Is Lisbon the best golf & city destination?

At the end of June, I headed to Portugal’s vibrant capital with a group of friends to experience some of its most spectacular golf courses. The weather was perfect, hot, sunny and ideal for golf. It quickly became clear that Lisbon isn’t just another city break.

There is an abundance of reasons to visit Lisbon, it is fast becoming one of Europe’s premier golf destinations. Between a host of fantastic courses, city’s nightlife, food and history this trip ticks every box for a golf and city break.

The trip began with one of the most unique journeys to a golf course I’ve ever had. We boarded the ferry across the Sado Estuary, the sea air warm, the water sparkling, and even a few dolphins appearing alongside the boat. By the time we set foot on the Troia Peninsula, we already felt like the adventure had begun.

Troia is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, DP World Tour host, and is as beautiful as it is demanding. Tight fairways cut through pine forests, natural sand borders every hole, and the Atlantic glistens in the background. Strategy is everything at this course and driver is rarely the answer. What struck me most was just how wild and scenic the place felt, especially when your ball finds the native sand scrub (which, with my golf, it often does). Walking off the 18th I knew I’d played something truly special.

Troia overview:

Signature hole: I loved the par-3 3rd hole playing over a vast expanse of dunes, where the exposed green demands absolute precision and coastal winds add constant uncertainty.

3 reasons I recommend Troia Golf Club:

• Championship links designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. set along a breathtaking Atlantic peninsula.
• Firm, fast fairways framed by natural dunes and pine forests.
• A pure, strategic test of golf widely ranked among Continental Europe’s very best courses.

Bonus fact: Troia has hosted multiple Portuguese Open championships and consistently features in Europe’s Top 100 course rankings.

The next morning we ventured west to Cascais, and the legendary Oitavos Dunes. Known as one of Continental Europe’s finest links, and it didn’t disappoint. The course runs through rolling sand dunes within a protected national park, with pine scrub and Atlantic winds shaping every shot.

It’s golf in its purest form: firm fairways, dramatic views, and greens that demand creativity. Some holes feel as though they’ve been there forever, carved naturally into the land. After the round, we grabbed a few ice-cold Sagres beers on the clubhouse terrace, soaking in views of the ocean. The sea breeze, warm sunshine, dramatic views and great company summed up the magic of golf in Lisboa.

Oitavos Dunes overview:

Signature hole: The par-3 14th hole, was my standout hole. Perched high in the dunes with panoramic Atlantic views.

3 reasons I recommend Oitavos Dunes:

• Arthur Hills-designed layout seamlessly routed through protected natural sand dunes.
• Stunning ocean views from elevated tees across much of the back nine.
• A championship-standard course that blends strategic design with natural beauty.

Bonus fact: Oitavos Dunes is regularly ranked as Portugal’s #1 course and sits just 30 minutes from Lisbon in the heart of Cascais.

On the final day, we ventured south to Comporta to play one of Lisbon’s most talked-about courses. The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta is already a modern classic, weaving through vast wild sandscapes with a rugged, natural style. It’s raw and beautiful, testing yet fair, and it instantly felt like a bucket-list venue.

Right next door is the brand-new Torre Course, designed by Sergio García. Together, they make ‘the 36 holes to play right now in Europe’ making Comporta a must-visit destination in its own right. Playing these two back-to-back gave us a glimpse into the future of how great Portuguese golf is going to get.

Dunas Course overview:

Signature hole: The par-5 11th, winding through expansive sandy waste areas and natural vegetation, offering multiple risk-and-reward options depending on the wind.

3 reasons I recommend Dunas Course:

• Modern links-style design built on natural sandy terrain.
• Creative layout by renowned architect David McLay-Kidd, offering a fresh strategic challenge.
• Pure golfing experience with minimal housing and dramatic natural surroundings.

Bonus fact: Dunas is one of two new championship courses at Terras da Comporta, located just one hour south of Lisbon Airport.

Torre Course overview

Signature hole: My favourite was a bold short par-4 on the back nine where aggressive players can attack the green from the tee, but deep bunkering and sandy run-offs punish any misjudgement.

3 reasons to play Torre Course:

• Second championship layout at Terras da Comporta, designed by Sergio Garcia.
• Strategic routing that complements Dunas while offering a distinct visual and playing style.
• Wide corridors, expansive bunkering and natural sandscapes create a modern championship feel.

Bonus fact: Torre enhances Comporta’s status as one of Europe’s most exciting emerging golf destinations, offering two contrasting world-class courses side by side.

Of course, Lisbon isn’t just about golf. Between rounds, we had plenty of time to explore:

• Explore the City: We wandered through Alfama’s cobbled streets, rode the iconic yellow trams, and found incredible viewpoints across the city at the miradouros.
• Relax on Beaches: A Lisbon beach trip is essential. We spent time at Comporta’s golden sands, and also at Costa da Caparica, one of Europe’s longest continuous beaches with over 20km of golden sand, surf schools, serious waves, and lively beach bars.
• Food & Drink: My personal favourites had to be Bonjardim for authentic Portuguese chicken and the buzzing Time Out Market Lisboa, where we tried everything from fresh seafood to pasta del nata under one roof. We were also lucky enough to visit during the Festas de Santo António - Lisbon’s month-long street festival. Everywhere you looked, there was music, great street food, and locals celebrating their patron saint late into the night.

Lisbon is far more than just another golf destination. It’s the perfect mix of world-class courses, cultural exploration, and culinary delights. Whether it’s the historic charm of Troia, the natural challenge of Oitavos, or the new energy of Comporta, the region has something truly special.

Why choose Lisbon for a golf trip?

• Legendary courses within an hour of the city
• Unique experiences: ferries, national parks, dune landscapes
• Accessible from across Europe with affordable transport
• A vibrant blend of golf, food, beaches, and nightlife

Lisbon isn’t just a trip. It’s the trip.

Q: What are the best golf courses to play in Lisbon? A: Troia Golf Course, Oitavos Dunes, and Dunas Comporta (plus the new Torre Course) are the must-plays. Other strong options include Aroeira I & II, Penha Longa, and Belas Clube de Campo.

Q: How do I get to Lisbon for a golf trip? A: Lisbon is one of Europe’s most accessible capitals, with direct flights from across the UK and beyond. The airport is just 20 minutes from the city. Troia requires a short ferry ride across the Sado Estuary (a highlight in itself), while Cascais and Comporta are about an hour’s drive away. Trains, ferries, and car hire make getting around simple and affordable.

Q: When is the best time of year to take a golf trip to Lisbon? A: If you aim to have the same conditions we had aim for June the coastal breeze makes seaside courses enjoyable, while winter golf is still possible thanks to Portugal’s mild climate.

More Portugal golf holiday FAQs.