Vale do Lobo Travel Guide

Loulé
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is one of the largest luxury golf resorts in the Algarve, covering an area of approximately three square km. On top of the top notch golf, the resort also offers tennis, sailing, other sports and pristine beaches. There’s never a dull moment in Vale do Lobo.

Situated in Almancil, just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport, the location offers breathtaking natural views and a golden beach, approximately 2 km in length. There are also bars, restaurants, concerts, sports and cultural events, along with top-quality accommodation in the form of self-catering apartments, townhouses or even detached villas.

The resort is the first of the three corners of what is known as Algarve's Golden Triangle. Algarve’s Golden Triangle is the name given to the three resorts that comprise the most affluent tourist areas of the Algarve. The other 2 resorts are Quinta do Lago, and Dunas Douradas Beach Club.

Vale do Lobo has two golf courses, the Royal and the Ocean. One of the 18-hole golf course was based on a design concept by legendary golfer, Sir Henry Cotton, and has become a popular destination amongst British tourists.

Resort History

In 1968, Trust House Forte and Costain Group opened the first five star hotel in the Algarve, Dona Filipa, named after Philippa of Lancaster who was married to John I of Portugal. Dutch entrepreneur Sander van Gelder acquired the resort in 1977 and over the next 30 years, he added another Golf course and other facilities including bars, restaurants, and shops. The Original Golf course was re-developed by the American golf architect, Rocky Roquemore, to host the Portuguese Open in 2002 and 2003.

Portuguese and international investors together with the Portuguese state-owned bank Caixa Geral de Depósitos acquired the resort in 2006.

Architecture and Facilities

The architecture of Vale do Lobo is contemporary and stylish. It is a perfect complement to the beauty of the natural landscape, characterised by long coastlines with golden beaches.

Besides the beach, facilities include pools for adults and kids, shops, ice-cream bars, restaurants, a nightclub, live music and entertainment, a kid’s club and mini-golf – perfect for all the family. It also has one of the largest tennis club facilities in Portugal with 14 courts, 1 paddle court and a gym. Other sports practiced at the resort are water-sports, football, yoga, aerobics and spinning.

In the wellness centre, the Royal Spa, you’ll be treated by skilled therapists and can experience the resort’s top facilities. There’s also a local shopping centre and supermarket on the resort premises, along with 24-hour security and onsite medical assistance.

Food and Drinks

Vale do Lobo has 15 restaurants offering a selection of different cuisines, ranging from traditional Portuguese and seafood specialities to modern international. Casual dining options include restaurants like Sandbanks and the Beach Bar, which also offer children´s menus. There is also a Tennis Café overlooking the courts, which offers light meals during the day.

The resort facilities are also accessible to the general public, although advance reservation for restaurants is advisable.

The magnificent location, golfing lifestyle and unique holiday experience make Vale do Lobo an unforgettable destination.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo Resort
Vale do Lobo Resort
5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo, Loulé
Fully refundable
The price is ฿3,994 per night from 25 Dec to 26 Dec
฿3,994
฿4,700 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec
Stay at this spa resort in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Falesia Beach and Vilamoura Marina are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (210 reviews)
"Great resort and fantastic service. All restaurants were lovely. There is no indoor pool for kids but we did find the indoor water park only 12mins away which was great"

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Vale do Lobo Resort
Dona Filipa Hotel
Dona Filipa Hotel
5 out of 5
Vale Do Lobo, Algarve, Loulé
The price is ฿7,107 per night from 3 Jan to 4 Jan
฿7,107
฿7,606 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Loulé. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (285 reviews)
"The staff were excellent but the bedroom, especially the bathroom and toilet, were in need of an upgrade"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Dona Filipa Hotel
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Hotel Faro & Beach Club
4 out of 5
Praca D Francisco Gomes 2, Faro
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,469 per night from 25 Dec to 26 Dec
฿3,469
฿3,748 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Dec - 26 Dec
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"The hotel was I lovely ideal location. Main issue was everytime someone in a room above ours flushed the toilet we heard such a loud noise, our room was on first floor. Was woken many times with this and was told hotel was full so no availability to change rooms. The noise sound like someone was ..."

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2024

Hotel Faro & Beach Club
Vila Vita Parc
Vila Vita Parc
5 out of 5
Rua Anneliese Pohl, Alporchinhos, Porches, Lagoa, Algarve
The price is ฿10,311 per night from 2 Jan to 3 Jan
฿10,311
฿11,001 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Jan - 3 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lagoa. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (579 reviews)
"It was a fantastic property with all the luxury amenities you could imagine."

Reviewed on 13 Dec 2024

Vila Vita Parc
AP Eva Senses
AP Eva Senses
4 out of 5
Avenida da Republica, 1, Faro
The price is ฿3,594 per night from 19 Dec to 20 Dec
฿3,594
฿4,025 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Dec - 20 Dec
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Faro. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location, easy walk from the train station. Wonderful staff, very friendly welcoming."

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2024

AP Eva Senses
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
5 out of 5
Praia da Falésia, Pinhal do Concelho, Albufeira
The price is ฿5,498 per night from 17 Jan to 18 Jan
฿5,498
฿5,828 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Jan - 18 Jan 2025
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Albufeira. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (604 reviews)
"Very nice hotel with great facilities. Had issues with A/C but this was rectified after 3 attempts. Staff will respond swiftly to any reports and always helpful. Beach is close and recommend the cliff walk with breath taking views. Highly recommended 😊"

Reviewed on 3 Dec 2024

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Vale do Lobo

Default Image

Fonte Santa

If you're spending some time in Fonte Santa, Quarteira Beach and Vale do Lobo Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Fonte Santa
Default Image

Vale do Garrão

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Vale do Garrão. A stop by Garrao Beach or Praia do Ancão might round out your trip.

Vale do Garrão
Default Image

Cavacos

Cavacos is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Quarteira Beach or Vilamoura Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Cavacos
Default Image

Quinta do Lago

Beaches, golf courses and restaurants are some highlights of Quinta do Lago. Make a stop by Quinta do Lago Golf or Faro Island Beach while you're exploring.

Quinta do Lago
Default Image

Morgadinho

Morgadinho might not have many top sights, but Vila Sol Golf and Aqua Show Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Morgadinho
Falesia Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a beach

Vilamoura

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Vilamoura. Make a stop by Falesia Beach or Vilamoura Marina while you're exploring the area.

Vilamoura

Vale do Lobo Travel Guide