Vale do Lobo is part of the so-called “Golden Triangle,” an area of luxury resort towns to the west of Faro (the others are Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura). It was developed in 1962 until the late 20th century and has been distinguished as the “Best Resort of the Millennium” and “Best Resort in Portugal.” It’s mostly residential, with luxury villas owned by the rich and famous Portuguese and foreigners, but there are a few hotels and resorts. Like its neighbors, it’s a major destination for golfers and more affluent tourists. In addition to world-class golf courses, it offers over a dozen tennis courts, considered the best in Algarve.
The main road leads to The Praça, which recreates a “main square” with several restaurants with outdoor seating, bars, a pool with bar service, and live entertainment (remember that this is a high-end destination, so prices are higher than almost anywhere else in Algarve). It’s just steps from the golden sands of the beach, which is slightly less exclusive than Quinta do Lago but surprisingly remains uncrowded even in the high season. It’s part of an enormous stretch of sand that goes from Faro in the east to Quarteira in the west. It’s quite beautiful, backed by red cliffs and palm and pine trees. It’s accessed by the Praça and there are parasols and loungers for rent, and sometimes a massage station, in the summer. If you don’t bring your own umbrella, this is the only way to have shade at this beach. If you enjoy water sports, you’ll also find rentals for that. Those who prefer quieter spots should walk a couple of minutes to the left or right.
The water is relatively calm in the summer and very clean, as guaranteed by the Blue Flag. There are lifeguards on duty in the summer.
After the sun sets, the Praça becomes a lively spot, with people of all ages getting together for eating and drinking.
Beach for: Couples, Families
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: Yes
Bar or Restaurant: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes
Vale do Lobo Golf Courses
With their stunning seaside locations and challenging holes, it’s no wonder Vale do Lobo’s two golf courses are considered two of Portugal’s (and Europe’s) finest.
Ocean Golf Course
Designed in 1968 by Sir Henry Cotton (the greatest British golfer of his generation), this course established Vale do Lobo as a major golf destination. The name describes the setting -- there are spectacular ocean views.
Royal Golf Course
Designed by Rocky Roquemore, the American golf course designer behind many popular courses around the world, this one opened in 1997. It has rolling fairways set amidst pine trees and lakes. The 16th hole, on a clifftop, is one of the most photographed in Europe.
How to Get to Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is less than 30 minutes from Faro and the airport, and about 40 from Albufeira, following road N125 in the direction of Almancil, where you’ll eventually see signs pointing to it. If you’re just going to the beach, you’ll find it at the end of the main road. There’s limited parking nearby. A bus (number 85, operated by Vamus) goes from Loulé to Vale do Lobo in about 25 minutes, with a stop in Almancil. However, this service is very infrequent (about four or five departures per day) and only available on weekdays.
Beaches by Vale do Lobo
The beach of Quinta do Lago is similar to that of Vale do Lobo and is just 15 minutes away by car, to the east. For the beach of Vilamoura, head west instead, for about 25 minutes. As mentioned above, these are the upscale resorts of the “Golden Triangle,” so if you prefer other, more budget-friendly beaches, go to Praia da Ilha de Faro (about 30 minutes to the east) or Quarteira (15 minutes to the west).
Hotels in Vale do Lobo
Dona Filipa Hotel
The hotel closest to the beach in Vale do Lobo (just a 5-minute walk up the road) has rooms with balconies offering panoramic views, some of them of the ocean. They’re quite spacious and decorated in a classic style. There are two restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisines, two outdoor pools open throughout the year, a spa, and three tennis courts. In the summer, it offers sunshades and sunbeds at the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Dona Filipa Hotel
Vale do Lobo Resort
It’s right up the road from the beach (about a 10-minute walk) and consists of apartments and villas. It’s the choice of families -- the largest villa has as many as five bedrooms! Most of the villas and some of the apartments feature private pools. There is also a main pool for all guests, available from June to September. Everyone also has access to a spa and a gym.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vale do Lobo Resort
Dunas Douradas Beach Club
It’s on Praia do Garrão, but The Praça in Vale do Lobo is less than 10 minutes away by car. You’ll find other restaurants within walking distance, and to reach the beach you just have to walk down the road for 5 minutes. There’s the choice of apartments (most of them with a sea view) or villas with as many as four bedrooms. The exceptional 5-star service includes three outdoor pools (one of them for children), a restaurant, and a spa. From May to October, it also offers sunshades at the beach.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Dunas Douradas Beach Club
Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Located between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, and just a 10-minute walk from the beach, this 5-star hotel has classically-styled rooms of different sizes, overlooking a tropical garden or the ocean. The biggest ones are for families, accommodating two adults and three children. Outside is a lagoon-style pool and there’s another pool inside, connected to the health club with gym and spa. The restaurant serves signature dishes inspired by Portuguese and international cuisines.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Ria Park Hotel & Spa
Ria Park Garden Hotel
The more affordable hotel (it’s rated 4 stars) in Vale do Lobo has standard rooms and family suites. Facilities include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by a tropical garden, two tennis courts, and a children’s playground. The beach, where guests have access to sunshades and loungers, is a 10-to-15-minute walk away, but there’s also a shuttle service.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Ria Park Garden Hotel
Quinta Jacintina - My Secret Garden
Found between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, this romantic hotel has just 11 rooms with terraces, each individually decorated in a classic style with soft colors. The restaurant and lounge with a fireplace both face the garden with a heated swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Quinta Jacintina - My Secret Garden