
Alto Course
Pestana Alto Golf
About this course
Pestana Alto Golf sits on elevated terrain near Alvor in Portugal's central Algarve, a few kilometers inland from the coast. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton and opened in 1991, the course occupies gently rolling land with views across the surrounding countryside toward the Atlantic. Cotton, a three-time Open Championship winner who spent much of his later career designing courses in Portugal and Spain, routed Alto to take advantage of the natural contours and incorporated strategic bunkering and green complexes that reward precise approach play. The layout measures just over 6,000 meters from the back tees and features a mix of holes that move through stands of pine, almond, and carob trees. Water comes into play on several holes, and the design emphasizes positioning off the tee rather than pure length. The greens are typically undulating and well-defended, reflecting Cotton's preference for testing short game skills. The course is part of the Pestana Golf Resort portfolio, which operates several layouts in the Algarve region. Alto serves primarily as a resort course, accessible to visitors and popular with golfers traveling to the Algarve for its mild winter climate and concentration of golf facilities. The setting is quieter and more pastoral than some of the coastal courses nearby, and the layout provides a straightforward test without excessive difficulty. The clubhouse offers standard amenities and views over the course and surrounding hills.
Quick facts
- Location
- Alvor, Algarve, PT
- Access
- Public
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 70
- Difficulty
- 69.5/126
Getting there
The gateway to Pestana Alto Golf is Faro Airport (FAO), the Algarve's primary international hub, positioned roughly 50 kilometers east along Portugal's sun-soaked southern coast. From the terminal, the westward drive unfolds over 40 minutes of smooth motorway before peeling inland toward the hills above Alvor, where the landscape shifts from coastal flatlands to gently rolling terrain dotted with almond and carob trees. The final approach climbs steadily into the resort enclave, revealing sweeping views over the Atlantic and the golden beaches of Praia da Rocha - a fitting elevation that signals arrival at one of Sir Henry Cotton's most thoughtfully positioned designs in the region.

FAQ
Common questions about Alto
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Yes. Alto is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Alto is 70.
The slope rating at Alto is 126.
Alto is a 18-hole course.



