Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé

Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is one of the largest luxury golf resorts in the Algarve, covering an area of approximately three square km. On top of the top notch golf, the resort also offers tennis, sailing, other sports and pristine beaches. There’s never a dull moment in Vale do Lobo.

Situated in Almancil, just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport, the location offers breathtaking natural views and a golden beach, approximately 2 km in length. There are also bars, restaurants, concerts, sports and cultural events, along with top-quality accommodation in the form of self-catering apartments, townhouses or even detached villas.

The resort is the first of the three corners of what is known as Algarve's Golden Triangle. Algarve’s Golden Triangle is the name given to the three resorts that comprise the most affluent tourist areas of the Algarve. The other 2 resorts are Quinta do Lago, and Dunas Douradas Beach Club.

Vale do Lobo has two golf courses, the Royal and the Ocean. One of the 18-hole golf course was based on a design concept by legendary golfer, Sir Henry Cotton, and has become a popular destination amongst British tourists.

Resort History

In 1968, Trust House Forte and Costain Group opened the first five star hotel in the Algarve, Dona Filipa, named after Philippa of Lancaster who was married to John I of Portugal. Dutch entrepreneur Sander van Gelder acquired the resort in 1977 and over the next 30 years, he added another Golf course and other facilities including bars, restaurants, and shops. The Original Golf course was re-developed by the American golf architect, Rocky Roquemore, to host the Portuguese Open in 2002 and 2003.

Portuguese and international investors together with the Portuguese state-owned bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos acquired the resort in 2006.

Architecture and Facilities

The architecture of Vale do Lobo is contemporary and stylish. It is a perfect complement to the beauty of the natural landscape, characterised by long coastlines with golden beaches.

Besides the beach, facilities include pools for adults and kids, shops, ice-cream bars, restaurants, a nightclub, live music and entertainment, a kid’s club and mini-golf – perfect for all the family. It also has one of the largest tennis club facilities in Portugal with 14 courts, 1 paddle court and a gym. Other sports practiced at the resort are water-sports, football, yoga, aerobics and spinning.

In the wellness centre, the Royal Spa, you’ll be treated by skilled therapists and can experience the resort’s top facilities. There’s also a local shopping centre and supermarket on the resort premises, along with 24-hour security and onsite medical assistance.

Food and Drinks

Vale do Lobo has 15 restaurants offering a selection of different cuisines, ranging from traditional Portuguese and seafood specialities to modern international. Casual dining options include restaurants like Sandbanks and the Beach Bar, which also offer children´s menus. There is also a Tennis Café overlooking the courts, which offers light meals during the day.

The resort facilities are also accessible to the general public, although advance reservation for restaurants is advisable.

The magnificent location, golfing lifestyle and unique holiday experience make Vale do Lobo an unforgettable destination.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo Resort

Vale do Lobo Resort

5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo, Loulé
Stay at this spa apartment in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Falesia Beach and Quarteira Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (260 reviews)
Very pretty condo very equipped just need more comfortable beds. Will go again

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

Vale do Lobo Resort
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is ฿11,084 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
฿11,084
฿11,824 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (681 reviews)
Service was outstanding from all staff that we interacted with. The resort is luxury at its finest, I didn't want to leave!

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2025

Vila Vita Parc
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort

5 out of 5
Estrada de Albufeira - Olhos de Água, Albufeira, Faro
The price is ฿3,990 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
฿3,990
฿4,230 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
It was a very nice stay. Get the breakfast deal from the beginning ! The second shower in our flat was too tiny but apart from that everything was great and we all loved our stay !

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort
PortoBay Blue Ocean

PortoBay Blue Ocean

4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n, Olhos d´Água, Albufeira, Algarve
The price is ฿3,484 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
฿3,484
฿3,693 total
3 Dec - 4 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
Property

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

PortoBay Blue Ocean
INATEL Albufeira

INATEL Albufeira

3 out of 5
Av. Infante D. Henrique, Albufeira
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (712 reviews)
Friendly helpful staff, good location and free parking.

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

INATEL Albufeira
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

4 out of 5
Av. do Estádio, PO Box 2445, Albufeira
The price is ฿2,217 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
฿2,217
฿2,350 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (283 reviews)
We had an excellent stay. The only problem we had during our stay was with an ant infestation in our room. We were moved to another room efficiently by the staff and then enjoyed the rest of our stay. Thank you for an excellent stay at the Holiday Inn, Albufeira

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2025

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Vale do Lobo

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Fonte Santa

If you're spending some time in Fonte Santa, Quarteira Beach and Vale do Lobo Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Fonte Santa
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Vale do Garrão

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Garrão. A stop by Garrao Beach or Quinta do Lago Beach might round out your trip.

Vale do Garrão
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Cavacos

Cavacos is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Quarteira Beach or Vilamoura Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Cavacos
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Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Quinta do Lago Beach while you're exploring.

Quinta do Lago
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Morgadinho

Morgadinho might not have many top sights, but Vila Sol Golf and Aqua Show Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Morgadinho
Falesia Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach

Vilamoura

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Vilamoura. Make a stop by Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura