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! (278 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2026

Vale do Lobo Resort
Dona Filipa Hotel

Dona Filipa Hotel

5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo Loulé
The price is ฿14,476 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
฿14,476
฿15,497 total
13 Jul - 14 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! (330 reviews)
"Our 4th visit was as fabulous as ever. Super big rooms, beautiful pool, good quality food and l"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 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 ฿5,371 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
฿5,371
฿5,845 total
19 Jul - 20 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! (382 reviews)
"Overall was a good experience"

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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 ฿19,003 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
฿19,003
฿20,295 total
24 Jul - 25 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! (847 reviews)
"We had an amazing stay at Epic Sana. The property is beautiful. One note is that we were surprised that to book sun beds on the beach costs 70 euros a day. I think understand charging some amount, but 70 euros seemed a bit much given that there is no bathroom or shower. Also, have a half day fair ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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 ฿11,438 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
฿11,438
฿12,276 total
14 Jul - 15 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! (245 reviews)
"Unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy the pool. Every time we went to use the pool, the only chairs available were reserved for the Ocean front rooms."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2026

PortoBay Blue Ocean
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl Lagoa Algarve
The price is ฿30,297 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
฿30,297
฿32,267 total
26 Jul - 27 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! (744 reviews)
"The staff, amenities, food and property was impeccable. The staff in all dining rooms were so kind, accommodating, and attentive. I will never forget the experience and time with them."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 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 Golf or Quinta do Lago 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