Pestana Vale da Pinta & Gramacho

Pestana’s two courses at Carvoeiro share a site among old olive, almond and carob trees, inland from the coast between Lagoa and Ferragudo. Both are by Ronald Fream. Vale da Pinta opened in 1992 and is a par 71 of 6,127 metres from the back tees. It is the more rustic of the two, with twisting, undulating fairways, two lakes and an olive tree said to be more than 1,200 years old. It has hosted the European Seniors Tour many times.

Gramacho opened in 1991 and was later extended and reworked by Fream with Nick Price. It is a par 72 of 6,107 metres with an unusual feature: 27 greens for 18 holes, so the course can play differently from day to day. It is hillier, with lakes and well-placed bunkers. The two courses share a driving range of 70 bays, 19 of them covered, plus putting and chipping greens, a practice bunker, the Pestana Golf Academy and a clubhouse with restaurant.