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 Aqua Show Park are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (239 reviews)
"Loved the resort shuttle service which was mostly very prompt. Grocery store nearby. clean rooms."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Vale do Lobo Resort
Dona Filipa Hotel

Dona Filipa Hotel

5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo, Algarve, Loulé
The price is ฿14,996 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
฿14,996
฿16,047 total
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (298 reviews)
"The property was Beautiful and staff excellent. We enjoyed our visit"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Dona Filipa Hotel
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 ฿5,401 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿5,401
฿5,875 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (240 reviews)
"Hiden Gem! I love the atmosphere, breakfast and dinner buffet. Overall my stay was great!"

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A, Estrada Nacional 125-10, Faro
The price is ฿5,827 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿5,827
฿6,327 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Ve"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is ฿7,997 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
฿7,997
฿8,589 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel. Brilliant breakfast Lovely rooms. I would’ve scored it higher, but the pool area lets it down. Broken sunbeds, very tired area. Like I said the breakfast was brilliant, but we had an evening meal in the restaurant and it was poor! Definitely not worth the €25 per head"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

AP Eva Senses
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is ฿13,751 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
฿13,751
฿14,726 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (701 reviews)
"Felt very clean and upmarket, staff were friendly, and the room was luxurious and spacious. Be mindful, though, that extras can get quite expensive - the spa (100€+), renting a bed at the beach (50-80€), food (60-80€+ for 2), etc."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
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

Vale do Lobo Travel Guide