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
Steve Gage
2026-10-05
Lovely course to play - organised on arrival though would have been better if we could pre-book buggies as whilst we were able to hire, the availability wasn't confirmed until just before we tee'd off and it was a busy day with lots of groups of golfers playing
Donal Healy
2026-10-02
Slow, slow round - 4:50. No ranger to speed it up.
Lovely course, excellent greens just awfully slow…..
Phil Ashton
2026-09-30
Great find never played it before and was pleasantly surprised at just how good it was. Greens were in great condition and rolled true.
Hospitality also very good.
Would definitely return
Marc Angebault
2026-09-30
We were glad to have a tee time. I do not care that much for the course but we were happy to be on a golf course during the most busy period of the season.
David Bassingthwaite
2026-09-24
My fault i didn't realise it was in Portamax! Good course . Not as good as Villa Sol. Friendly layout . Couple of holes came up incorrect in GPS watches for yardages. Biggest shock was paying 24 euros for 2 cheese and ham rolls
Thomas Donlan
2026-08-30
Excellent course greens were some of the best I’ve experienced in Portugal
Dave Giles
2026-08-20
My 3rd time playing Alto and I really enjoy this tight hilly course was if very good condition.
Gavin Taylor
2026-07-31
Course in excellent condition
Iain Gorrie
2026-07-30
Alto is a super course. I also enjoy the twilight deals offered through Teetimes.
Robert Schneider
2026-07-25
Course is in good condition. Very interesting layout. You really have to work your ball around this course. Most of the holes require a left to right shot but a few others are the other way.
Colin Wearn
2026-07-23
Very good. Course in good condition. Slow play in groups in front.
Danny Sullivan
2026-07-20
Course is in great condtions. Friendly staff & good value.
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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