Set on a magnificent 360-acre estate between Portimão and Lagos, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort opened in 1966 as the Algarve's first golf course—a transformative moment that converted former rice paddies into a championship-caliber layout. Sir Henry Cotton, the three-time British Open champion, designed this architectural marvel by planting over 360,000 trees and shrubs to create the lush, wooded parkland setting golfers encounter today. The Championship Course presents a deceptively flat terrain that demands precision: strategically placed water hazards, subtle slopes, and raised greens catch even skilled players. The iconic par-3 13th hole, ranked among the world's top 500 holes, has become Penina's signature—a long carry over water to a sloping green guarded by bunkers, where dredging operations once recovered 20,000 lost balls. Groups playing here experience not just a test of golf but a journey through golfing history, having hosted the Portuguese Open nine times and numerous European Seniors Tour events. The resort's complete infrastructure—from five on-site restaurants to a sprawling pool complex and spa—makes multi-day stays seamless, while the hotel's 196 rooms overlook gardens and golf courses.
The flagship 18-hole championship layout spanning 6,273 yards with challenging water hazards, elevated greens, and the world-famous 13th hole.
A 9-hole executive course (2,987 meters) ideal for warm-ups or relaxed rounds, accessible to players of all skill levels.
A 9-hole beginners' course (1,851 meters) designed for instruction and short game practice, winding through the Championship layout.
196 elegant rooms and suites in a 5-star hotel with recently renovated accommodations featuring private balconies with pool, garden, or mountain views. Modern amenities include flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, in-room safe, and spacious bathrooms. Direct access to five restaurants, two bars, spa services, sauna, fitness center, and swimming pool complex. Free parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.