Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé

Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Luxury Living in the Golden Triangle: Cinematic 4K Aerial of Vale do Lobo Royal Golf Course and the Iconic Crimson Cliffs of Praia do Trafal, Algarve, Portugal
Portugal - Algarve - Vale do Lobo - Praia Garrao poente; Shutterstock ID 138728270; purchase_order: SP-1332 HA Batch 2 August 2018; Order: ; client: HomeAway; other: To be paid with HA budget
Portugal - Algarve - Vale do Lobo - Praia Garrao poente, Shutterstock ID 138728270, Purchase Order: -

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


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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (267 reviews)
"The resort was lovely. We booked last minute and had a nice one bedroom with a patio. They had bread, butter and jam ready. The staff was extremely helpful and I felt like was at another World Class Resort. My only comment is our room seemed dated and use an upgrade or be refurbished. However, it ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Vale do Lobo Resort
Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG

4 out of 5
Av. do Estádio Albufeira
The price is £98 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
£98
14 Jun - 15 Jun
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! (355 reviews)
"Our stay was absolutely perfect , location was a lovely walk to old town , the hotel was spotless , ambience was lovely and staff exceptional. Highly recommended to anyone visiting albuferia ."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira by IHG
Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort

5 out of 5
Estrada de Albufeira - Olhos de Água Albufeira Faro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £216 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
£216
17 Jun - 18 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Great breakfast Nice pool Good infrastructure A bit expensive on drinks"

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2026

Grande Real Santa Eulalia Resort
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel

5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho Albufeira
The price is £340 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
£340
4 Jul - 5 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! (819 reviews)
"Staff for very friendly and helpful. Room was clean and very spacious. Breakfast has a lot of options but their warm food were often a bit cold. Outdoor pool were very nice. I like that there is an adult pool and kids pool the restaurants inside the hotel where a bit too expensive but the buffet ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 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 £279 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
£279
24 Jun - 25 Jun
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! (218 reviews)
"Really had a good time - lovely place"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

PortoBay Blue Ocean
Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Caixa Postal 409-A Faro
The price is £114 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
£114
2 Jul - 3 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
"we checked in late due to our travel plans, only for one night as our flight from Faro was at 06.20 am next day. check in good. bedding clean, beds very hard, air con good, sink blocked in bathroom, ants in room on the luggage shelf, had to move everthing when discovered. As early rise next day went ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2026

Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto
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 THE CAMPUS 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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia