Alto Golf Course
Alto was the last course Sir Henry Cotton ever designed, and it shows a different side of him than the wide, forgiving layouts he's known for elsewhere. Opened in 1991 across two valleys near Alvor, this is a tight, technical test built for golfers who can shape the ball both ways, not muscle their way around.
Small, elevated greens and well-placed bunkers punish anything loose, and the fairways rarely give a second chance on a mis-hit. The front nine opens with sea views toward the bay of Lagos before the course tucks into rolling terrain on the back nine, building toward its most famous moment: the par-5 16th, known as Sir Henry's Challenge, reputed to be one of the longest par 5s in Europe at well over 500 metres. It's a genuine three-shot hole for most golfers, and a fitting climax to a round built on precision rather than power. This isn't a course that overwhelms with scale, it wins you over with craft, and regulars keep coming back specifically because it demands more thought than most Algarve rounds.
Facilities include a driving range, a resident academy, and a clubhouse restaurant with views back over both valleys. Alto sits close to Alvor and Portimão, making it an easy, low-key addition to a wider Algarve trip for golfers who want a proper technical test without the crowds of the bigger resort courses.
Reception: Everyday from 7:45am to 8:00pm
Club House: With Restaurant and Snack bar
With driving range
With an Academy
Trolleys: Manual and Electric
Without locker room
Pro Shop: Everyday from 7:45am to 8:00pm
Golf Lessons: Tony Bennett (TB), Kevin Parry (KP)
Buggies: Without GPS
With putting green
Juniors: Up to 16 years oldAlto Golf Course - latest comments and reviews
Christian Felgendreher
2026-06-19
The Buggy Passes have to be repaired.
Craig Frame
2026-05-26
Alto is as good as the Vilamoura courses, with a lot of similarities to Old and Pinhall, a thinkers course, tree lined dog legs , very small greens, in excellent condition
Stewart Binnie-Mckenzie
2026-05-07
Thought it was ok but found course very sandy and not in great condition
James Wilson
2026-04-23
Excellent
Jon Cofield
2026-04-16
A group of 16 who really enjoyed the course. Not long but narrow and tricky in places with elevated greens . Greens and fairways in super condition well worth a visit. There are limited buggies so book in advance if required. The course is walkable though.
Francoise Roussel
2026-04-06
Fantastic service
Francoise Roussel
2026-03-29
Excellent service and helpful staff.
Francoise Roussel
2026-03-19
Excellent service at golf course and shuttle driver.
Need to add that Francisco our agent is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He has been very patient with all my questions and requests. I feel very grateful and confident that he will not lead us wrong. Thank you Francisco you’re the best.
Sincerely
Françoise
Francoise Roussel
2026-03-19
Excellent service both for the golf course and shuttle driver
François De Witte
2026-03-17
Very difficult golf course, with quite a lot of blind spots. No map pf the course on the scorecard, or at the departure of the holes.
Francoise Roussel
2026-03-14
Excellent service. Friendly and welcoming staff. Very attentive to our needs and questions.
Ken MacDonald
2026-02-23
The reception staff were friendly, as was the Starter. The course has dried out very well after all the rain. Still some trees to be cleared from the course periphery after the recent storms.
Tecnicals
*Parkland - Totally
*Undulated - Sloping greens
*Buggy Recommended - If Essential
*Signature Hole - 16th
*Water hazards - 2 Ponds that come into play, plus lateral ditches
*Tree Lined - With Pines and other varieties
*Dogleg - Few but nothing to acute
*Comments - Typical UK style designed course
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