In the Algarve, the Golf de Palmares aims well

When the Golf de Palmares in Lagos in the Algarve is mentioned, many enthusiasts have kept in mind the first golf course built in 1970. It was renovated in 2010 and the changes are really very successful.

Onyria Palmares Golf, among the top 50 golf courses in Europe

Onyria Palmares Golf is ranked 4th best golf in Portugal and 41st in Europe. So it’s not the most prestigious. However, it is located in a beautiful environment. It has an incredible view of the ocean. Just 45 minutes from Faro International Airport (Algarve), Lagos is a seaside town.

A golf course renovated in 2010

The golf Onyria Palmares always offers a breathtaking view of the ocean almost from start to finish. The course was totally transformed by Robert Trent Jones. No holes from the old course remained. It’s a real transformation.

The upper part of the course offers incredible views of the ocean and the Alvor estuary. On the lower part, you are near the beach and the terrain has dunes and long grass.

A beautiful course of 27 holes

The course is breathtaking, each distinctive loop benefits from a unique setting. The length of the course is 6 321 m.
It’s a par 72 with 27 holes. There are three nine-hole loops that can be played in any order. At the beginning of the course, we play through corridors lined with pine trees. The holes are located downhill. Then these pins temporarily disappear to be replaced by a series of more exposed holes. Dunes arrive at the sixth and seventh holes.

The course goes up again towards the end. Robert Trent Jones has designed this golf course with top players in mind, but also by offering a pleasant golf experience for casual players. The three nine-hole loops (the Alvor, Lagos and Praia courses) enjoy a panoramic view of Lagos Bay and the Ria de Alvor.

A cosy boutique hotel

The Onyria Palmares Beach House has 18 rooms and two suites, each with a panoramic sea view and a balcony or terrace. He’s close to the tees. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a bar-restaurant at 180 °, with a breathtaking view over the ocean and only 700 meters from the beach. This hotel was originally intended as part of a large complex that was never built. The establishment has only two floors of 10 rooms each.

Comfortable rooms full of color

The rooms have whitewashed wooden floors and terraces with sea views. The rooms on the first floor have bathtubs and showers just like the suites, while the rooms on the second floor have showers only. There is an office space in all rooms equipped with different sockets. There is of course the Wifi connection. There is also a corner with a kettle to make coffee or tea. The tiled bathrooms have Bulgari toiletries.

Local food in restaurants

There’s not much choice on the menu and it’s reassuring. The food is fresh. The emphasis is on local ingredients, such as octopus carpaccio, or slices of Iberian pork or cod with a traditional corn bread crust.

The buffet breakfast consists of an assortment of fruit, pastries, hams and cheeses as well as a range of hot dishes and eggs to order. At the bar, try Gin Sul, a gin made from juniper berries, rosemary and lemon from the nearby Vicentina coast. This is delicious.

For those who do not play golf, the area is popular for cycling and hiking. The Lagos marina is 3.4 km from the Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel. Portimão is 25 minutes away.

Serge Fabre