Situated in one of the best known regions of the Algarve, between Albufeira and Armacao de Pera, Salgados is already a ‘picture postcard’ of Portuguese golf. In fact the proximity of the sea and the variety of lakes make this a very interesting test of golfing skills, different to other courses in the Algarve.
The original project is by the Portuguese designer Pedro de Vasconcelos, with more recent contributions from other Portuguese architects. But the final layout has been heavily influenced by Robert Muir Graves.
The 6,000 metre links, replete with water obstacles, are not very long, yet you will need all your skills to reach the greens. The accuracy of the drive is crucial for achieving good scores, thus making the course a pleasant experience, especially for technically skilled players. The eighteen holes are well balanced, as each half of the course has two Par 5 holes of around 500 metres and two Par 3 holes of more than 170 metres. Par for the course is 72.

http://www.nexus-pt.com/salgados/

The Sheraton Pine Cliffs Golf course, designed by Martin Hawtree is located between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Made famous by it's first president Nigel Mansell and frequented by tour professionals as a valuable practice venue during the winter break from the European Tour, Pine Cliffs Golf is situated on the cliff top overlooking the ocean and the long Falesia beach, enjoying spectacular views. The opening hole on this 9 hole course is a par 4, lined both sides by trees, an accurate straight shot is in order. A solid short iron to the bunker-guarded green should give you a starting par. Probably the most famous hole in the Algarve, Devil's Parlour, an elevated tee from the cliff top makes this hole one to remember. It's said to have taken thousands of years to build and is one for the photograph album. With 155 meters to carry hitting, the green gives you a sense of success and hopefully a par to go with it. Pine Cliffs Golf is not a course to hurry. Just savour the mastery of the architect and the scenery of the Pine Cliffs Golf course. Pine cliffs Golf is an excellent venue to sort out your short game. 9 Hole Par 66 (2 x 9 holes) (SSS) 67

http://www.pinecliffs.com/en/

Based on a 9-hole (all par 3) loop, the Balaia Golf Village is an ideal course for beginners or for perfecting distance control. The undulations of the fairways and the excellent condition of the greens are also attractions, as well as the convenient location close to the road between Albufeira and Vilamoura. All 9 holes can be seen from the first tee. An old wooden bridge divides two lakes opposite the green at the first hole and is the main feature of the landscape. The length of the holes varies between 67 and 160 metres, requiring special precision when driving off. The third hole is the shortest with a high, sloping green, well protected by a bunker; the next hole is the longest, flanked by oak trees and with two bunkers on the right. After the sixth hole, the course heads back to the imposing clubhouse that dominates the complex. The bar and restaurant lead on to a large terrace that overlooks the course, the complex and the Atlantic in the distance.

http://www.balaiagolfvillage.pt/