I get a fair amount of offers for different golf experiences around the world, but when one dropped into my email earlier this year it didn’t take me long to decide to accept. Jet2.com have launched a new golf package service to the Algarve and asked me to try it out for them. It had been a fair few years since I’d visited this part of the world, and flights were direct from Edinburgh, so it was a pretty easy decision to say yes.

Knowing what you are getting into on any golf trip is important, and the Algarve golf holidays formula is a fairly well tested one for many Brits. Wall to wall sunshine, well conditioned golf courses and a few cold beers are expected!

Fortunately you can fly from Edinburgh with Jet2 flights to Faro. I’ve been on a few family holidays with Jet2 and they have always been a pleasure to fly with. They also did incredibly well over Covid, when other airlines were proving incredibly difficult to contact and organise refunds, Jet2 were a joy.

They have a dedicated check-in area at Edinburgh airport with a queuing system that actually works. You all queue in one big queue and when a desk is free the person at the front of the line goes to it. Sounds easy enough? Well, of course, but so many airlines make you pick a queue at the beginning of the process which inevitably ends in tears!

It was a morning flight and in just a few short hours I was touching down in Faro. Thank goodness, the sun was already out and it was a glorious day. Again, everything at the airport went smoothly. Unlike other airlines, Jet2 have staff everywhere when you arrive so if you have any hiccups with the bags (thankfully I didn’t!) there is someone on hand to sort you out.

One of the nice things about this package was that everything was that all transport is organised and I was soon whisked away on a bus transfer to my home for the next few days - the Dona Filipa Hotel. The staff were attentive and happy to help which is always nice!

The hotel is very well positioned by the beach, with a lovely pool, and the nearby Val de Lobo ‘town square’.

That means that there were plenty of options nearby for food and drink, as well as entertainment every evening, all within just a couple of minutes walk from the hotel.

Portugal is a popular place for golf and as such organising tee times can be a bit of a pain - so it makes sense to have someone to do the hard work for you which is where Jet2holidays comes in. They had sorted out my tee times, as well as a great transfer service from the hotel. Basically a luxury minivan picks you up and then you call them when you’re done for a lift back!

First stop was San Lorenzo golf course. It had been a few years since I had been to this course, often considered one of the best on the Algarve. Unfortunately the clubhouse had burnt down the week before I arrived but the staff had got things back up and running and it was play as normal on the course.

The course cemented its place in my rankings as one of the best on the Algarve. The front nine runs out to a lagoon which makes for a very testing few holes as you have elevation changes, water and some tricky greens to deal with. The back nine is over more traditional ground but the test doesn’t lessen any. The last hole is quite a polarising one but I quite like it as a classic risk and reward hole. The water in front of the green means you will need to concentrate all the way to your last shot.

The conditioning was good and the pace of play OK too, so there was lots to like about San Lorenzo. Hopefully they will rebuild the clubhouse and reinstate this as a must-visit on The Algarve.

The next day I played at Pinheiros Altos. There are 27 holes there now and I played what is considered to be the premium routing of the Pines and the Corks (names after the many trees that frame the courses).

This is proper resort golf. Like everywhere on The Algarve, buggies are the main modes of transport and on a hot summer’s day they provide some shady relief! The Pines is under more undulating ground with plenty of trees to challenge you whereas the Corks plays around a couple of lakes to great effect. Like the last hole at San Lorenzo you will need to be on your game to execute the shots needed to score well.

For that post-round beer, the large terrace overlooking the course is a great place to unwind at the end of your round.

Pinheiros Altos made a very pleasant addition to the trip. If you add in a round at Quinta South or Monte Rei too then you would be have a very nice holiday in the sun.

I spend more of my time playing courses which are a little bit more architecturally interesting than these two. But sometimes it’s just nice to kick back, enjoy the sun and play some fun golf. A golf holiday in the Algarve does just that.

When it comes to package holidays to the Algarve I think you should seriously consider booking golf holidays with Jet2holidays. The service was great, the price is as good as anything you will get by booking on your own. And sometimes it’s just nice to have someone do the hard work for you!

David travelled as a guest of Jet2holidays