The grandfather of courses in the Algarve and a permanent living memory to its architect and active promoter, Sir Henry Cotton. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice has been converted into a flat challenging course and especially for the stronger player

Rated 84th in Europe by Golf World magazine, Penina is a truly magnificent course, and the only way to play it is as a Penina hotel guest (or, subject to availability, as a guest at the Dona Filipa hotel). Not only do guests actually get to play on this exclusive course, but they also benefit from some fantastic free golf offers and reduced green fees. The course has had its critics over the years and has been much changed, but our recent inspection confirmed that it's among the very best in the Algarve. The challenging layout will test every golfer's shot-making ability. You'll need long irons and even woods to reach some of the par 3s, and you'll have to hit great 2nd shots on the 1st, 2nd, 9th and 12th holes. The hotel also has the less demanding academy and resort courses, both of which have 9 holes and are enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike.

Designer: Henry Cotton
Fairways: Creeping bent
Greens: Creeping bent 'cobra'
Par: 73
Length: 7024 yards