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
The price is ฿6,584 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿6,584
฿7,132 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury resort in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Falesia Beach and Quarteira Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (289 reviews)
"Very nice and good value for money. Great location"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2026

Vale do Lobo Resort
Dona Filipa Hotel

Dona Filipa Hotel

5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo Loulé
The price is ฿10,479 per night from 26 Sept to 27 Sept
฿10,479
฿11,260 total
26 Sept - 27 Sept
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! (341 reviews)
"Phhh"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2026

Dona Filipa Hotel
Vila Vita Parc

Vila Vita Parc

5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl Lagoa Algarve
The price is ฿21,065 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
฿21,065
฿22,482 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
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! (749 reviews)
"Super hotel, staff and wonderful food! Amazing stay. Will return and recommend."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2026

Vila Vita Parc
PortoBay Blue Ocean

PortoBay Blue Ocean

4 out of 5
Quinta do Milharó, s/n Albufeira Algarve
The price is ฿8,618 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
฿8,618
฿9,288 total
27 Sept - 28 Sept
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (95 reviews)
"Very enjoyable staying in this hotel chain. I would definitely visit the other locations"

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2026

PortoBay Blue Ocean
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

4 out of 5
Av. do Estádio Albufeira
The price is ฿4,573 per night from 22 Sept to 23 Sept
฿4,573
฿5,000 total
22 Sept - 23 Sept
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! (415 reviews)
"Everything about this hotel was amazing. The location, the staff, cleanliness, food. Pool area. Absolutely everything was faultless. It’s not often you can go away and not find a single thing wrong, but this was the case here. 10/10"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2026

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
AP Eva Senses

AP Eva Senses

4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1 Faro
The price is ฿6,815 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
฿6,815
฿7,377 total
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
AP Eva Senses
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 Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina 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