Stay, Play & Conquer: The Castro Marim Golfing Trilogy...
- davidfspinheiro
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 3
... Test your game across three unique 9-hole layouts, then unwind in a resort made for golfers who crave adventure and relaxation.
Nestled right on the eastern edge of the Algarve, very close to the Spanish border, Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club is a superb choice for golf lovers who want variety, comfort, and a bit of quiet away from the mainstream locations of the Algarve.
The resort offers villas of several types: 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and superior 3-bedroom villas:
The T2 (2 bedrooms) villas are about 101 m² in size.
The T3 (3-bedroom) villas are approx. 113 m² (standard) or 220 m² for the superior villa. Superior villas are larger, offer more space, often with private amenities like a private pool, barbecue, more patio space etc.
All villas are well-appointed: air-conditioning, private bathrooms, balconies / patios, fully self-catering kitchens (dishwasher, washing machine), free WiFi, flat-screen TVs etc.
Many have spa-bath or hydromassage bathtubs. Spacious outdoor areas, some villas with private pools (superior ones) and pet-friendly ones among them.
Shared adult pools, children’s pool, gym & sauna on-site.
There are some very appealing offers such as "Stay & Play" packages including multiple rounds of golf plus accommodation and breakfast.
Designed in 2001 by Terry Murray, Castro Marim is a parkland course with a 27‐hole setup, arranged as three 9-hole courses:
The Grouse,
The Atlantic,
The Guadiana.
The terrain is undulating hills, with some open sections, particularly on the Grouse course, which has fewer trees.
The other two loops (Atlantic & Guadiana) have a more mature, tree-lined design with pine trees.
Features include fast, true greens (some elevated), bunkers protecting greens, dogleg fairways, and water hazards.
These 3 x 9 holes create flexibility: you can mix and match, play 9, 18 or full 27 as you desire. Having multiple loops means variety without having to travel far. Also good for practising different kinds of hole layouts, elevation or terrain changes amongst the three, so your game gets tested in various ways.
Why is it a Great Choice for Golfers
Putting together accommodation + course variety + location, Castro Marim is appealing for several reasons:
Variety of play without moving base: With three 9-hole courses onsite, you can stay in one villa but still experience different golfing challenges each day.
Value for money: The driving distance to Faro airport is about 45-minutes; packages and deals including “stay & play” make it easier to budget.
Good facilities and comfort: Spa-baths, private or shared pools, good kitchens allow self-catered or mixed dining, which suits golfers who want to relax, maybe cook sometimes, or enjoy the clubhouse.
Other great golf courses in the region (within a 30min drive radius): not only will you find Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole championship course (par 72), often considered the top course in Portugal, but also beautiful courses such as Quinta do Vale Golf, Benamor Golf, Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima. If you'd like to cross the border for some tapas you'll also find Isla Canela Links and Isla Canela Old Course a stone throw away from Castro Marim.
Natural surroundings: It’s near the marshlands reserve (Sapal de Castro Marim / Vila Real de Santo António), which brings nice scenery, birdlife etc. If you like calm mornings walking or stretching before or after a round, that helps, and who knows, maybe an Iberian lynx will join you for a hole or two.
Beyond the Green: What Else to Do Around
Golf is only part of the experience in this part of Algarve. For those days when you want rest, natural beauty, culture, beaches or other activities, Castro Marim region has plenty to offer.
Beaches: There are several beautiful golden sand beaches nearby (e.g., Praia Verde, Praia do Cabeço, etc.). Perfect for rest after golf, or sunrise/sunset walks.
Nature & bird watching: The Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve (Sapal) is nearby. Great for morning walks, observing birdlife/flamingos.
Towns & culture: The medieval town of Castro Marim with its Moorish castle is close by. There's also Vila Real de Santo António, and crossing over the border to Spain (Ayamonte) is easy for tapas, culture, a change of pace.
Water activities: You can do kayaking, boat trips and other watersports. Also river excursions on the Guadiana river.
Dining: Local fresh fish, Portuguese cuisine, and for more upscale Monte Rei Golf & Country Club offers fine dining options.
In summary, the Eastern Algarve is a true haven for golfers, and Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club makes an ideal base with its comfortable villas, flexible 27-hole setup, and welcoming atmosphere for you to Stay, Play & Conquer. Whether you choose to experience the world-class luxury of Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, or explore other nearby gems like Quinta do Vale, Benamor, and Quinta da Ria & Cima, you’ll find every round offers something new. Add to that the stunning beaches, charming towns, and natural reserves just minutes away, and you have the perfect balance of golf, relaxation, and culture, all within easy reach from Castro Marim.
