Penina Golf Resort Review
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort in Portimão has the strongest historical pedigree of any Algarve course. The Championship Course, designed by Sir Henry Cotton in 1966, was the first 18-hole course in the Algarve and southern Portugal — and remains an essential heritage stop for visiting British golfers.
Course at a Glance
- Architect: Sir Henry Cotton
- Opened: 1966 (Championship Course)
- Total holes at resort: 27 (Championship + Resort + Academy)
- Tournament heritage: Multiple Portuguese Opens over decades
- Location: Portimão, western Algarve
- Distance from Faro Airport: 45 minutes
What Makes Penina Special
The Championship Course is a British-style parkland layout in the truest sense — designed by an English major champion (Cotton won The Open three times) at a time when the Algarve had no other golf courses. The mature pines, tight fairways and traditional bunkering feel immediately familiar to UK golfers.
The resort also houses the Sir Henry Cotton Golf Academy — one of the longest-established teaching academies in Portugal. The combination of historic course + academy + resort hotel makes Penina ideal for short golf-learning breaks.
For the Visiting Golfer
Penina is essential for:
- The Portuguese golf heritage experience — the original Algarve course
- Western Algarve visitors basing in Portimão
- Golfers wanting lessons (Sir Henry Cotton Academy)
Practical notes: book 2-3 weeks ahead. Stay at the on-site Penina Hotel for the full heritage experience.
Related Pages
More courses in Algarve
- Álamos Golf Course (18 holes, par 71)
- Alto Golf Pestana Golf Resort (18 holes, par 70)
- Amendoeira Faldo Course (18 holes, par 72)
- Amendoeira O’Connor Jnr. Course (18 holes, par 72)
- Benamor Golf (18 holes, par 71)
➡️ See all golf courses in Algarve.