The Best Golf Villas in Portugal for Luxury Living

Portugal is one of the best golfing hubs in Europe, and every year tourists visit the country to enjoy unique luxury Portugal is one of the best golfing hubs in Europe, and every year, tourists visit the country to enjoy unique luxury holidays. This Western European gem boasts plenty to explore, and visitors can spend vacations golfing on well-designed championship courses surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and the finest dining and hospitality options.

Portugal’s sublime weather, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and rich culture and history make it an even more inviting destination for golf holidays in Europe. With more than 90 golf courses across the country, Portugal is the perfect place for golfers of all abilities to enjoy their next golf holiday. In this guide, we look at the best luxury golf villas in Portugal, the best golf resorts in the country, and where to find them.

Which are the best luxury golf villas in Portugal?

For five years straight, from 2014 to 2018, Portugal was voted the world’s best golf destination by the World Golf Awards and received the Best Golf Destination in Europe in 2019. In addition to this, Clube de Golf do Santo da Serra, located in Portugal’s autonomous Madeira Island, is up for the 2024 Best Golf Course in Europe Award. The beautiful Madeira Island will also host the 11th annual World Golf Awards in November 2024.

As an accomplished championship golf destination, Portugal boasts some of the best luxury golf villa resorts nestled in scenic natural landscapes and some of the best golf courses in the world. There are also a number of luxury villas for sale across the country, which you can learn more about in our Luxury Properties Portugal guide.

Whether you’re interested in a relaxed tee time or looking for a real challenge on the greens, below we explore a small selection of the best award-winning luxury golf resorts and gated golf communities in Portugal.

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

Located in Sotavento, Algarve, Monte Rei Country Club’s roads wind through the golf courses and lead to different areas. There are spaces reserved for mixed-style villas with aesthetics that mix Iberian elements. There are also available plots where properties can be developed and you can create your own unique style of villa.

The main, central building hides a treasure: the Vistas restaurant, led by chef Rui Silvestre, has been the first Michelin star on this side of the Algarve since 2019.

Villas here start at €1 450,000 and Monte Rei’s villas are in high demand, and expansion is now under development, including a 5-star hotel, unique in the Algarve region.

West Cliffs

Extending over 80 hectares, West Cliffs offers breathtaking views over the Atlantic from its exclusive golf courses located on the Silver Coast, near Obidos, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon. West Cliffs is a 5-star tourist complex with an architectural concept designed by Sua Kay. It occupies an area of 230 hectares and is harmoniously integrated with the natural landscape.

Between the Atlantic and the Óbidos Lagoon, this luxury complex has 268 properties that translate into 659 accommodation units and 2,906 beds. The project involved a total investment of €21.5M, of which €7M relates to the golf area and €14.5M relates to the general infrastructure of the enterprise. Of the €7M in the golf area, € 3.5M corresponds to financing under the scope of PT2020 – Incentive System for Business Innovation.

Oitavos Dunes

Established in 2001 by Arthur Hills, it is also recognized for preserving the fragile ecosystem in which it is located in Quinta da Marinha, Cascais. Oitavos’ exclusive private villas are set among the greens of Oitavos Dunes. Their 360º views allow you to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, Cabo da Roca (Continental Europe’s westernmost point), and the hills of Sintra.

Their popular 120 square meter villas feature living rooms with fully equipped kitchens and king-size suites with a jacuzzi. The main features are the private outdoor swimming pools and sun decks.

Tróia Golf Resort

The Tróia Peninsula is an indulgent place with views of Tróia Beach and the Sado Estuary. Located on the Alentejo coast, just a stone’s throw from Comporta, the Tróia Península is a paradise that combines charm and nature preservation in a sustainable balance and offers a range of activities for the whole family.

The villas are arranged on one of the most spectacular golf courses in this part of Portugal. They are part of an eco-resort with complete security. A few minutes’ walk leads to a stunning sandy beach with a transparent azure ocean and views of the Arrábida mountains.

San Lorenzo

San Lourenzo is a par 72 golf course in Quinta do Lago, Algarve. It’s considered one of the best and most beautiful golf courses in Europe. Some of its golf holes border the breathtaking Ria Formosa Natural Park and are blessed with exquisite beauty. You can build the home of your dreams on an untouched plot in one of the Algarve’s most desired residential developments.

Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course

The Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course is a must-visit for golfers and was designed by the golfing legend Arnold Palmer. It is one of six golf courses in Vilamoura and played host to the World Cup of Gold in 2005. Measuring 7,191 yards, the course plays to a par of 71. Surrounded by natural vegetation, including almond and olive trees, it isn’t easy to think of a better place for golfing.

Onyria Palmares Golf & Beach Resort

The Onyria Golf Resort real estate projects are renowned for offering comfort, luxury, and exclusivity. They strive to maintain comfortable construction levels so singularity may be felt in landscaping, surroundings, and, of course, inside your own property.

The Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort in Lagos and Quinta da Marinha Resort in Cascais are examples of this harmony. These high-quality projects, which target the luxury segment, are set in a golf resort environment.

Quinta do Lago Resort – Golf

Nestled within the Algarve in the privacy and security of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, this unique Mediterranean resort offers many activities. Sublime restaurants, a premier sports hub, a boutique hotel, and golden sand beaches are all surrounded by three award-winning golf courses to be enjoyed year-round.

The high-end villas in Quinta do Lago are spacious 5-star properties with private pools located within and around the resort. The villas are fully equipped, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a lounge, BBQ areas, and games rooms.

Praia D’El Rey Golf Resort

Overlooking the Atlantic, this resort with a golf course is one of the most beautiful and complete in Europe. The nine fronts are tucked away amongst large pine trees, while the nine rears offer breathtaking views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean in sharp contrast to the sand dunes that surround them.

When you pair these two courses with lodging options ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom villas, you can see why guests adore this fantastic resort. Golf Digest magazine highlighted its natural beauty and the quality of the hotel, which has 177 rooms, all with a balcony or terrace and many with views of the golf holes.

The resort has several villas with private pools located next to the entrance or in the center of the project. These are ideal for families and groups of friends in search of accommodation with golfing options on site.

Amendoeira Golf Resort

In recent years, the demand for homes at the Amendoeira Golf Resort in the Algarve has been increasing. The sought-after estate is located in Alcantarilha which is just a 30-minute drive from Faro International Airport.

In high demand are the villas with a private pool and garden, which were revealed by the Spanish property developers Kronos Homes, adding that the development has been renovated.

The Amendoeira Golf Resort has fully furnished and equipped properties for sale, namely T2 and T2+1 apartments, detached villas with three bedrooms with private pools, and superior villas with four bedrooms, extensive gardens, and private pools. All of the villas at the Amendoeira Golf Resort are self-catering. However, there are a variety of dining alternatives for those who want to spend as much time as possible on the course. A welcome food package is also provided when requested upon arrival.

Why buy a luxury golf villa in Portugal?

Portugal boasts an exceptional quality of life, making it an ideal location for unique luxury holidays and long-term living. The central Algarve region, known for its sublime climate and mild winters, offers some of the best golf courses in the world. Here, you can find a range of properties, from villas to townhouses, often situated within prestigious golf resorts.

These properties provide access to amenities like clubhouses, indoor facilities, and even golf on-site at popular golf courses like Vale do Lobo, which is renowned for its royal course.

The Lisbon coastal area and the picturesque Alentejo region also offer luxurious properties surrounded by stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Residents can enjoy an array of activities, from playing golf to indulging in a leisurely breakfast overlooking the greens. Portugal’s real estate market is dynamic, offering a high return on investment potential, while the low cost of living adds to its allure.

Portugal is known for its top-quality education and healthcare services and is ranked the seventh safest country in the world according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. With incredible gastronomy, cultural and recreational activities, and festivals throughout the year, Portugal ensures you never miss out on the simple pleasures of life.

How to find luxury golf villas in Portugal for sale?

Finding luxury golf villas for sale in Portugal requires a strategic approach tailored to your unique needs. Begin by defining your requirements. List specifics like location, size, budget, amenities, and proximity to important facilities such as schools, healthcare services, beaches, and transport.

Establish a realistic budget, considering whether you will need a mortgage, to focus on properties within your price range. Conduct thorough research on different neighborhoods to identify areas that suit your lifestyle and offer potential for future growth, especially if you plan to rent out the property.

Enlist a reputable real estate professional to assist you. They can provide valuable insights, access to exclusive listings, and guide you through the purchase process. Finally, clearly communicate your requirements to ensure the agent focuses on properties that meet your criteria.

Yet, since buying a luxury property requires specific expertise, we suggest that you use a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest, as we work solely on behalf of the buyer. Portugal has a competitive luxury real estate market that requires an expert’s guidance.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.