Situated in one of the best-known regions of the Algarve, between Albufeira and Armação de Pera, Salgados is already one of the symbols of the Portuguese golf. In fact, the proximity of the sea and the variety of lakes make this a very interesting test of golfing skills, different to other courses in the Algarve.
The 6,000 metre links, replete with water obstacles, is not very long, yet you will need all your skills to reach the greens. The accuracy of the drive is crucial for achieving good scores, thus making the course a pleasant experience, especially for technically-skilled players.

Pine Cliffs (9 hole course) Shereton Hotel.

Location: A 25 minute drive East of Albufeira.

Opened in 1990, Pine Cliffs was designed by Martin Hawtree. The nine hole course is not very long - only two holes run to more than 360 metres - yet, despite this, it presents an interesting challenge for the golfer, regardless of handicap. As well as concerning himself with the playing area, Hawtree was careful to leave the surrounding land undisturbed and largely as it was before the course was built. The perfectly-kept course opens with two undemanding holes, but the challenge gets tougher from the third hole. For several years, the president of the club was the British motor racing star Nigel Mansell.
This is a course I played recently (Nov09) The ninth elevated tee has one of the most spectacular veiws in golf. I was told it is the most photographed hole in Europe.

Other courses within a half hour drive are: 'Vila Sol' golf course,Vilamoura- cheap but quite nice. 18 holes

The Old Course, Vilamoura. A beautiful green tree lined course. expensive but very good. 18 holes