Boavista Golf
Resort in Lagos
Boavista Golf and Spa Resort sits on the clifftops above Praia da Luz, a short distance west of Lagos, commanding sweeping views across the western Algarve coastline towards the dramatic headland of Ponta da Piedade. Designed by Howard Swan and opened in 2002, the course occupies an elevated position that provides sea views from numerous holes, creating a visual environment that enhances the golfing experience even when the layout itself presents a relatively gentle challenge.
Swan's design takes advantage of the undulating terrain to create a varied eighteen holes that wind through the Boavista residential development. The course is not long by modern standards, playing to around 6,100 yards from the back tees, but the combination of wind exposure on the more open holes and tight tree-lined corridors on others ensures that scoring requires more than simply hitting it long. Course management and club selection are the primary skills rewarded here.
The front nine features several holes that play across the hillside with the ocean visible in the background. The par four first offers a welcoming start, with a wide fairway and a relatively accessible green, allowing players to settle into their round. The fourth, a par three, plays towards the coast and can be significantly affected by the prevailing onshore breeze. The fifth, a par five, doglegs around a residential area and offers birdie chances for those who find the fairway with their drive.
The back nine contains the course's most memorable holes. The par four fourteenth plays towards the clifftop, with views across to Ponta da Piedade and the lighthouse at Ponta da Atalaia. The par three sixteenth is another standout, with a well-defended green set against a backdrop of ocean and sky. The finishing holes provide a satisfying conclusion, with the eighteenth returning players to the clubhouse with views across the course towards Praia da Luz.
Boavista is particularly popular with holidaymakers staying in the Lagos area, offering a less intense golfing experience than the championship courses of the central Algarve while still providing well-maintained playing surfaces and genuine enjoyment. The resort includes a spa, swimming pool, and restaurant, and the course is surrounded by villas and apartments available for rental, making it a convenient option for golf-focused holidays.
The practice facilities include a driving range and putting green, adequate for warming up before a round though not as extensive as those at the larger resort complexes further east. The pro shop carries a good selection of equipment and the staff are helpful with booking and course information.
Green fees at Boavista are competitive, typically ranging from 55 to 95 euros depending on the season, making it one of the more affordable quality courses in the Algarve. The course is suitable for golfers of all abilities, with the shorter length and relatively open fairways allowing higher handicappers to enjoy their round while the strategic elements provide enough interest for more accomplished players.
The location near Luz and Lagos adds significant value to a visit, as both towns offer excellent restaurants, historical sites, and beach access. Many golfers combine a morning round at Boavista with an afternoon on the beach or an evening exploring the restaurants and bars of Lagos old town.
Highlights
- Clifftop setting above Praia da Luz with views towards Ponta da Piedade
- Accessible layout suitable for all abilities at competitive green fees
- Resort facilities including spa, pool, and rental villas on site
- Convenient location near Lagos old town and western Algarve beaches