Portugal has long been considered a golfer’s paradise, with its stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and world-class golf courses attracting players from around the globe. From the Algarve region in the south to the Lisbon coast in the west, Portugal boasts some of Europe’s top golfing destinations. In this article, we will explore the premier golf courses in Portugal, revealing the top 7 that every golf enthusiast should have on their bucket list.
Portugal’s Premier Golf Destinations
The Algarve region is undoubtedly Portugal’s premier golfing destination, renowned for its picturesque coastal courses and year-round sunny weather. Vilamoura is a standout area, home to several top-rated courses such as the Vilamoura Old Course, Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, and Quinta do Lago South. These courses offer a challenging yet scenic golfing experience, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and lush green fairways that wind through pine forests and coastal dunes.
Lisbon and its surrounding areas also cater to golf aficionados, with a mix of traditional and modern courses set against the backdrop of historic castles and rolling hills. The Oitavos Dunes Golf Course in Cascais is a must-visit for its stunning seaside location and challenging layout designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills. Meanwhile, the Penha Longa Resort in Sintra offers a luxurious golfing experience, with its championship course winding through a nature reserve and featuring breathtaking views of the Sintra mountains.
The Porto and Northern Portugal regions are emerging as new golfing hotspots, attracting players with their unique courses set amidst vineyards, rivers, and lush valleys. The Vidago Palace Golf Course, located in the heart of the Douro Valley, is a prime example of the region’s golfing excellence, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. With its historic clubhouse and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, Vidago Palace is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by golf enthusiasts seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
Unveiling the Top 7 Golf Courses in the Golfing Paradise of Portugal
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Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – Located in the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is consistently ranked as one of Portugal’s top courses, offering a world-class golfing experience with its Jack Nicklaus Signature Design and stunning views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains.
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San Lorenzo Golf Course – Situated in Quinta do Lago, the San Lorenzo course is known for its challenging layout, beautiful lakes, and manicured fairways that wind through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, providing golfers with a unique and unforgettable playing experience.
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Troia Golf – Located on the Troia Peninsula near Lisbon, Troia Golf is a links-style course that combines stunning ocean views with challenging holes set amidst sand dunes and pine forests, making it a favorite among golfers looking for a true test of skill.
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Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort – Designed by Seve Ballesteros, the Royal Óbidos course offers a mix of parkland and links-style holes, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Óbidos Lagoon creating a breathtaking backdrop for a memorable round of golf.
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Palmares Golf Course – Situated in the Algarve near Lagos, Palmares is a picturesque course that offers a blend of parkland and links-style holes, with rolling fairways and stunning sea views providing players with a unique and challenging golfing experience.
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Quinta da Marinha Golf Course – Located in Cascais near Lisbon, Quinta da Marinha is a championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., featuring tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra mountains.
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Oceanico Faldo Course – Designed by Nick Faldo, the Oceanico Faldo Course in Vilamoura is a challenging layout that tests players with its undulating terrain, deep bunkers, and water hazards, offering a true test of golfing skill and strategy for players of all levels.
Portugal truly is a golfer’s paradise, offering a diverse range of top-notch courses set against stunning landscapes and historic surroundings. Whether you prefer coastal views, rugged terrain, or lush valleys, Portugal has something to offer every golf enthusiast. With its year-round sunny weather, welcoming atmosphere, and world-class golfing facilities, Portugal is the perfect destination for a golfing getaway that combines relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences on the green. So pack your clubs, book your tee times, and get ready to explore the top 7 golf courses in the golfing paradise of Portugal.

Gonzalo
Founder/Owner of The Lisbon Guide, one of the major blog references in Portugal, established in 2014 and receiving every year 250.000 visitors from all over the world, looking to provide the best experiences in Portugal. In partnership with Portugal Magik for all private tours and transfers across Portugal, Gonzalo loves a good seafood meal at Monte Mar Cascais, and all from Michelin Chef Avillez. Favorite Hotel in Lisbon/Portugal, Penha Longa Resort by Ritz Carlton.
For over 15 years, Gonzalo have been helping thousands of travelers yearly to plan a perfect trip to Portugal. Based in Lisbon/Cascais and working in this field for over 20 years, with multiple ongoing projects. Also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide.
Many years working also as a Private Guide of Lisbon, Sintra, Fatima, Porto, Douro Valley, Evora, and other locations in Portugal.
