There are some fourteen 18-hole golf courses within 20 miles of Pedras together with a number of 9-hole and putting facilities. The nearest facility is the Villa Monte golf spar a mere three minute drive away. It is sign posted and sited just after the motorway roundabout some 300 meters down road to Moncarapacho. It offers pitch and putt, driving range 3-hole course and putting green.

Tel: 289 790 790

Just a couple of kilometres further along the road to Moncarapacho, turn left at the sign for Fuzeta, left again at the traffic lights and follow direction to Golf-Domizil Colina Verde. Basically 3-part it is nevertheless the only 9-hole course listed in Essential Algarve magazine’s top twenty courses. The magazine praises its challenging full size greens and subtle contours. It makes particular mention of the water hazard that comes into play on three holes, particularly the 160-meter 5th. The 2nd hole is a 243 meter par-4. Rates are reasonable: E20 for nine holes; E30 for 2X9 holes It has a putting green and chipping area. The restaurant is also recommended.

Par 28 9 holes, length 1,117 meters.
Tel: 289 790 110

Benamour, an 18 -hole 71 par course with fantastic mountain and ocean views is the closest full sized course to Pedras – a 20 minute drive away just past Tavira. Essential magazine warns that although with three short par-4s and a par-3 the start is relatively uncomplicated precision on tee and approach shots are a must. The inward nine includes a tricky par-3 tenth over water and unplayable rough left of the green. There are two par-5s – the 25th and 18th which has out of bounds areas on either side close to the green.

18 holes, par 17; 5,497 meters.
Tel: 289 320 660

Quinta Da Ria, opened in 2001is just a few miles further along the road from Benamour. Designed by Rocky Roquemore on gentle undulating terrain, it includes five man made lakes – one along side the par3 17th has an island home to many species of bird life. Scores of old Olive and Carob trees were transplanted on the course. It has four par-3s, fourpar-5s and the rest par-4sdivided equally into each 9-hole loop.

Par 72 : extras riving range and academy
Tel: 281 950580

Driving west past Faro takes you into the “Golden Triangle” with some fabulous golf courses – but at fabulous prices!

Quinto Do Largo boasts two championship 72-par courses which have hosted the Portuguese Open eight times.

Tel: 289 390 700

San Lorenzo, designed by Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore is ranked the 5th best course in Continental Europe. It is owned by the neighbouring Le Meridien Dona Filipa Hotel

Tel: 289 396 522

Pinheiros Altos 18-hole course on the Quinta Do Largo estate embraces part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve with stunning views.

Tel: 289 359 910