Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé

An aerial view of a coastal area with a golf course, beachfront, and residential buildings.
An aerial view of a coastal residential area with beachfront properties, a golf course, and a well-maintained park.
An aerial view of a coastal residential area with houses, a golf course, and a beach.
A sandy beach with cliffs and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
A sandy beach with a clear blue sky and rocky cliffs.

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.


Stay near popular Vale do Lobo attractions

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 luxury aparthotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Vilamoura Marina and Falesia Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (271 reviews)
"without doubt the best place in Portugal to stay"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2026

Vale do Lobo Resort
Dona Filipa Hotel

Dona Filipa Hotel

5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo Loulé
The price is ฿11,010 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
฿11,010
฿11,822 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (326 reviews)
"Amazing hotel, nice and quiet, great breakfast"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2026

Dona Filipa Hotel
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

4 out of 5
Av. do Estádio Albufeira
The price is ฿4,445 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
฿4,445
฿4,864 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"Holiday Inn is very nice for a 4 star hotel. Our room was really nice and clean with a good quality bed and soft pillows. The breakfast was nice and varied. I wish the breakfast could have been extended to 11.00am rather than 10.30am. I would say that if I was in a wheelchair, it would be difficult ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho Albufeira
The price is ฿16,489 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
฿16,489
฿17,631 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
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! (832 reviews)
"Very much enjoyed the two fine dining options and poolside terrace for luchtime food and drinks. Room on 3rd floor at the back with terrace but slightly disappointed as the garden onto which the terrace looks was not maintained to a good standard compared with other areas. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2026

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
PortoBay Blue Ocean

PortoBay Blue Ocean

4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n Albufeira Algarve
The price is ฿10,718 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
฿10,718
฿11,513 total
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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! (231 reviews)
"Pool much too cold"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026

PortoBay Blue Ocean
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl Lagoa Algarve
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿30,290 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
฿30,290
฿32,260 total
11 Jul - 12 Jul
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! (742 reviews)
"It was a great resort, all of the food was incredible and the Ocean restaurant (2 Michelin stars) was incredible. At the time I was pregnant and they were so accommodating on changing items as I needed to. The resort itself was impeccably managed and the staff supremely helpful in getting reservations, ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

Vila Vita Parc
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.

Where to stay in Vale do Lobo

Find the best Vale do Lobo areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Vale do Lobo
Learn more about Vale do Lobo

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fonte Santa

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



Vale do Lobo Travel Guide