Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé

Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Portugal - Algarve - Vale do Lobo - Praia Garrao poente; Shutterstock ID 138728270; purchase_order: SP-1332 HA Batch 2 August 2018; Order: ; client: HomeAway; other: To be paid with HA budget
Portugal - Algarve - Vale do Lobo - Praia Garrao poente, Shutterstock ID 138728270, Purchase Order: -

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
The price is ฿4,748 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
฿4,748
฿5,185 total
11 Apr - 12 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury apartment in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Falesia Beach and Vilamoura Marina are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (262 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 Lagoa Algarve
The price is ฿15,072 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿15,072
฿16,053 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (705 reviews)
Immaculate hotel experiance, superb service and and in pretty much every way. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2026

Vila Vita Parc
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho Albufeira
The price is ฿9,151 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
฿9,151
฿9,700 total
30 Mar - 31 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (794 reviews)
It was first time to be in Portugal but the experience was unforgettable moments in life . The food was good and the welcoming experience was amazing. Will be back soon with our children and also the area was very quite which will be ideal for taking a break from England.

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2026

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is ฿7,636 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
฿7,636
฿8,247 total
12 Apr - 13 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Staff were pleasant and welcoming. We checked in quickly and were given earlier access to our room. We have stayed there before in a Marina view room, floor 3, which was lovely. This time I made the mistake of booking a city view room. We were on floor 1, facing the street. The traffic noise was ...

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

AP Eva Senses
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is ฿2,898 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
฿2,898
฿3,224 total
15 Apr - 16 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Olhao. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (652 reviews)
Great rooftop bar and pool.

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
PortoBay Blue Ocean

PortoBay Blue Ocean

4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n Albufeira Algarve
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,921 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
฿5,921
฿6,429 total
13 Apr - 14 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (134 reviews)
Such clean room and the service was the best we’ve ever seen. Honestly the one of the best hotels

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

PortoBay Blue Ocean
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

Portugal, the Algarve, Praia do Ancao

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
Fonte Santa

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
Beautiful aerial panorama of Portuguese city of Quarteira, Algarve, Portugal

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
Quinta do Lago landscape, in Algarve, Portugal; Shutterstock ID 362922887

Quinta do Lago

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

Quinta do Lago
Panoramic, aerial view of touristic Vilamoura in Algarve, Portugal

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
Vilamoura

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


Vale do Lobo Travel Guide