Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé

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: 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: -
Drink in hand sunset down!

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 Vilamoura Marina are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (261 reviews)
Very pretty condo very equipped just need more comfortable beds. Will go again

Reviewed on 29 Oct 2025

Vale do Lobo Resort
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is ฿3,997 per night from 10 Feb to 11 Feb
฿3,997
฿4,311 total
10 Feb - 11 Feb
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Clean room, very reasonably prixed mini bar. Felt safe

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

AP Eva Senses
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl Lagoa Algarve
The price is ฿11,044 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
฿11,044
฿11,780 total
6 Feb - 7 Feb
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! (701 reviews)
The room was fantastic. Clean and spacious. The staff was next level in terms of friendliness, and were super accommodating.

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Vila Vita Parc
Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel

3 out of 5
Av. da República 34 Olhao Faro
The price is ฿1,747 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
฿1,747
฿1,926 total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
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! (610 reviews)
Absolutely beautiful hotel and spotless! The ladies (Jessica/Jennifer?) at the front desk were incredible and gave great recommendations for places to eat, how to get to different areas etc. would stay here again in a heartbeat.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026

Pure Formosa Concept Hotel
NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive

NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Sesmarias 8200-613 Albufeira
The price is ฿4,305 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿4,305
฿4,563 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (731 reviews)
Clean, spacious room with every amenity we needed for our 10-day stay. The food was great as well.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

NAU Sao Rafael Suites – All Inclusive
Occidental Faro

Occidental Faro

4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2 Faro
The price is ฿3,303 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
฿3,303
฿3,576 total
12 Feb - 13 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Lovely spacious room, central location, tastyfood

Reviewed on 29 Jan 2026

Occidental Faro
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
Good live

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 Golf or Quinta do Lago 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 Vilamoura Marina and Vila Sol Golf 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 Vilamoura Marina or Falesia Beach while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura


Vale do Lobo Travel Guide