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 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 ฿3,782 per night from 7 Jan to 8 Jan
฿3,782
฿4,082 total
7 Jan - 8 Jan
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! (1,002 reviews)
Yes excellent.

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

AP Eva Senses
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl Lagoa Algarve
The price is ฿10,903 per night from 7 Jan to 8 Jan
฿10,903
฿11,631 total
7 Jan - 8 Jan
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! (692 reviews)
It was a great stay. The staff is very friendly and professional, breakfast is first class (and they were very accommodating my wife's dietary restrictions) Dinner at Aladin Grill was one to remember. We enjoyed the walks and hikes, yes we needed a car to go to some places, but was everything within ...

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2025

Vila Vita Parc
Hotel Da Gale

Hotel Da Gale

2 out of 5
Largo Dos Luisadas Albufeira
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
5.4/10 (485 reviews)
I booked this hotel then read the review and panicked!i dont think they stayed in the same hotel as us!lovely lady on reception greeted us,room spotlessly clean,breakfast was an added bonus! The views must be some of the best in albufeira!lots of lovely areas to sunbathe too and nice pool. We would ...

Reviewed on 2 Oct 2025

Hotel Da Gale
Stay Hotel Faro Centro

Stay Hotel Faro Centro

3 out of 5
Rua de Portugal 17 Faro
The price is ฿1,713 per night from 10 Jan to 11 Jan
฿1,713
฿1,890 total
10 Jan - 11 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
Yes, mainly the boy that work at reception

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Stay Hotel Faro Centro
Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve

Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve

5 out of 5
Praia Das Gaivotas Lagoa
Stay at this luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (616 reviews)
The room was wonderful and the resort was so accommodating

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2025

Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve
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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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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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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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