Perched on ochre cliffs above the Atlantic, Pine Cliffs Resort commands one of the Algarve's most dramatic stretches of coastline. Below, Falésia Beach runs for miles in both directions, backed by rust-coloured sandstone and framed by umbrella pines. It's consistently rated among the Algarve's best beaches, with a long run of clean sand, dramatic cliff backdrops and the kind of quiet you don't find at the busier resort strips. The resort itself is built around the famous nine-hole Pine Cliffs course, a clifftop layout that somehow feels bigger than it should, mainly because the views and the carries are properly memorable. You'll recognise the photo. It's the tee shot over the gorge at the Devil's Parlour, the par 3 that makes even confident swingers take an extra club and a deep breath. It's a short course, but it's a proper test, and the setting is world-class.
Beyond the golf, Pine Cliffs is a full-service luxury resort with five tennis courts, a comprehensive kids' club, multiple pools and the Estética Spa, which offers everything from massage to hydrotherapy in a setting designed for total relaxation. The beach is accessed via a funicular railway that drops you straight onto the sand, and once you're down there, you'll understand why this stretch of coast is so highly rated.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a five-star Algarve base with an on-site nine-hole course, proper beach access and the option to bolt on bigger names nearby.
Who is it best for?
Couples and families who want serious facilities, smart dining and a resort that keeps golfers and non-golfers equally happy.