After landing in Faro, we headed two hours north — and what a journey it was. Turning off the main A2, a 20-minute drive through golden dunes and pine forests led us to a place that feels untouched by time: the serene and utterly captivating town of Comporta.
Once a well-kept secret known only to a select few, Comporta is now stepping into the spotlight as one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. And it’s easy to see why. This isn’t the Algarve. Comporta is refreshingly understated — a laid-back coastal escape where rice paddies meet cork groves and endless, empty beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. We stayed in the heart of it all at the AlmaLusa Hotel, a perfect base just steps from the town’s boutique shops and excellent restaurants.
The food scene was a real highlight. From traditional Portuguese spots serving fresh-caught fish to a Michelin-starred marvel tucked into a converted stable, every meal was a discovery. We sampled beach clubs too — Comporta Beach is just two minutes away, and Carvalhal only fifteen — both served up fantastic menus and a blissful setting.
But the real reason for our visit? Golf. And wow — Comporta delivered.
Rising out of this unspoiled landscape is something truly special: The Dunas Course. Recently opened and already hailed as one of Europe’s finest, it’s a David McLay-Kidd design that blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Think rolling dunes, raw beauty, and pure links-style drama. After just a couple of rounds, I can say it’s simply sensational. I’ve played many courses across Europe — including favourites like Valderrama — and Dunas ranks right at the top. And the best part? It’s only getting better.
After passing through security, you drive for a couple of miles through the pines until you reach the car park where your buggy is waiting for you complete with GPS and complimentary water bottles. Then a quick hop to the clubhouse — home to what might be Europe’s best practice area — where you’re greeted by pyramids of golf balls waiting for you. The whole setup is first-class.
Just minutes from our hotel, another jewel is set to open in June: the Torre Course, designed by none other than Sergio Garcia. We were lucky enough to meet Rodrigo Ulrich, Golf GM at Vanguard Properties, who personally gave us a 360-degree tour of the course. His excitement was contagious — and with good reason. The layout is stunning, and we were among the very first to see it with flags freshly placed into the greens.
Comporta feels like the future of luxury golf — pure escapism, natural beauty, and serious golfing pedigree. It may be Portugal’s best-kept secret now, but not for long. With the Torre course opening soon and a new five-star hotel on the horizon, I believe Comporta is poised to take over from Navarino as the No. 1 golf resort in Europe.
Steve
