Benamor Golf

Benamor Golf is an 18-hole course on the Quinta de Benamor estate at Conceição, a few kilometres east of Tavira in the eastern Algarve. The idea of building a course on the family-owned land took shape in the mid-1980s, when the Martins Dias family asked Sir Henry Cotton to draw up a concept design. He took inspiration from the old church beside the clubhouse site and from the setting itself.

The course

The result is a par 71 layout of 5,456 metres (6,100 yards) that is meant to be enjoyable for golfers of every level. The terrain rolls gently without being hilly, and from the fairways you look north to the mountains and south to the Atlantic. Native olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees, many of them centuries old, shape both the scenery and the play. Water hazards and sand bunkers are placed to reward careful strategy and clean striking. Greens and tees are Penn A4, while the fairways combine Bermuda Sahara with cool-season grasses for good lies off woods and irons.

Practice and facilities

There is a driving range where you can work on your full swing, putting, and pitching and chipping, using tokens bought at reception. Two putting courses, including a large one, add further practice options. The clubhouse houses the reception and golf shop, a bar, the restaurant, a caddy master and changing rooms, and there is also a buggy bar. Buggies, trolleys, club sets and golf shoes can be hired, so travellers do not need to bring their own kit. The resident professional gives lessons and clinics throughout the year, and there are dedicated programmes for adult groups and juniors. Handicap conversion is available at the clubhouse.

Restaurant and events

The clubhouse restaurant seats up to 120 people and has a terrace. An extension added later created an indoor space with panoramic views over the first tee, the driving range, the putting green and the 9th green. The menu runs from snacks and light meals to the chef's suggestions, and you can reserve ahead and choose your meal in advance. Benamor also hosts lunches, dinners, anniversaries, weddings and business events, and runs a calendar of tournaments.

Getting there

From the A22, take the Tavira exit and follow the EN125 east towards Vila Real de Santo António; at the golfer roundabout in Conceição de Tavira turn off for Benamor, and the car park is about 600 metres further on. Coming from Spain, leave the motorway at the Monte Gordo exit and head west on the EN125 towards Tavira to reach the same roundabout. Tee times can be booked online or through the bookings email.

The course suits holidaymakers based around Tavira and the eastern Algarve, mixed-ability groups and anyone looking for a scenic, approachable round with good practice facilities.