Penina Championship Course is an 18-hole course in the Portimao golf corridor. The Algarve’s first 18-hole course — Cotton’s 1966 classic and still the soul of Penina resort golf.
Who should play
Golf-first travellers basing in Portimao or nearby resort towns. Society and couples’ trips where one round here anchors the week. Handicap mix works best when you match classic courses to ability — this is more forgiving by Algarve standards.
Skip it if nobody in the group golfs, you need walkable nightlife from the first tee, or you are not willing to book tee times and transfers in advance for peak season.
What to expect
Designer: Sir Henry Cotton. Typical Algarve conditioning — irrigated fairways, slick greens in summer, and afternoon breeze on exposed holes. Allow 4–4.5 hours plus practice balls if your group is serious.
On-site or partner stay: Penina Hotel Golf Resort.
See the full Golf in the Algarve guide for corridor comparisons and booking order.
Course layout
Practical tips
Book tee times before flights in March–May and October–November. Hire a car or resort shuttle — public transport to most courses is poor. Morning slots beat wind and heat. Ask the pro shop about twilight rates in summer.
Worth it?
Historic Algarve layout — character over novelty, and a story worth telling at the 19th. Pair with golf trip planning if you are building a multi-course itinerary.