Golfing in Portugal: Discover the Most Exceptional Courses in the Country

For keen golfers, Portugal is nothing short of a dream. With internationally acclaimed golf courses, world-class facilities, and an incredible climate, you’ll be able to test your skills across the country.

There are a total of 90 golf courses in Portugal so whatever your location, you should be able to find an excellent course close at hand. Alongside this, you’ll find courses for whichever level, whether you are honing your craft or just starting out.

In this article on golfing in Portugal, we’ll delve into Portugal’s reputation as a top golfing destination, outline the top golf courses in the country, and share some tips on how you can plan the perfect golf outing.

Top Golf Courses in Portugal

Wherever you may be in Portugal, you likely will not be too far away from a golf course. Golf has become a cornerstone of tourism in Portugal, with expats from across the world seeking out this gem on the Iberian Peninsula to perfect their craft.

Here, we delve into some of the top choices for golfing in Portugal in key regions of the country. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and you will find exceptional golf courses elsewhere in Portugal, such as on the Silver Coast and in the southwest of the country.

Algarve Region

Quinta do Lago N&S Golf Course, located in the prestigious Golden Triangle of the Algarve, stands out as a leading destination for golf enthusiasts. This exclusive area, between Vilamoura, Almancil, Quinta do Lago, and Vale do Lobo, is known for its luxury clubs and villas. Nearby, the Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer for tournament play, offers another exceptional golfing experience. San Lourenzo, a par 72 course in Quinta do Lago, is also acclaimed as one of Europe’s finest and most beautiful courses.

In the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei Country Club boasts a championship course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The area features winding roads and properties, including Algarvian-style villas and custom-built plots. The central building hosts Vistas restaurant, the first Michelin-starred eatery in the region since 2019 under chef Rui Silvestre. Moving over to the Western Algarve, you will also find notable golf courses, such as the elegant Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort, located close to Lagos.

Lisbon and Surrounding Areas

While Lisbon doesn’t boast as many golf courses as the Algarve, nearby Cascais and Estoril offer incredible options, such as Otiavos Dunes and the Quinta da Marinha Resort. These areas feature modern, state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful golf resorts.

Popular with tourists and expats, these locations provide a perfect escape from the city for you to refine your golf skills or, if you are new to the table, to kick off your golfing journey in style. Should you be looking south of Portugal, Troia Golf is also regarded as one of the finest courses and luxury retreats in Europe.

You can check out our article, Lisbon and the Lisbon Coast’s Great Golf Courses, to find out more about golfing close to the Portuguese capital.

Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal may not be as renowned for its golf courses as the Algarve, but it boasts some true hidden gems. The Vidago Palace Golf Course, situated in a luxurious resort in the east, offers a lavish experience. To the north of Porto, the Estela Golf Club captivates with its breathtaking seaside views, while another standout is the Ponte de Lima Golf Course, located in a charming valley north of Braga.

Golf Resorts and Luxury accommodations

Should you have your eye set on Portugal, you’ll find that many golf courses offer golf packages, where you will be able to stay at high-end resorts and be able to use a range of modern amenities, such as a private swimming pool and gym. Many also have top restaurants with fine dining experiences.

Planning Your Golf Trip to Portugal

Below, we share some tips to make your next golf trip just as enjoyable as possible.

Best times to visit

The ideal times to visit Portugal for golfing are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasantly warm and the courses are less crowded. Summers can be hot, especially in the south, while winters are mild but wetter. You should find that you can enjoy golf in Portugal throughout the year, however, given the excellent climate.

Travel tips

Book your tee times well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a rain jacket for unexpected showers. Renting a car is recommended for exploring various courses and nearby attractions, although many golf resorts will offer airport transport.

Combining golf with other activities

Portugal offers rich cultural experiences, from exploring Lisbon’s historic sites to enjoying the vey best Port wine in one of the port wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia, close to Porto.  Should you be testing your golf skills close to the coast, then why not also make the most of Portugal’s coastline by enjoying water sports? From surfing to paddleboarding, from sailing to kitesurfing, there is a vast array of options open to you.