10 min read
We often hear about the Golden Triangle in the Algarve but, what exactly do we know about this much sought-after area? Well, we know that it is considered a very prestigious place to live and that there are many golf courses and resorts within this area. However, there is so much more to this luxurious location than meets the eye.
Where is the Golden Triangle?
Before we tell you about all the wonderful features of this area, let’s clarify the boundaries of the unofficial term ‘Golden Triangle’ for the mini region and what it encompasses.
Some may say that the three points of the triangle are Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Almancil. However, others state that the third point is in fact Vilamoura as this would include the marina, 5-star hotels and golf courses – adding to the idea of luxury. Nevertheless, rather than trying to clarify this point, we will instead focus on the highlights of all these locations as they all have so much to offer in their own way.
What is on offer?
We will start off with the excellent quality beaches, which all have a Blue Flag and Lifeguards during the bathing season.
Then there is an extensive choice of restaurants, all offering delicious food from a variety of cuisines. In addition to this, there are many prestigious golf courses, each with their own unique pros.
Property in this area is also highly sought after and of an equally high-end finish – which only adds to the feeling of exclusivity. At Your Luxury Property, not only do we have many different types of dwellings to suit a wide search criterion, we also have many complementary services that are expected when one purchases a home in this area.
The Golden Triangle is an extremely safe and lovely place to live and the amenities do not disappoint. Here we will highlight just a few options to whet your appetite.
Almancil
Although Almancil is the odd one out in terms of prestige, what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in other areas. This location within the Golden Triangle is ideal for access to the many amenities on offer being just a 10-15 minute drive from the nearest beaches, golf courses and high end restaurants of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
This simple Algarvian town has many green spaces and cultural history that is often overlooked but, should be explored and admired as it is indeed quite stunning and unique. Almancil is also a good base for access to Loulé and Quarteira and is just 20 minutes by car from Faro airport.
Where to eat in Almancil
With its incredibly friendly staff and divine exotic food, Malveiro is a must visit restaurant in the Almancil region. Their unique dishes, with Mozambican roots, accompanied by the cosy and welcoming setting, will certainly leave an impression that will make you want to go back time and time again.
Flôr de Sal is a discreet restaurant located in Vale Formoso that might even go unnoticed – but definitely shouldn’t. Sitting in its cosy rustic decor and looking out to the Golden Triangle, you will have the opportunity to sample traditional cuisine that will remind you of grandmother’s cooking. Their seafood dishes are simply delicious and definitely a highlight.
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is one of the most luxurious places in the Algarve boasting beautiful mansions and luxury shopping.
Founded in 1962, Vale do Lobo was among the first tourist resorts to be built in Portugal. At the time, this part of the Golden Triangle was a pine forest with a sandy beach and it was only after the establishment of the resort, its first golf course and five star hotel, that Faro Airport was then opened. More than 50 years on, it continues to be a reference of excellence for both property owners and visitors.
This luxury resort is the largest of its kind in Portugal and covers a total area of 450 hectares. It is home to approximately 1,500 residential and holiday properties and includes a beach, swimming pools, children’s entertainment, conference facilities, a variety of first-class restaurants and bars, two championship golf courses, wellness centre and a Tennis Academy.
For those looking for a bit of entertainment, Vale do Lobo has a programme of cultural events which includes art exhibitions in their own Art Gallery and performances in their large Auditorium. If you’re looking to do a spot of shopping, there is a range of shops in Vale do Lobo Shopping located in the heart of the resort.
The sporting enthusiast will also not be disappointed as there is an extensive range of sporting and leisure services including one of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal, mini-golf, water and beach sports, football, spinning, yoga and aerobics – and of course, golf.
With all the above activities that are on offer, you will be kept busy for days on end. However, you mustn’t forget to take some time out to recharge the batteries. For this, what better way than paying a visit to the Vale do Lobo the Wellness Centre where you can take advantage of the ultimate in health and beauty services at their luxurious Royal Spa and the state-of-the art Fitness Centre.
Beautiful Beaches
Vale do Lobo beach is directly in front of the resort itself – coated in pearly white sand and surrounded by stone pines and the red and ochre tones of the cliffs. This beach is very popular with those wanting to practise water sports.
Praia do Garrão is another excellent choice. This beach stretches between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago and has a border with the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Here, there is also a good selection of water sports available including jet-skiing, banana boats and pedal boats – all with equipment available for hire.
Vale do Lobo restaurants
Monica’s Restaurant is well known and highly recommended by many for serving excellent food and for having a friendly service. Equally, Julia’s is also very well thought of having been established for over 40 years and offering the perfect setting for lunch, dinner or a beach bar to enjoy a cocktail.
Vale do Lobo Golf
Here we have two magnificent 18-hole championship golf courses which have twice been host to the Portuguese Open.
The Royal and Ocean courses are both loved by golfers but the Royal course is definitely more popular. Its 16th hole has a daunting PAR 3 which requires a precise shot from cliff top and is considered to be the most photographed hole in Europe.
However, we mustn’t forget the stunning, links-style PAR 72 Ocean course which is equally as impressive and lives up to its name with amazing seafront golf.
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago is just a five-minute drive from Vale do Lobo and is well known for being a popular choice within the celebrity community visiting the Golden Triangle.
There are plenty of places to play tennis and you can also rent bikes if you want to get down to some exploring in a more eco friendly way.
Close by you also have the Ria Formosa nature reserve where you can partake in a spot of birdwatching or, if you prefer, the Ria Formosa also has a large lake with a sandy beach.
Beaches in Quinta do Lago
Praia da Quinta do Lago is integrated in the Ria Formosa Natural Park area and has a beautiful sandy beach that extends for about 3.5 km.
Accessible exclusively via a 320m long wooden walkway (one of the longest in Europe), this beach is separated from Quinta do Lago by the ‘ria’ and benefits from excellent support facilities such as bars, restaurants and a water sports centre.
Praia do Ancão is approximately 30 minutes away from Faro. This beach is exceptionally clean, well-kept and benefits from soft light sand, refreshing crystal clear water and light winds. This is a popular spot for various water sports such as banana boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, stand up paddle, kayaking and snorkelling.
Quinta do Lago Restaurants
If you’re looking for a restaurant in a breathtaking location, António Tá Certo will definitely hit the mark. This was one of the first eateries to open on Garrão beach and has been delighting diners with their amazingly delicious food in this idyllic setting ever since. The staff are extremely knowledgeable and always willing to offer their advice when it comes to making this a memorable culinary experience.
Florian is without a doubt one of the loveliest and most charming restaurants in the Golden Triangle offering exquisite food in a sophisticated environment. Choosing between the various delicious dishes and desserts might be a bit of a dilemma but rest assured, the fabulous Dutch couple representing this place will be on hand to advise you.
An Exceptional Golf Location
Quinta do Lago golf courses are of exceptional renown and have a good range to cater for players with different handicaps.
First, we have the San Lorenzo Golf Course which is considered one of the best in Portugal and in Europe. This course was also named the 24th best golf course in the world by Golf World magazine
Then we have the South Course – eight-times host of the Portuguese Open and designed by William Mitchell, its challenging 18-hole layout demands skill and precision.
The North Course was redesigned in 2014 by renowned golf architect Beau Welling in close collaboration with Paul McGinley. It was built to the highest specifications and was voted “Europe’s Best New Golf Course” at the World Golf Awards in November of that year.
The Laranjal Course is a recent addition that is surrounded by beautiful lakes, gorgeous pines, cork oaks and orange trees – truly unique! This course was voted Portugal’s Best Golf Course at the Portuguese Travel Awards in 2011.
Pinheiros Altos is made up of 27 holes and provides an exciting challenge with many degrees of difficulty. It features three very different sets of nine holes. The first is Pinheiros – named in recognition of its location within the pine groves; The second is Oliveiras, the original back-nine with the 8th hole having become the signature hole; The third, Sobreiros, is deemed the most demanding with its challenging first tee and dangerous eighth hole.
Vilamoura
This very popular tourist destination is famous for its beautiful marina and the superyachts that dock there. It has one of the highest concentrations of 5-star hotels in the Algarve as well as many bars and eateries.
There are plenty of things to do in Vilamoura and this is the place to be if you’re looking for more entertainment within the Golden Triangle.
As well as admiring the beautiful location and the wonderful atmosphere, why not take yourself off to the Casino where you can enjoy dinner and a show and if you fancy, while you’re there, maybe buy some chips and have a little flutter!
Beaches with a nautical feel
Vilamoura beach is located next to the marina. Here, your feet will appreciate the soft golden sand and you can take a dip in the calm crystal-clear blue waters that are on offer. Sun loungers are also available for hire and if you are looking to do water sports, there are plenty of options available.
Praia da Falésia is close to the nautical centre and marina and is ideal for hiring boats to go sailing. This is a high-quality beach in terms of infrastructure, cleaning and water quality. This is a popular spot in the winter for surfing and hiking.
Best restaurants in Vilamoura
Vilamoura Marina restaurants have plenty of variety when it comes to food options which include Indian, Brazilian Rodizio and French cuisine as well as many fresh seafood restaurants.
Places to eat that are close by and have earned TripAdvisor certificates of excellence include the News Café and Oliveira Dourada – a 15 minute drive off the beaten track.
Top Golf
Vilamoura golf courses are often the chosen venues for major national and international golfing events and a good place to be for both enthusiastic amateurs and professional players.
The Old Golf Course is a classic that reminds players of the beautiful, challenging British courses. It has a parkland style layout and is renowned all over the golfing world – rated by Golf Digest among the World’s top 100. It was completely renovated and modernised in 1997, keeping the original layout. Dom Pedro has small greens and its fairways run through surrounding pine trees and over rolling natural terrain.
Millennium opened in the year 2000 and has an exceptional Par 72. Located in the wooded area, the fairways are narrower and require more precision in the game. The remaining course has an open landscape with lakes in holes 4, 6, 13, 17 and 18.
Laguna was designed by architect Joseph Lee and was opened in 1990. This course is set in relatively flat, open terrain with many water hazards. There are 18 holes that offer different and varied game options and there is a welcoming clubhouse which is shared with the neighbouring Millennium Golf Course.
The Pinhal course is laid out through the pine tree forest with its nine holes weaving through the holiday villas that line the fairways. There are a couple of challenging Pars – Par 4 on the fourth hole and Par 3 on the eighth. The back nine-holes have a more open feel.
Victoria opened in 2004 and is considered one of the best and most sophisticated golf courses in Europe. It has been the home of Portugal Masters since 2007 and offers many spectacular holes with beautiful views over the lakes. This course is very long and mostly flat, with huge fairways and greens and extensive water hazards.
So, now that you are armed with a plethora of information about the wonders of the Golden Triangle, all you need to do is plan a visit and see everything for yourself!
In case of doubts or questions, feel free to contact us, or leave us a message on the form below.