7 reasons to book a golf holiday to Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most complete destinations for a golf holiday break, whether you want to play golf every day, experience the local culture or chill on the beach between rounds, Lisbon has it all. Read on to see just why we love it so much…

Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s finest golf courses, offering everything from dramatic Atlantic links to classic parkland layouts, all within easy reach of the city. Here are some of our Golf Travel Experts best courses in Lisbon:

• Praia D’El Rey Golf Course: Around an hour north of Lisbon, Praia D’El Rey is a stunning links-style course set against the Atlantic. Expect rolling dunes, coastal winds and spectacular sea views throughout.

• West Cliffs Golf Links: One of Portugal’s most visually striking layouts, West Cliffs blends seamlessly into the natural coastline, delivering a challenging and unforgettable links experience.

• Oitavos Dunes: Located in Cascais, Oitavos Dunes is a championship links-style course that winds through sand dunes and pine woodland, consistently ranked among the best in Portugal.

• Quinta da Marinha Golf Course: A scenic parkland layout in Cascais, Quinta da Marinha combines umbrella pines, lakes and sea views for an enjoyable and varied round.

• Golf do Estoril: One of Portugal’s oldest courses, Golf do Estoril offers a traditional parkland test with tree-lined fairways and a rich golfing heritage.

• Troia Golf Course: Set on the Troia Peninsula south of Lisbon where you will need to take a ferry to access the course, Troia Golf Club, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design is widely regarded as one of Europe’s finest, offering championship golf in a truly unique setting.

Lisbon’s outstanding golf is matched by its high-quality hotels, whether you prefer a coastal resort, countryside retreat or stylish city stay.

• Marriott Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort: A luxury beachfront resort with two superb onsite golf courses, Marriott Praia D'El Rey features excellent facilities and beautiful ocean views.

• Dolce CampoReal: Set inland in peaceful surroundings, Dolce CampoReal is a well-rounded resort featuring great dining, leisure facilities and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Palácio Estoril Hotel & Golf: A classic 5-star hotel in a prime location, Palacio Estoril combines historic elegance with easy access to golf, restaurants and nightlife.

• Hotel Quinta da Marinha: A modern 5-star resort in Cascais, Quinta da Marinha houses its own excellent parkland course and first-class leisure facilities.

• Penha Longa Resort: Nestled within the Sintra mountains, Penha Longa is a luxury 5-star resort offering two exceptional onsite courses, including the championship Atlantic Course. With Michelin-starred dining and world-class facilities, it’s one of Lisbon’s most prestigious golf stays.

Being a coastal city, Lisbon is particularly well-known for its variety of incredibly fresh seafood however, its traditional meat and vegetarian dishes are not to be passed on either. Staying in Lisbon provides a great opportunity to explore, experiment and take advantage of Portuguese gastronomy. We would highly recommend the Time Out Market. You will never experience such an excellent choice of food under one roof again!

Explore wine bars, local delicacies, international foods and more, all curated by Time Out’s experienced journalists… It’s a great place to go with a group as there’s something for everyone; breakfast, lunch and dinner!

During the planning stage of your golf break to Lisbon, it is worth keeping one day or at least half a day free to explore the city and all it has to offer. An afternoon walking the beautiful and historic town of Cascais in the sun with a light breeze is about as tranquil as it comes and worth a picture or two to make all your friends and family at home jealous.

Additionally, the views of Lisbon when exploring the Castelo de Sao Jorge are truly magnificent. High above the city centre look down on the beautiful red roofs, one of Lisbon’s defining characteristics.

One of Portugal’s greatest exports to the world. This small, sweet treat is an absolute must when visiting Lisbon and luckily they’re not hard to come across. Walk into any café and you’ll find the famous custard tarts that go perfectly with a coffee or tea.

One of the best places to enjoy this local delicacy is Pasteis de Belem situated in western Lisbon, it has been around since the 19th century and has stuck to the original recipe all those years ago. The only problem you’ll have is stopping at one!

Lisbon can be considered as a year-round golf destination and we stand by it. Averaging no more than 10 days of rain in the winter months and even fewer throughout spring and summer you can travel anytime.

Extend your season during the winter when you’ll have your pick of the tee times at lower rates and all you’ll need is a light jacket or jumper for the cooler evenings. Spring and autumn are typically the most popular travel months due to the idyllic playing conditions so, if you’re wanting to travel then, it is recommended to book in advance!

Many of the hotels and resorts will have incredible bars onsite or nearby which will provide plenty of entertainment for the evening or simply a nice place to enjoy an evening cocktail however, if you’re in the city centre and want something a little more lively, you will inevitably find Pink Street. It can’t be missed as the street is literally painted bright pink and it’s here where memories and stories will be made!

Planning the perfect Lisbon golf trip comes down to getting a few key details right. With world-class courses and a vibrant city on your doorstep, smart organisation can elevate a good break into a great one. Here are some expert tips to help you make the most of your time in Portugal’s capital:

Build your itinerary around ability levels: Lisbon’s coastal courses can be demanding, particularly in the wind. Balance tougher championship layouts with more forgiving tracks to keep the trip enjoyable for all handicaps.

Schedule a rest window between west coast rounds: Back-to-back days at exposed links venues can be physically demanding. Consider alternating with an inland course or allowing time to explore Cascais or central Lisbon.

Pre-book transfers for larger groups: While Lisbon is easy to navigate, organising dedicated transport avoids delays and ensures everyone arrives relaxed and on time for tee-offs.

Be strategic with tee times in summer: Afternoon rounds in peak summer can be hot. Earlier starts not only offer cooler temperatures but also leave more time to enjoy the city afterwards.

With year-round playability and easy access from the UK and across Europe, it’s an ideal choice for golf groups, corporate trips, or weekend breaks. Below are some frequently asked questions to help plan your Lisbon golf getaway.

Q: Why choose Lisbon for a golf trip? A: Lisbon offers championship-standard courses, stunning coastal layouts, excellent value compared to many European destinations and a great mix of golf and city nightlife.

Q: When is the best time to visit for golf? A: Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) offer ideal temperatures and course conditions. Winter is mild and popular, while summer is hotter but manageable with early tee times.

Q: Which airport do we fly into? A: Lisbon Airport (LIS), located approximately 20–30 minutes from central Lisbon and around 30–75 minutes from most golf courses.

Q: How far are the main golf areas from the airport? A: Cascais courses are around 30 minutes away, while Óbidos (West Cliffs and Praia D’El Rey) is approximately 60–75 minutes north of Lisbon.

Q: What are the top golf courses in the Lisbon region? A: Highly regarded courses include West Cliffs, Praia D’El Rey, Oitavos Dunes and Quinta da Marinha.