Opened in 2009 and just 2 km from the main Quinta do Lago resort, Laranjal sits out in the Ludo Valley and feels like its own little world. It picked up Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards and the wider resort has the silverware too, including Europe's Best Golf Destination at the World Golf Awards in 2015 and 2016, plus Golf Digest's Best International Resort in 2016 and 2017.
What you'll remember most is the setting. Five lakes break up the routing, umbrella pines shape plenty of tee shots and the orange trees dotted around the course give Laranjal its name. It's a modern layout, but it doesn't feel forced. You get enough elevation and movement to keep it interesting, without that manufactured resort golf vibe.
How it plays
Right, this is a thinking golfer's course. Fairways can look generous until you're slightly out of position and blocked by trees, so smart club selection off the tee is a big part of scoring. The greens are well defended and approach play matters, but it's not unfair either. Keep the ball in play, pick your moments to be aggressive and you'll have plenty of chances. Conditioning is typically superb, which is exactly why so many golfers base themselves at Quinta do Lago for a long weekend or a full week in the sun.
In my opinion, Laranjal is one of the Algarve rounds you'll talk about on the flight home. It's got enough bite to test single-figure players but it won't punish mid-handicappers who play sensibly. The bunkering is strategic rather than penal, and if you take one more club on approach shots when the pin is tucked, you'll save yourself a few dropped shots around the greens.
Who is this for?
Golfers who want a high-quality Algarve round away from the main resort buzz, with great conditioning and proper variety across 18 holes.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers who enjoy plotting their way around and groups or couples combining Laranjal with the other Quinta do Lago courses and facilities.
Want to build a Quinta do Lago long weekend around it? Include Laranjal on your next Algarve Golf Holiday and we'll line up tee times across the estate.
