This conventional PAR 72 course opened in the year 2000, although the original back nine was formerly part of the 27-hole Laguna Course. Refurbishment to the existing nine holes commenced in May 1999 and included the complete rebuilding of the tees, greens and bunkers, particularly for holes 8 and 9, the only ones on this loop with water hazards, with the aim to simplify the strategy of the course to make it more golfer-friendly. The renovated 9 holes were joined together with the new 9-hole loop to offer a layout of different character, style and playing quality. The work was undertaken by the well-established UK golf Architects Hawtree & Sons which culminated in the creation of the new, exciting 18-hole Oceanico Millennium golf course.

The course is particularly open, although some holes (the 3rd to the 7th) wind between pine trees and are similar to the neighbouring fairways of the Oceanico Old Course and Oceanico Pinhal. In this more wooded area, the fairways are narrower and require greater accuracy - while the rest of the course has a clear landscape enriched by lakes at the 4th, 17th and 18th holes. The arrival of the Oceanico Millennium course made Vilamoura one of the main - if not the main - European golf destinations.

Laid out over low lying coastal terrain, this course, with its many water hazards and few trees, is considerably different from the other ones in Vilamoura and many of its holes convey a links atmosphere.

U.S. golf architect Joseph Lee designed this course which opened in 1990 and many previous visitors will recognise it as part of the former 27 hole Vilamoura III course. It has been subject to continual improvements over the years.

Measuring 6121m from the white tees, the par 72 course includes several lakes which influence play on a total of 11 holes. In addition to acting as hazards and emergency water reservoirs, these lakes serve a useful purpose in attracting a variety of aquatic birds, both resident and migratory, as well as amphibians, otters and terrapins.

Vilamoura's master developers, Lusotur, have also established an environmental nature park not far from the course.

Apart from the lakes and an impressive total of 79 bunkers, another hazard is the wind that frequently blows over this somewhat exposed location.

The Oceanico Laguna course shares a large, welcoming clubhouse with the neighbouring Oceanico Millennium course.

This was the second golf course built in Vilamoura and inaugurated in 1976, having originally been designed by Frank Pennink, the architect of the nearby Oceanico Old Course.

Several refinements were incorporated over the years, the most significant one by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in 1985. The course is typified by rolling parkland terrain covered with numerous umbrella and Atlantic pines that line many of the fairways and a few even stand out on fairways or near greens.

Ponds and a stream come into play on five holes but are not serious threats to above-average golfers. To keep up with modern technical advances in clubs and balls, several holes have recently been lengthened and the PAR 72 course now measures 6353m off the white tee markers.

The clubhouse was completely renovated and modernised at the turn of the millennium and from the large veranda one can enjoy a panoramic view over the excellent driving range and practice facilities.

Situated in the heart of Vilamoura a mere 20 minute drive from Faro airport, this Frank Pennink designed parkland style layout is one of the oldest in the region and renowned all over the golfing world.

Often described as the Grande Dame of Algarve courses, it meanders throughout impressive pine trees - the principal hazard - over gently undulating natural terrain. Although it opened in 1969, the course was completely renovated and modernised 27 years later although no major changes were made to the magnificent layout.

In addition to raising the Oceanico Old Course to new heights of quality, an attractive new clubhouse and adjacent putting green were also built at that time. As with all Oceanico courses, environmental protection practices are strictly adhered to by means of detailed management systems in line with guidelines established by ISO 14001 standards, Green Globe and Committed to Green programmes.

This is one of the courses in Portugal that will always stay in the memory of visiting golfers.