Love the Algarve. As a fellow SoCal guy, born and raised, but who lives in Florida now (
), my family loves Portugal and has been going there for about ten years. We stay in a place called Benagil, rent a home there as it is centrally located to the region, far less expensive, and far less trendy. I have played most of all the courses there. I highly recommend the Penina course, a Henry Cotton design, one of the best in the region. San Lorenzo is a World Top 100 and fits the bill. It is very similar to courses in the socal area, lots of eucalyptus trees and views of lowland marsh and sea. The Val de Lobo course is OK, great 16th hole on the Ocean course, but otherwise ok. A fun 9 holes is at the Sheraton Cliffs. Really neat architecture and a one shotter that I think is one of the best in the world.
On the west end is another great track, cant remember the name offhand, but a new resort that is fantastic. Google Algarve golf and you will find numerous sites for your perusal. Please feel free to IM me with any thoughts and I can fill you in on eating places, time to visit, etc.