the best choice for senior travel.

Vilamoura for a first trip

Vilamoura offers the best first-time senior experience: compact infrastructure, German hotel standards, 5 courses within 10 km. Ideal for Algarve beginners.

October/November + February/March

The Algarve has a long season. Optimal: October/November and February/March — 18-23 °C, fair prices, places are quiet.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Algarve Sub-regions

02 Five Senior Recommendations

03 What the Algarve is not

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

42 seats

along 150 km of the Algarve coast.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What the Algarve is not

The Algarve is the most established senior golf trip for German players – but it is not excitingly new. Those seeking adventure, insider tips, and rugged nature would be better off elsewhere. The Algarve is senior comfort golf at its finest – reliable, predictable, excellent.

THREE FIRST STEPS