It is no wonder that Portugal is such a popular destination for golfers from all over the world. The country boasts excellent conditions for the sport. In 2018, for the fifth year in a row, Portugal was voted “World’s Best Golf Destination 2018” at the World Golf Awards, leaving behind strong candidates such as Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Argentina, the United States of America, New Zealand, the Dominican Republic and Vietnam. Are you wondering why?
Excellent conditions for playing golf in Portugal
Portugal has golf courses in the most stunning locations. You can find them in pine forests, on cliffs with wide ocean views or on centuries old estates. Magical spots where you can feel nature in its purest form. But there is more to woo the Golf lovers than just the majestic scenery. Mild winters and warm summers help to keep the grass picture perfect. The temperate climate is also inviting all year round. There are no excuses: the truth is that, in Portugal, every day is a good day to go golfing.
Portugal has golf courses which are appropriate for different levels of expertise. Some require high skill and are ideal for pros, others are easier and more adequate for amateurs. From a practical perspective, the price ranges vary as well. Golf has become an increasingly democratic and cool sport. And, of course, after the game there is always the club house waiting, a well-deserved reward for your effort and fair play.
Golf courses in Portugal
From north to south, you’ll find courses for all tastes. Even if you are a pro, you’ll be surprised by the exceptional conditions for playing golf in Portugal.
North
If you’re heading north, then there will be no shortage of opportunities for playing golf. At the same time, you can become acquainted with one of the most beautiful regions in Portugal. Take advantage of your stay to enjoy the local cuisine, you’ll love it. Did you know that this is where golf in Portugal began?
This is the oldest golf course in the Iberian Peninsula. It was founded in 1890 by English expats in the Port Wine business. It is an 18-hole course and also has a 6-hole «Pitch and Putt» for children and beginners.
Address and contacts:
Oporto Golf Club, Paramos, 4500 Espinho
Phone: (+351) 227 342 008
This 18-hole course was ranked as one of the top 15 golf resorts in Europe in 2015 by leadingcourses.com, and can host international tournaments. The course is full of contrast and respects the location’s natural characteristics. The field includes high level tees and greens and strategically located bunkers. Even more experienced players will be challenged by this tee.
Address and contacts:
Parque de Vidago, Apartado 16, 5425-307 Vidago – Portugal
Phone: (+351) 276 990 980
Estela Golf is located near the city of Póvoa de Varzim. It boasts perfect conditions for year-round golfing. The local climate is refreshed by the Atlantic breeze in the Summer and heated by the Gulf Stream in the winter. This course is appropriate for players who enjoy challenges, as it requires tremendous precision and experience. It was built over sand dunes and includes two large lakes. It is an 18-hole course.
Address and contacts:
Lugar do Rio Alto, Estela, 4570-242, Póvoa de Varzim
Phone: (+351) 252 601 814
Centre
Central Portugal has premium quality golf clubs.
Located between the Estrela and Caramulo hills, and only 10 minutes from Viseu, this 27-hole course is composed of three 18-hole circuits and covers an area of 200 hectares. A challenging course for players of all levels.
Address and contacts:
Farminhão, 3510-643 – Viseu, Portugal
Phone: (+351) 232 856 464
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort
Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, to take full advantage of the rolling landscape, this course is interesting for golfers of all levels. All 18 holes command an incredible view.
Address and contacts:
Cabeço da Serra, 2510-665 Vau, Óbidos, Portugal
Phone: (+351) 262 965 220
The Dolce Campo Real is located in Torres Vedras. It was built on an old hunting reserve which was used by the Portuguese Royal Family. The views over hills, valleys and vineyards are stunning. The 18-hole course is appropriate for players of all levels.
Address and contacts:
Rua do Campo, 2565-770, Turcifal, Portugal
Phone: (+351) 261 960 900
Lisbon
Over the past years several high-quality golf courses have been built around Lisbon. Take advantage of your trip to get to know one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe.
The Penha Longa golf course, inaugurated in 1992, is located right in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Reserve. The 18-hole course is framed by views of the Atlantic, Cascais and Estoril and while you are playing you can enjoy the benefits of the five-star services of the resort.
Address and contacts:
Estrada da Lagoa Azul Sintra – Linhó 2714 – 511 Portugal
Phone: (+351) 21 924 90 11
Built facing the breath-taking views of the Sintra Hills, the Atlantic and Cabo da Roca, this 18-hole course was the first in Europe to be awarded the status of Gold Signature Sanctuary for its role in nature preservation.
Address and contacts:
Rua de Oitavos, Quinta da Marinha, 2750-374, Cascais
Phone: (+351) 214 860 020
The Lisbon Sports Club is an 18-hole course located about 20 kilometres from Lisbon. It has a typically Scottish layout, over hills and with beautiful scenery.
Address and contacts
Casal da Carregueira, Belas, 2605-203, Belas
Phone: (+351) 21 431 00 77
Paço do Lumiar – Clube de Golfe
What makes this golf club so interesting, besides its beauty, is the fact that it is located in Lisbon city proper, but nonetheless you’ll feel like you are in the midst of nature.
Address and contacts
Rua Formozinho Sanchez, n.º 79, 1600-263 Lisboa
Phone: (+351) 21 759 17 19
A challenging and diverse course, appropriate for all handicaps amidst breath-taking scenery.
Address and contacts
Alameda do Aqueduto, Clubhouse, Belas Clube de Campo, 2605-193, Belas
Phone: (+351) 21 962 66 40
Located in one of the more beautiful areas of greater Lisbon, Quinta da Marinha is a great spot for a challenging course. The scenery could not be more beautiful, with the Sintra hills on one side and the Atlantic on the other.
Address and contacts
Quinta da Marinha, 2750-005, Cascais
Phone: (+351) 214 86 01 00
The Aroeira golf courses are surrounded by a pine forest, dotted with several lakes, and offer excellent conditions for players of all levels, throughout the year.
Address and contacts
Rua das Anémonas, Herdade da Aroeira, 2820-553, Charneca da Caparica
Phone: (+351) 212 97 91 10
Quinta do Peru, Golf e Country Club
The Quinta do Peru golf course boasts incredible views over the Arrábida hills. Players of every level can expect hours of enjoyable challenges.
Address and contacts
Alameda da Serra, n.º 2, 2975-666 Quinta do Conde
Phone: (+351) 212 13 43 20
Troia Golf Championship Course
Nestled between the Sado estuary and the Arrábida hills, this golf course is spread out along the beach, giving players a wide ocean view. Even though you are not far from Lisbon, take advantage of the Troia Resort and enjoy long walks along the sea and relaxing at the wellness centre.
Address and contacts
Troia Resort, 7570-789 Carvalhal
Phone: (+351) 265 494 024
Algarve
The largest number of golf courses can be found in the Algarve. All in all, there are thirty-five courses, which can make it hard to choose. Foreigners love this region. The night life is lively and the days long and sunny. It’s a perfect combination. Many people consider the Algarve one of the best areas in the country for golf.
Quinta do Lago Country Club Golf
The Quinta do Lago has three golf courses – Campo Norte, Campo Sul and the Laranjal – but the “crown jewel” is the Campo Sul. The Portuguese Open has been held there eight times. It is sought after by professionals but can be challenging for players of all levels. It boasts a view of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, and is a perfect setting, between lakes, pines and wild flowers.
Address and contacts:
Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal.
Phone: (+351) 289 390 700
This course is built over a cliff, and facing the ocean, in a forest of stone pine and is considered one of the best on the Algarve coast. It has nine holes and is perfect for beginners and for those with more experience.
Address and contacts:
Pinhal do Concelho, Apartado 887, 8200-912, Albufeira, Portugal
Phone: (+351) 289 500 113
The 360 hectares of the luxury Penina resort, between Portimão and Lagos, are home to three challenging golf courses, flanked by streams and water obstacles. This resort has hosted some important world tournaments and is known as the cradle of Algarve golfing.
Address and contacts:
Penina, Portimão, 8501-952, Portugal
Phone: (+351) 282 420 200
Competitions are organised daily at Vale do Lobo, on the two courses which exist there, the Royal Golf Course, interspersed with lakes and a lush vegetation made up of pines and wild flowers, overlooking a cliff; and the Ocean Golf Course, flanked by stone pine trees on softly rolling ground by the Atlantic. This provides a surprising round of golf, which ends right near the beach.
Address and contacts:
Parque do Golfe, 8135-864 Vale do Lobo
Phone: (+ 351) 289 353 463
The 18-hole Salgados Golf Course is located near a lagoon in which you can find exotic birds, on the Herdade dos Salgados, around ten minutes from central Albufeira. Here you will find challenges or any handicap and enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean.
Address and contacts:
Rua do Golfe 8200-424 Guia, Albufeira
Phone: (+351) 289583030
