Once an orange grove that inspired its name, Laranjal is a sanctuary for golfers seeking championship-level golf in a serene, residential-free setting. Opened in 2009 and voted Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards, this par-72 beauty sits 2km east of the Quinta do Lago Resort in the scenic Ludo Valley. The course immediately captivates with its meticulously manicured fairways lined with mature umbrella pines, cork oaks, and—yes—orange trees that frame nearly every hole. Five pristine lakes guard strategic positions throughout the layout, while the rolling terrain creates natural elevation changes that add both difficulty and visual drama. What makes Laranjal special is its seclusion and flow: unlike its sister courses that occasionally feel busy, Laranjal maintains a quieter, more introspective pace—perfect for groups who want to lose themselves in the game rather than navigate crowded fairways. The course transitions beautifully through its two nines, with the back nine delivering a crescendo of challenging holes, particularly the celebrated 14th, 15th, and 16th. Designed by Portuguese architect Jorge Santana da Silva with American-style generosity, the fairways are broad and the greens expansive—but don't be fooled: Penn A4 greens are devilishly fast, undulating, and precisely sculpted to reward accuracy and penalize hesitation. This is a course that rewards local knowledge; groups playing Laranjal twice in a week invariably discover new strategic routes and improved scores.
Par-72 championship course through orange groves with five par-5s, eight par-4s, five par-3s; 6,480 meters from the tips with five lakes and rolling terrain.