Boavista Golf
Above the bay of Lagos in the western Algarve, Howard Swan routed Boavista across two contrasting halves when it opened in 2002. A par 71 of about 6,053 meters, it threads streams and lakes on the lower ground and asks bold carries across a rocky ravine higher up, all of it framed by views to the Atlantic and the Monchique hills.
Photo: Boavista Golf & Spa via Google.
The verdict
Boavista is the western Algarve's scenic all rounder, the resort course that puts the view front and centre. Howard Swan laid it out on rolling ground above Lagos in 2002, working with the natural contours rather than against them, so the round climbs and falls between two distinct characters: a gentler lower stretch among water and a more dramatic upper section where the land breaks into rocky ravines.
It is not the Algarve's hardest test, nor its most exclusive, but it is among the most enjoyable to look at, and the variety keeps it interesting across eighteen holes. The conditioning is dependable, the resort facilities are strong, and the Lagos location is one of the prettiest on the coast. For golfers basing a trip in the western Algarve, Boavista earns a comfortable place on the itinerary, especially as the round where the scenery does the talking.
Boavista at a glance
- Opened
- 2002
- Designer
- Howard Swan
- Type
- Resort parkland
- Par
- 71
- Length
- About 6,053 m
- Green fee
- From about €70
Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026 from Boavista Golf & Spa Resort and leading course databases. The course was designed by Howard Swan and opened in 2002, a par 71 of about 6,053 meters from the back tees. Indicative green fees run roughly 70 to 115 euros for 18 holes, 2026, lower in the shoulder seasons and through resort packages. Always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Boavista plays as two courses in one. The lower holes wind among streams, lakes and gentle slopes, a fair and rhythmic start that lets you settle into the round. Then the land rises and the character changes, the fairways tumbling across higher ground with the bay of Lagos opening up behind you and the Monchique mountains on the skyline.
The signature moments come where the terrain forces a decision. The carries over the rocky ravine at the sixth and the eighth are the holes everyone talks about, asking for a committed strike across rough ground to a fairway or green on the far side. Misjudge the line and the card suffers; commit to it and the reward is one of the prettiest stretches in the western Algarve.
Around those highlights the course is honest and playable, with greens that are true rather than tricked up and a length that suits a holiday game. Boavista rewards the player who picks the right club for the carry, soaks up the view and treats the round as the scenic centrepiece of a Lagos golf trip.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course open to visitors and to guests of Boavista's apartments and villas; tee times bookable in advance |
| Green fee | Indicative 70 to 115 euros for 18 holes (indicative, 2026); shoulder season and package rates lower |
| Booking | Reserve online, through the resort or an Algarve golf specialist, especially across the spring and autumn peaks |
| On the day | Buggy recommended for the climbs; smart casual dress; bring sun protection for the exposed upper holes |
| Getting there | Lagos in the western Algarve, about 1 hour west of Faro Airport and a short drive from the town and marina |
| Best months | March to May and September to November for warm, settled golf; mild and playable through the winter |
Access and fee guidance verified June 2026; resort rates and tee sheets change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit through the resort or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
Boavista has its own apartments and villas around the course, the most convenient base for an early tee time, while the town of Lagos a few minutes away offers a marina, old town dining and a wide choice of hotels. The western Algarve has a more relaxed feel than the busy central resorts, and Lagos makes a charming hub for a golf trip.
For a golf focused stay, base yourself around Lagos and build a few days across the western Algarve courses. It is an ideal region to plan a multi course trip, pairing Boavista's scenery with the links of Palmares on the bay, the parkland of Espiche and a drive east to the Monte Rei championship test.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Boavista.
Build an Algarve golf trip
We book the Boavista tee times, pair them with the best of the western Algarve courses and arrange the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Boavista questions
Who designed Boavista Golf and when did it open?
Boavista Golf & Spa Resort was designed by Howard Swan and opened in 2002, set above the bay of Lagos in the western Algarve of Portugal.
What is the par and length of Boavista Golf?
Boavista is a par 71 of about 6,053 meters from the back tees, routed in two sections, a lower run among streams and lakes and an upper run that carries a rocky ravine with sea and mountain views.
How much is a round at Boavista Golf?
Indicative green fees run roughly 70 to 115 euros for 18 holes in 2026, lower in the shoulder seasons and through resort packages. Rates vary by season, so always confirm directly before booking.
When is the best time to play Boavista?
Spring and autumn, roughly March to May and September to November, give the warmest settled golf, while the Algarve's mild winter keeps the course playable year round.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.