Best golf courses in Vilamoura

As the host venue for the European Tour Portugal Masters, Victoria Golf Course presents an 18-hole, par 72 parkland layout, testing players driving abilities with numerous water hazards and strategically placed bunkers peppered around the course.

Victoria was designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, so naturally offers an interesting challenge to golfers of all capabilities. However, with multiple tee boxes, even high handicap golfers will still enjoy this stunning course.

Length: - Back tees: 7275 yards - Front tees: 5209 yards Par: 72 Architect: Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay Founded: 2004 Course type: Parkland course

Definitely not a hole for the fainthearted! Classed as one of the top 100 courses in Europe, golfers visiting Vilamoura will not want to miss Vale do Lobo. The Royal Course offers some impressive signature holes amidst the pine trees and lakes scattered around the course.

Measuring at 6616 yards, the par 72 clifftop layout creates some breathtaking views as you play - highlighted on the famous par 3 16th hole, where players must carry the green over the cliff.

The sister Ocean Course also offers a great test of golf and even features more holes alongside the glittering Atlantic Ocean!

Length: - Back tees: 6567 yards - Front tees: 5256 yards Par: 72 Architect: Rocky Roquemore Founded: 1997 Course type: Championship style

Situated in the renowned golfing hub of Vilamoura, the Millennium Course boasts some incredible parkland-style holes. The par 3 6th hole is a particular highlight; the short hole has a ball-awaiting lake- adding intimidation to your approach shot.

With a variety of tee boxes and challenges, the course can be fun whether players are off scratch or not. Come and see why the Millennium Course is one of the main golfing destinations in Vilamoura.

Length: - Back tees: 6610 yards - Front tees: 5279 yards Par: 72 Architect: Bruno Steensels Founded: 2001 Course type: Parkland style

The Frank Pennink created Old Course at Vilamoura will create a fun challenge for all golfers. The 18-hole, par 73 course offers a wooded parkland-style layout, with a slightly shorter 6254 yards back tee distance allowing even shorter hitters to enjoy this beautiful course.

However, long hitters should not underestimate the short distance as the pine forest holes require keeping the ball in a good position to score well. With the clubhouse overlooking the 9th and 18th holes, you can enjoy a drink whilst adding pressure to your friends as you watch them play their final holes.

Length: - Back tees: 6840 yards - Front tees: 5552 yards Par: 72 Architect: Frank Pennink, Martin Hawtree, and Mike Cox Founded: 1969 Course type: Parkland style

Vila Sol Golf in Vilamoura, Portugal is located on an estate of some 150 hectares. It is a fabulous golf course surrounded by beautiful natural scenery with an interesting range of animal and plant life. The Vila Sol golf course was designed by the famous architect Donald Steel and has twice played host to the Portuguese Open.

The 27 holes stretch along a wide valley and are naturally sculptured by Mother Nature. The different levels of difficulty have been divided into three loops: Prime, Challenge and Prestige. Along with the golf course, Vila Sol Golf features an excellent Academy which is totally grassed and located just 300m from the Clubhouse.

Length: - Back tees: 6393 yards - Front tees: 5406 yards Par: 72 Architect: Donald Steel Founded: 1991 Course type: Parkland style

As the second course on this list to feature in the Top 100 courses to play in Europe, it is easy to see why Vilamoura is a prime golfing destination. The South Course at Quinta do Lago was designed by the renowned American architect, William Mitchell, in 1974 and presents a beautiful par 72 parkland layout with amazing scenery.

This legendary course has hosted the Portuguese Open numerous times, but with multiple tee boxes, the course can present a challenge to golfers of all abilities. Being a touch over 7000 yards from the back tees, longer hitters will be rewarded with two good shots on the par 5s. However, wayward shots will be punished as the carefully placed pine trees mean accurate tee shots are required to card a good score.

Quinta do Lago also houses two more fantastic courses, the North Course and the Laranjal Course.

Length: - Back tees: 7040 yards - Front tees: 5421 yards Par: 72 Architect: William F. Mitchell, Joe Lee, and Rocky Roquemore Founded: 1974 Course type: Parkland style