A Golf Journey Through Vila Galé Hotels: Fairways, Vineyards and Atlantic Waves!
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Imagine waking up to the scent of vineyards or the sound of Atlantic waves, all before teeing off on some of Europe’s most breathtaking golf courses. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a traveler seeking relaxation and adventure, this itinerary will guide you through the best of Vila Galé’s Hotels, from the lush north to the glamorous Cascais coast, the cliffs of the Algarve, the historic charm of Tavira, the volcanic wonders of the Azores, the island paradise of Madeira and the sun-soaked shores of Isla Canela.
Let’s discover 8 Vila Galé hotels that stand as the perfect "clubhouse" for your next golf adventure in Portugal.
📍Northern Portugal: The Minho & Porto Region
The Vila Galé Collection Ponte de Lima Vineyards is a 4-star historic property located in the restored Paço do Curutelo, a 9th-century estate classified as a Property of Public Interest. Set in the heart of Alto Minho, the hotel features 69 rooms and is surrounded by its own vineyards and a modern winery producing Paço do Curutelo wines, with tours and tastings available. The property also offers a Satsanga-branded spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a wellness center, blending Portuguese heritage with wine tourism and luxury amenities.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (distance 🚘 from Hotel):
Axis Ponte de Lima (20 min): 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Danila and David Silva.
Estela (45 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Duarte Sotto-Mayor.
Vidago (70 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: McKenzie Ross, remodelled by Cameron & Powell.
Quinta da Barca (40 min): 9 holes | Par 31 | Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva.
Amarante Golf (50 min): 18 holes | Par 68 | Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva.
Oporto (60 min): 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Francisco Javier Olazabal.
Vale Pisão (70 min): 9 holes | Par 37 | Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva.
📍 Lisbon Coast: The Portuguese Riviera
The Vila Galé Cascais is a 4-star hotel located by the sea, just meters from the renowned Cascais Marina and the town’s historic center. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, many with stunning sea views, and features a Satsanga Wellness Center with spa, sauna, and indoor/outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy easy access to local attractions like Boca do Inferno and Cascais’ main shopping street. The hotel is praised for its quality service, comfort, and prime location.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (distance 🚘 from Hotel):
Quinta da Marinha (8 min): 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones.
Oitavos Dunes (10 min): 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Arthur Hills.
Estoril Golf (15 min): 18 holes | Par 69 | Architect: Mackenzie Ross.
Penha Longa Atlantic & Penha Longa Monastery (20 min): Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpieces in the Sintra mountains. Respectively 18 holes | Par 72 and 9 holes | Par 35.
Pestana Beloura (20 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Rocky Roquemore.
Belas Clube de Campo (25 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Rocky Roquemore.
Lisbon Sports Club (25 min): 18 Holes | Par 69 | Architect: Hawtree & Sons.
📍The Southern Sun: Algarve to Spain
These 4 Vila Galé properties allow you to travel the coast from west to east, ending just across the Spanish border.
🧭 West Algarve | Lagos Hub
The Vila Galé Lagos is a stylish 4-star hotel located just meters from the sandy Meia Praia beach and a short drive from Lagos Marina and the historic town center. The hotel features 130 spacious rooms and suites, many with sea views, and is renowned for its 1,200 m² outdoor pool, Satsanga spa with indoor panoramic pool, and three restaurants serving regional cuisine. The decor showcases original pieces by celebrated Portuguese designers, adding a unique touch of fashion and artistry.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (5-20 min 🚘 from Hotel):
Espiche | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Peter Sauerman.
Palmares | 27 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Boavista | 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Howard Swan.
Penina Championship | 18 holes | Par 73 | Architect: Sir Henry Cotton.
Penina Resort | 9 holes | Par 35 | Architect: Sir Henry Cotton.
Pestana Alto | 18 holes | Par 70 | Architect: Sir Henry Cotton.
NAU Morgado | 18 holes | Par 73 | Architect: European Golf Design.
NAU Alamos | 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: European Golf Design.
🧭 Central Algarve | Vilamoura Hub
The Vila Galé Ampalius is a 4-star hotel located just steps from Marina Beach and the vibrant Vilamoura Marina in the Algarve. This spacious property offers 357 rooms and suites, many with sea-view balconies, and features extensive amenities including outdoor and indoor pools, a Satsanga spa with sauna and hydromassage and tennis courts. The hotel is renowned for its prime location, providing easy access to golf courses, the casino, and local attractions like Falésia Beach and the Roman Ruins of Cerro da Vila.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (5-25 min 🚘 from Hotel):
Old Course Vilamoura | 18 holes | Par 73 | Architect: Frank Pennink.
Millennium Vilamoura | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Martin Hawtree.
Pinhal Vilamoura | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Frank Pennink and Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Laguna Vilamoura | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Joseph Lee.
Pestana Vila Sol | 27 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Donald Steel.
Quinta do Lago North | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: William Mitchell & Rocky Roquemore.
Quinta do Lago South | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: William Mitchell.
Quinta do Lago Laranjal | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Jorge Santana da Silva.
Pinheiros Altos | 27 holes | Par 72 (18 holes) | Architect: Ronald Fream & Jorge Santana da Silva.
San Lorenzo | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Joseph Lee.
Vale do Lobo Ocean | 18 holes | Par 73 | Architect: Sir Henry Cotton.
Vale do Lobo Royal | 18 holes | Par 72/73 | Architect: W. "Rocky" Roquemore.
Pine Cliffs | 9 holes | Par 33 | Architect: Martin Hawtree.
Ombria | 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Jorge Santanta da Silva.
🧭 East Algarve | Tavira & Isla Canela Hub
The Vila Galé Tavira is a 4-star hotel situated on the banks of the Ria Formosa in the heart of Tavira, blending Moorish-inspired architecture with modern comfort. The hotel features 268 spacious rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, and offers a range of amenities including an outdoor pool, a Satsanga spa with indoor pool, Turkish bath, and massage rooms. The hotel's central location provides easy access to Tavira’s historic castle, local markets and the stunning beaches of Ilha de Tavira via a short ferry ride. Vila Galé Tavira is praised for its tranquil setting, attentive service, and proximity to both cultural attractions and natural beauty.
The Vila Galé Isla Canela is a 4-star beachfront resort located on Spain’s tranquil Isla Canela, just an hour’s drive from Faro Airport and close to the Portuguese border. The hotel offers 300 modern rooms, many with balconies, and features direct access to a stunning white sand beach, two outdoor swimming pools, and a Satsanga Spa & Wellness center with indoor pool, gym, sauna, and massage rooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including two restaurants serving Spanish and international cuisine, as well as three bars, one by the pool. The resort’s prime location also allows for easy access to golf courses, the Isla Canela Marina, and the charming town of Ayamonte.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses - Tavira & Isla Canela Hub (5-25 min 🚘 from Hotels):
Monte Rei | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Jack Nicklaus Signature.
Castro Marim | 3x9 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Terry Murrey.
Quinta do Vale | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Severiano Ballesteros.
Quinta de Cima | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Rocky Roquemore.
Quinta da Ria | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Rocky Roquemore.
Benamor | 18 holes | Par 71 | Architect: Sir Henry Cotton.
Isla Canela Old Course | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Juan Catarineu.
Isla Canela Links | 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: José Canales.
Islantilla | 27 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Enrique Canales, Luis Recasens.
📍 Madeira & The Azores: The Atlantic Escapes
The Vila Galé Santa Cruz (Madeira) is a 4-star oceanfront hotel offering stunning Atlantic Ocean views and direct access to Palmeiras Beach. Golfers will appreciate its proximity to local golf facilities and the tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation after a day on the course. The hotel features 262 modern rooms, many with private balconies, as well as a Satsanga spa, an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, and two restaurants serving regional and international cuisine. Its prime location also provides easy access to the vibrant city of Funchal and Madeira Airport, making it an ideal base for exploring the island’s natural beauty and leisure activities.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (distance 🚘 from Hotel):
Santo da Serra (15 min): 27 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Robert Trent Jones Sr.
Palheiro (20 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Cabell B. Robinson.
The Vila Galé Collection S. Miguel (Azores) is a 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island. Housed in a historic 19th-century building that once served as the city’s main hospital, the hotel blends elegant architecture with modern comfort, featuring 92 cozy rooms and a striking entrance lobby. Guests can relax in the indoor and outdoor pools, enjoy regional cuisine at the Versátil restaurant, or unwind with a drink at the Splash Bar or Soul & Blues Bar. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to Ponta Delgada’s harbour, cultural landmarks, and the island’s famous volcanic landscapes and hot springs, making it an ideal base for exploring the Azores.
⛳️ Nearby Golf courses (distance 🚘 from Hotel):
Batalha Golf Course (15 min): 27 holes | Par 72 | Architect: Cameron Powell.
Furnas Golf Course (40 min): 18 holes | Par 72 | Architects: MacKenzie Ross, Cameron Powell.
Vila Galé hotels offer a unique window into the soul of the Iberian Peninsula. In every region, you'll find a unique blend of heritage, nature, and sport, ensuring that every round played is a memory made. Pack your clubs and discover the beauty of the game in its most stunning setting yet.
