Estela Golf Club

Ranked 14th in Portugal, Estela Golf Club is one of the country’s finest true links courses, located just 30 minutes north of Porto along the spectacular Minho coastline. Designed by Duarte Sottomayor, who trained under the renowned Robert Trent Jones, the course was inaugurated in 1989 and stretches over three kilometres of natural sand dunes. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Estela combines rolling fairways, fast greens, and ever-changing sea breezes to create an authentic and challenging links golf experience.

Cooled by the Atlantic in summer and warmed by the Gulf Stream in winter, Estela enjoys an ideal year-round climate for golf. Its layout rewards precision, with narrow fairways demanding accurate tee shots and open green fronts inviting low, running approaches. Lakes and dunes add both strategic depth and natural beauty, while the firm, undulating greens provide a true test for players of all levels. Estela’s unique coastal character and exceptional conditioning make it a must-play for links golf enthusiasts.

Golf Course

Estela Golf Club offers a superb balance of natural beauty and golfing challenge. This classic links-style course is defined by its fast-running fairways, firm greens, and strategic layout shaped through natural dunes. While there are few fairway bunkers, the course demands precision; miss the narrow landing zones and you’ll find yourself in deep dune rough or coastal sand.

Several lakes come into play throughout the round, providing both scenic beauty and added difficulty, especially when combined with the shifting Atlantic winds. These water hazards and the subtle contours of the greens require thoughtful club selection and a creative short game.

Signature Holes

Several standout holes that showcase the course’s true links character. The 3rd hole, a long par 4 and stroke index 1, demands a perfectly struck tee shot to a narrow fairway before a tough approach to a well-protected green.

The par-3 4th is another highlight, playing across a valley to an elevated green framed by the beach and Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the most scenic shots on the course.

On the back nine, the par-5 13th epitomizes classic links design, running alongside the shoreline before doglegging left and descending toward a beautifully contoured green. Each of these holes captures Estela’s unique blend of natural beauty, coastal drama, and strategic challenge.

Post Round

After a round, players can unwind in the elegant clubhouse, which overlooks the course and the Atlantic Ocean. The clubhouse features a welcoming restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine and fresh local seafood, perfect for relaxing with panoramic coastal views.

Golfers can also enjoy a drink or light snack at the lively bar and terrace, ideal for socialising after a day on the links. A well-stocked pro shop offers top-quality equipment, apparel, and souvenirs, while excellent practice facilities provide the opportunity to fine-tune your game before or after your round.