Portugal golf vacation FAQs

Portugal has quietly become one of Europe’s top golf destinations, offering world-class courses, spectacular coastlines, and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you're playing clifftop courses in the Algarve or exploring the rolling fairways near Lisbon, Portugal delivers a golf experience that's as scenic as it is satisfying.

Highlights of a Portugal golf trip:

• Over 90 courses, from dramatic seaside layouts to lush parkland resorts
• Play iconic venues like Monte Rei and Oitavos Dunes
• Enjoy a mild year-round climate ideal for golf in any season
• Explore charming towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and golden beaches
• Savor world-famous wines, seafood, and authentic Portuguese cuisine

Whether you're looking for a relaxing golf escape, a competitive challenge, or a mix of culture and coastal beauty, Portugal is an exceptional destination for golf lovers, and a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Portugal is home to over 90 golf courses, offering everything from stunning coastal layouts to beautifully designed inland gems.

Some of the best golf courses in Portugal include:

• Terras da Comporta Dunas Golf Course – A rising star in European golf, this minimalist, links-style layout near the Atlantic coast blends natural beauty with world-class design by David McLay Kidd
• Monte Rei North Course– Set in the eastern Algarve, this Jack Nicklaus signature course is consistently ranked among Europe’s best, offering immaculate conditions and a true five-star golf experience
• Oitavos Dunes – Located in the coastal town of Cascais near Lisbon, this Top 100-ranked course combines pine forest, sand dunes, and ocean views for a challenging and scenic round
• Troia Golf – Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this demanding course sits on a narrow peninsula south of Lisbon and features tight fairways, sandy terrain, and panoramic views of the Sado Estuary
• San Lorenzo Golf Course – A longtime favorite in the Algarve, this course winds through pine forests and lagoons within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, finishing with breathtaking seaside holes

From the windswept dunes of Comporta to the golden beaches of the Algarve, Portugal’s golf courses deliver unforgettable rounds in spectacular natural settings.

Yes. Most larger clubs and resorts offer club and push cart rentals, perfect if you’re traveling light.

Portugal is an excellent destination for golfers, with both the Algarve and Lisbon providing many world-class golf courses. The country is known for its stunning courses, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant weather, making it a popular choice for golfers.

Portugal’s climate, particularly in the Algarve, offers golf all year-round. That said, the most popular travel period tends to be in Spring and Fall, where playing conditions and temperatures are optimal.

Some golf courses may require you to provide an official handicap certificate; however, this varies from course to course, and we would suggest speaking to your Golf Travel Expert at the time of booking your trip.

Portugal is home to an exceptional collection of resorts, combining world-class courses, luxury accommodations, fine dining, and warm Portuguese hospitality, all in one unforgettable experience.

Some of our favorite golf resorts in Portugal include:

• Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – Tucked away in the eastern Algarve, this exclusive resort features the Jack Nicklaus-designed North Course, ranked among Europe’s finest. Expect five-star villas, personalized service, and a serene, private atmosphere ideal for discerning golfers.
• Penha Longa Resort – Just outside Lisbon in the Sintra mountains, this historic estate features a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course, luxury Ritz-Carlton accommodations, and Michelin-starred dining, all surrounded by lush forest and palace ruins.
• Quinta do Lago – Located in the heart of the Algarve’s Golden Triangle, this prestigious resort offers three award-winning courses (South, North & Laranjal), luxury villas, wellness facilities, and vibrant restaurants, perfect for golfers, families, and food lovers alike.
• Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort – Set along Portugal’s Silver Coast, this oceanfront resort features a stunning seaside course and access to the highly acclaimed West Cliffs Golf Links. It’s a golfer’s paradise with breathtaking Atlantic views.
• Amendoeira Golf Resort – This spacious resort in central Algarve features two championship courses designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor Jr., plus modern apartments, villas, and a full range of sports facilities, ideal for families and golf groups.

From dramatic clifftop views to tranquil pine forests, Portugal’s golf resorts offer unforgettable experiences with sunshine, sophistication, and world-class service.

Golf vacations in the Algarve are very popular among golfers, withs over 31 courses, many of which are located along the beautiful Portuguese coastline, this region offers golden beaches and incredible hospitality. Lisbon is also a great option, with more links-style courses situated in one of the world’s leading cities.

To secure tee times at top courses, it’s best to book 9 to 12 months in advance, especially during peak season. More flexible or lesser-known itineraries can be booked with shorter notice, although we do recommend planning ahead for the best availability.

While Portugal is known for its amazing golf and beautiful landscapes, you will also be able to fully unwind in one of the many spa facilities in Portugal, allowing you to recover in preparation for your next round.

Portugal offers so much more beyond the course, rich culture, scenic landscapes, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

• Scenic adventures: Explore the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, hike in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, or take in the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley.
• Historic sites: Visit iconic landmarks like the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the hilltop castles of Óbidos and Sintra.
• Cultural cities: Wander the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, explore charming towns like Évora or Coimbra, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife and street art scene in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto.
• Local experiences: Cruise along the Douro River, relax at Atlantic beaches, take a traditional tram ride, or catch a live Fado performance in an intimate tavern.

Whether you’re into food, history, nature, or coastal charm, Portugal offers an incredible experience off the course as well.

Portugal is well-connected internationally, with major airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro (ideal for the Algarve). From these hubs, the country is easy to explore by rental car, train, or short domestic flights.