Golf Courses in Portugal, Golf Travel & Holidays
Best Golf Courses in Estoril, Cascais and Across Portugal
Aug
Best Golf Courses in Estoril, Cascais and Across Portugal
When you think of golf holidays, certain names spring to mind immediately – Scotland, Spain, maybe Florida. But over the past two decades, Portugal has quietly and confidently claimed its place as Europe’s premier golf destination. With over 90 courses spread across the country, more than 300 days of sunshine per year, and a reputation for combining world-class fairways with fine dining, beaches and culture, Portugal is no longer a “hidden gem” – it’s the obvious choice.
Nowhere is this more true than in the Lisbon, Estoril and Cascais region, where glamorous seaside resorts meet historic golf courses. Just half an hour from Lisbon airport, you can tee off on championship links, tree-lined parkland fairways or modern resort layouts – often with the Atlantic sparkling in the background. Add to this the Silver Coast around Óbidos, the Setúbal peninsula, and hidden treasures inland, and you have a golfer’s paradise that’s remarkably accessible.
So if you’re planning your next golf trip, pack your polo shirts, polish your swing, and let’s explore the very best golf courses Portugal has to offer – starting with Estoril, Cascais and Lisbon.
If you’re also planning the full holiday experience, including travel tips, best seasons to visit and where to stay, don’t miss our companion guide:
Golf Holidays in Portugal – Travel Tips & Best Seasons.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Portugal Is Golf Heaven
- Estoril & Cascais – Glamour Meets Greens
- Lisbon Region
- Sintra
- Óbidos & the Silver Coast
- Setúbal & the Troia Peninsula
- Benavente & Samora Correia
- Other Iconic Golf Courses in Portugal
- Why Nice Shot Club Hire is Your Smartest Move
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action
Why Portugal Is Golf Heaven
Portugal isn’t just about sunny beaches and pastel de nata—it’s a golfer’s dream. With over 300 days of sunshine, world-class course designers, relatively short travel time from the UK and Ireland, plus infrastructure to match, it’s little wonder golf tourism here is booming. Courses are impeccably maintained, often integrated into luxury resorts, and set within striking landscapes—from pine-lined parklands to windswept dunes. Not to mention the cost-benefit: often cheaper green fees than comparable courses in Scotland or Spain.
Estoril & Cascais – Glamour Meets Greens
Estoril Golf Club (Golf Estoril Palácio)
- Par: 72
- Length: ~5,800 yards (5,300 m)
- Designer: Mackenzie Ross, 1929
Elegant and historic, Estoril is short by modern standards—but don’t let that fool you. Elevated, undulating greens with punishing bunkers require accuracy, while tree-lined fairways and eucalyptus scents make it a scenic stroll. Historical host of the Portuguese Open, it’s a sophisticated introduction to Portuguese golf.
Oitavos Dunes
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,800 yards (6,200 m)
- Designer: Arthur Hills, 2001
Set amid natural dunes on the Atlantic coast, Oitavos is a true links test: wind-woven fairways, firm greens, subtle elevation changes. Consistently ranked in the world’s Top 100, it blends sustainability with championship challenge—wild horses and sea breezes included.
Quinta da Marinha
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,400 yards (5,900 m)
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr., 1978
Modern yet mature, Quinta da Marinha offers panoramic sea views, generous fairways and well-bunkered greens. Highlights include the par-4 13th, where the approach carries water. Afterwards, retreat to the resort’s spa and fine dining for a top-tier experience.
Lisbon Region
Lisbon Sports Club
- Par: 71
- Length: ~6,200 yards (5,700 m)
- Designer: Frank Pennink, 1920s
One of Portugal’s oldest courses, Lisbon Sports Club features a parkland layout framed by mature trees and strategic water hazards. Precise iron play trumps power—especially on the tricky 17th, where water guards the green.
Belas Clube de Campo
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,400 yards (5,900 m)
- Designer: Rocky Roquemore, early 2000s
Eco-conscious and technically varied, Belas challenges with elevation changes, water features and mixed hole lengths. The signature par-3 8th, perched on a hill above a lake, demands a delicate tee shot to a fast green.
Sintra
Beloura Pestana Golf Resort
- Par: 71
- Length: ~6,000 yards (5,500 m)
- Designer: Rocky Roquemore, 1990s
A flat, walkable layout, Beloura is ideal for golfers wanting a relaxed but tactical round. Wide fairways, temperate water hazards, and views of the Sintra hills make for a peaceful yet engaging play.
Penha Longa – Atlantic Championship Course
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,900 yards (6,300 m)
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr., 1997
Set within a historic monastery estate, Penha Longa is dramatic and demanding. Elevated tee boxes, terraced fairways, sloping greens and tough bunkers keep even low handicaps honest, while the surrounding scenery is sublime.
Óbidos & the Silver Coast
West Cliffs Golf Links
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,500 yards (5,900 m)
- Designer: Cynthia Dye McGarey, 2017
A modern links layout with rugged dunes, expansive ocean views and wind-blasted challenge. West Cliffs is a pure coastal test with wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes and open terrain—great for bold drives and strategic, ground-game approaches.
Praia d’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,600 yards (6,000 m)
- Designer: Cabell B. Robinson, 1997
Located above dramatic cliffs, this course combines parkland and links styling. Water hazards, rolling fairways and variable wind conditions make each hole unique. Its cliff-top clubhouse is perfect for a post-round drink.
Royal Óbidos Golf Course
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,700 yards (6,100 m)
- Designer: Severiano Ballesteros, 2012
A signature layout by Seve, Royal Óbidos intersperses water, dunes and links-style play. The par-5 14th, with water running along one side and the Atlantic in view, is as picturesque as it is strategic.
Guardian Bom Sucesso Golf
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,600 yards (6,000 m)
- Designer: Donald Steel, 2008
A modern, well-drained layout featuring bold bunkering, strategically placed water hazards and stunning coastal views. Bom Sucesso offers a good mix of scoring opportunities and tactical demands for all skill levels.
Setúbal & the Troia Peninsula
Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,400 yards (5,900 m)
- Designer: Rocky Roquemore, 1994
Nestled in serene countryside, Peru features wide fairways, strategic lakes, and subtle elevation changes. It’s technically engaging without being intimidating—ideal for a peaceful round.
Troia Golf Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,800 yards (6,200 m)
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr., 1980s
One of Portugal’s toughest tests. Built on a peninsula, wind is a constant. Sandy terrain, tight fairways, and firm greens demand length and precision. The par-3s here are especially tricky—accuracy is rewarded.
Aroeira Golf Resort I & II
- Par: 72 each
- Length: ~6,100 / 6,200 yards
- Designer: Frank Pennink (I), Donald Steel (II)
Just south of Lisbon, this 36-hole complex is set among pine forests. Aroeira I has hosted the Portuguese Open, while II offers a more modern, technical test.
Montado Hotel & Golf Resort
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,300 yards (5,800 m)
- Designer: Jorge Santana da Silva, 1992
Set amid rolling vineyards, Montado is tranquil and flowing. A parkland design with charming, forgiving holes and subtle but effective use of water and elevation.
Benavente & Samora Correia
Santo Estêvão Golf
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,200 yards (5,700 m)
- Designer: Donald Steel & António Oliveira, 2004
Located inland, Santo Estêvão weaves through natural rock formations and pine groves. Flat yet rocky terrain makes for interesting lies and strategic play. A favourite for those after a laid-back but engaging round.
Ribagolfe (PGA Portugal)
- Par: 72
- Length: ~6,600 yards (6,000 m)
- Designer: Peter Townsend / European Golf Design, 2004
Home to Challenge Tour events, Ribagolfe is long, open and strategic. Slight elevation changes, water in play on several holes, and large greens make it a professional-calibre course with a smooth pace.
Other Iconic Golf Courses in Portugal
No overview of golf in Portugal would be complete without mentioning the courses that put the country on the global golfing map.
Algarve – Portugal’s Golf Paradise
Vale do Lobo (Royal & Ocean Courses)
The Royal’s par-3 16th, played over dramatic cliffs, is one of Europe’s most photographed holes. The Ocean sweeps down to the shoreline, offering technical golf with panoramic sea views.
Quinta do Lago (South & North Courses)
Synonymous with luxury, Quinta do Lago’s South course has hosted the Portuguese Open several times, while the North was modernised in 2014 by Paul McGinley. Both are championship calibre.
Dom Pedro Old Course (Vilamoura)
Known as the “Grande Dame” of Algarve golf, this Frank Pennink design winds elegantly through pines with subtle elevation changes. A timeless classic.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and often ranked Portugal’s number one. Immaculate conditioning, wide fairways, and challenging bunkering make Monte Rei a bucket-list venue.
Northern Portugal – Hidden Treasures
Vidago Palace Golf Course
Set within the grounds of a luxury palace hotel and thermal spa, Vidago offers rolling fairways, century-old trees and modern championship challenge. A blend of history and high-level golf.
Estela Golf Club
A true links by the Atlantic, Estela is renowned for its fast greens and coastal winds. Comparable to Scotland’s seaside classics, it demands creativity and precision.
Why Nice Shot Club Hire is Your Smartest Move
Dragging clubs through airports is the modern-day equivalent of carrying coal uphill in April. Instead, renting in Portugal with Nice Shot Club Hire gets you:
- Premium sets (Callaway, Titleist, Mizuno) tailored to your game
- Hassle-free pickup/drop-off at airport, hotel or course
- No airline fees, no damaged equipment
- Peace of mind so you focus entirely on your swing
We deliver to wherever you play—whether that’s the dunes of West Cliffs or the elegance of Estoril.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to golf in Portugal?
Spring and autumn are perfect. Summer is hot but coastal courses stay breezy. Winters remain mild and playable.
Are courses beginner-friendly?
Yes. Beloura, Santo Estêvão and Montado are forgiving; Oitavos and Troia are for the bold.
How far in advance should I book tee times?
For top courses like Oitavos, Penha Longa or Royal Óbidos, 4–6 weeks in advance is best.
Do I need a buggy?
Most Lisbon courses are walkable. For longer layouts like Troia, a buggy can help conserve energy.
Can I hire clubs for a group?
Absolutely. Nice Shot Club Hire provides sets for all levels, including juniors and ladies.
Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action
From the elegant fairways of Estoril and the historic charm of Lisbon Sports Club to the fierce wind-blown dunes of West Cliffs and the championship challenge of Troia, Portugal presents a golfing journey filled with variety, quality and style.
So here’s your next move: leave your clubs behind, keep your holiday light, and let Nice Shot Club Hire deliver performance to your tee box. Book with confidence, swing with flair — and don’t forget that post-round glass of vinho verde on the terrace.
After all, isn’t a golf holiday supposed to feel effortless?
Travelling light has never been easier. Reserve your golf clubs with us today, and we’ll have them waiting at your hotel or course — ready for that very first tee shot in the Portuguese sun.
Reserve now – your perfect round in Portugal starts here.
