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
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.
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.
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
Use our interactive map to choose and book your preferred golf courses.
