Golf Holidays in Portugal: Travel Tips, Best Seasons and Where to Stay

When golfers think of Portugal, the Algarve often springs to mind first. Yet in recent years, the Lisbon Region — stretching from Cascais and Estoril to Sintra, Óbidos and Setúbal — has quietly become the smarter choice. Here, world-class courses are combined with vibrant city life, charming seaside towns and a relaxed pace. Better still, everything is within an hour of Lisbon Airport. And thanks to Nice Shot Club Hire, you can enjoy your golf holiday without the hassle of travelling with heavy bags — premium clubs, used balls and trolleys are delivered straight to your hotel or course.

This guide takes you through everything you need to plan the perfect golf holiday in Portugal, with a special focus on Lisbon and its surroundings — the true heart of Portuguese golf.

Looking for the ultimate list of golf courses? Don’t miss our dedicated guide:

Best Golf Courses in Estoril, Cascais and Across Portugal.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose Portugal (and Lisbon) for Golf
2. Best Seasons for Golf Holidays
3. Getting to Lisbon & Local Transport
4. Where to Stay in the Lisbon Region
5. Must-Play Courses Around Lisbon
6. Essential Travel Tips
7. Beyond Golf – Things to Do
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts & Call-to-Action

Why Choose Portugal (and Lisbon) for Golf

Portugal consistently ranks as one of Europe’s top golf destinations. With over 90 courses designed by world-famous architects and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, it’s no wonder the country is a magnet for golfers. But while the Algarve is internationally famous, the Lisbon Region has some distinct advantages:

• Accessibility: Lisbon Airport is just 30 minutes from Cascais, Estoril and Sintra.
• Variety: Links-style coastal courses, parkland layouts, modern resorts and historic classics — all within a short drive.
• Culture and nightlife: Play golf by day, enjoy fado, Michelin-starred dining or a stroll through Alfama by night.
• Value: Comparable quality to the Algarve, often with fewer crowds and smart pricing.

With Nice Shot Club Hire based locally, golfers can travel light and still have access to premium clubs, trolleys for Lisbon’s walkable courses, and affordable second-hand balls — ideal for challenging tracks like Troia or West Cliffs where the Atlantic winds can steal a few shots.

Best Seasons for Golf Holidays

One of Portugal’s great strengths is year-round playability. Still, some times are better than others:

• Spring (March–May): Perfect balance of weather, with green fairways and longer days. Peak golf season in Lisbon.
• Summer (June–August): Hot in the city, but coastal courses in Cascais and Sintra stay breezy. Great if you want to combine golf with beach time.
• Autumn (September–November): Considered the golden season — mild, sunny, and ideal playing conditions. Many pros and amateurs choose this time.
• Winter (December–February): Still playable, especially around Lisbon and the Algarve. Expect lower green fees and quieter courses.

Getting to Lisbon & Local Transport

Direct flights connect Lisbon with London, Manchester, Dublin, Edinburgh and most major European cities. Once you land, the golf begins almost immediately:

• Car hire: Affordable and practical for golfers who want freedom to explore courses from Cascais to Óbidos.
• Private transfers: Many resorts arrange shuttles for groups, which can be more relaxing after a round.
• Taxis and apps: Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon and Cascais.

And remember: there’s no need to drag golf bags through airports. Nice Shot Club Hire delivers your clubs, balls and trolleys wherever you need them — from Estoril Golf Club to Troia.

Where to Stay in the Lisbon Region

The beauty of Lisbon as a golf base is that you don’t have to choose between luxury resorts, boutique hotels or vibrant city apartments — you can have them all.

Lisbon City

Stay in the heart of the capital if you want to combine sightseeing with golf. Play Belas Clube de Campo or Lisbon Sports Club by day, then enjoy tapas in Bairro Alto at night.

Cascais & Estoril

Ideal for golfers who want glamour by the sea. You’ll be close to Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha and the historic Estoril Golf Club. Recommended hotels include:

• Palácio Estoril Hotel: Classic luxury with its own golf course.
• The Oitavos: Ultra-modern, overlooking Oitavos Dunes.
• Pestana Cidadela Cascais: Stylish stay inside a historic fortress.

Óbidos & the Silver Coast

If you want rugged links and Atlantic views, base yourself near Óbidos. Praia D’El Rey, Royal Óbidos, West Cliffs and Bom Sucesso are all within minutes. Resorts here often include villas — perfect for groups.

Setúbal & Troia Peninsula

South of Lisbon, you’ll find Troia Golf (one of Portugal’s toughest tests), Quinta do Peru, Montado and Aroeira. Stay near Setúbal for seafood and wine, or choose a golf resort for convenience.

Must-Play Courses Around Lisbon

The Lisbon Region is packed with variety. Here are some highlights:

• Oitavos Dunes (Cascais): A world Top-100 links with Atlantic views.
• Quinta da Marinha (Cascais): Robert Trent Jones Sr. design with dramatic seaside holes.
• Estoril Golf Club: Historic, elegant and walkable — a favourite for those hiring trolleys.
• Penha Longa (Sintra): Championship challenge set in monastery grounds.
• Praia D’El Rey & West Cliffs (Óbidos): Rugged links with spectacular sea views.
• Troia (Setúbal): Technical, windy and unforgiving — bring extra balls (Nice Shot can help!).
• Quinta do Peru & Aroeira (Setúbal): Parkland-style, perfect for relaxed rounds.
• Ribagolfe & Santo Estêvão (Samora Correia): Spacious layouts used for Challenge Tour events.

Essential Travel Tips

• Book tee times early: Especially for Oitavos, Penha Longa and West Cliffs.
• Hire clubs locally: Save airline fees and avoid damaged equipment — Nice Shot delivers sets tailored to your game.
• Bring used balls: Or order from Nice Shot — cheaper and eco-friendly, ideal for links with strong winds.
• Use a trolley: Lisbon courses are very walkable — renting a trolley keeps your energy for the back nine.
• Combine golf with culture: Non-golfers in your group will love day trips to Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais.

Beyond Golf – Things to Do

The Lisbon Region shines not just on the fairways but also beyond them. Highlights include:

• Lisbon: Tram 28, Alfama, fado, rooftop bars.
• Sintra: Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and lush gardens.
• Cascais: Beaches, seafood and a lively marina.
• Setúbal: Fresh fish markets and dolphin-watching tours.
• Óbidos: A medieval walled town perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a handicap certificate?
Usually not, though championship courses may ask for one.

Can I hire left-handed or ladies’ clubs?
Yes — Nice Shot Club Hire offers premium sets for all golfers, including juniors and ladies.

Is Lisbon cheaper than the Algarve?
Often yes. Lisbon offers excellent golf at smart prices, plus cultural variety.

How far are the courses from Lisbon Airport?
Most are within 30–60 minutes — far closer than many Algarve resorts.

Can I rent balls and trolleys too?
Absolutely. Nice Shot Club Hire provides used balls (great for windy courses) and trolleys for comfortable rounds.

The Lisbon Region offers everything a golfer could want: accessibility, variety, culture and sunshine. Whether it’s Oitavos Dunes by the Atlantic, the history of Estoril, or the challenge of Troia, you’re never far from a course that will test your game and reward your senses.

Why make your holiday harder than it needs to be? Leave your clubs at home, travel light, and let Nice Shot Club Hire deliver premium equipment, used balls and trolleys straight to your hotel or course.

Reserve your clubs now – your Lisbon golf holiday starts here.