Vale do Lobo Royal Course
Vale do Lobo Royal Course
Vale do Lobo Royal is the Algarve’s crown jewel, where coastal drama meets timeless sophistication. Originally designed by Sir Henry Cotton and later refined by Rocky Roquemore, the course winds through pine forests, golden cliffs, and oceanfront vistas that define Portugal’s southern coast. It is home to one of the most photographed holes in Europe, the cliff-top par-3 16th, where the fairway stretches boldly across a yawning chasm of red sandstone and turquoise sea.
The Royal Course blends challenge with beauty, offering elevated tees, undulating fairways, and pristine conditioning throughout. Every hole captures a sense of movement and artistry, from inland valleys framed by umbrella pines to ocean breezes that test precision and nerve. It is golf at its most cinematic, set against a backdrop that feels sculpted by the elements themselves.
Cypress & Salt curates Vale do Lobo experiences that bring the magic of the Algarve to life. Guests enjoy stays in luxury villas or ocean-view residences, chef-curated dinners on the cliffs, private yacht charters along the coast, and rejuvenating spa treatments infused with local botanicals. At Vale do Lobo Royal, the line between sport and spectacle disappears, creating an experience that lingers long after the final putt.
Course Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,628 yards (6,060 m)
Course Rating: 74.1
Slope Rating: 137
Designer: Sir Henry Cotton (original) and Rocky Roquemore (redesign)
Type: Coastal Parkland
Signature Holes: 9th (elevated par 4 with lake carry), 11th (dogleg par 5 through pines), 16th (iconic par 3 across cliffs)
Championships: Regularly featured in Europe’s Top 100 and host to PGA and Algarve Tour events
Best Seasons to Play
March – May: Ideal weather with lush fairways and gentle sea breezes.
September – November: Golden season with warm afternoons and immaculate conditions.
December – February: Cooler days and quiet play surrounded by Algarve serenity.
Location
