Tee Off to Triumph: Discover Golfing Paradise in Portugal
Portugal’s acclaim as a premier golfing haven stems from its
seamless fusion of tourism, effortless travel access, genuine hospitality,
superior athletic facilities and accommodations catering to all player
levels, and exceptional affordability.
Boasting 89 diverse golf courses across its seven distinct
tourism regions, with the Algarve and Lisbon stealing the spotlight,
Portugal provides ideal year-round golfing conditions. Celebrated for their
excellence and scenic splendor, Portuguese courses showcase captivating
landscapes ranging from coastal dunes to serene forests and majestic
mountains.
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Gentle Climate: Enjoy long sunny days, mild winters, and
warm summers. -
Diverse Scenery: Portugal’s varied terrain allows for
unique and exciting golf course designs. -
Upscale Amenities: Many courses feature superb amenities
like hotels, gourmet restaurants, and professional golf academies. -
Accolades: Crowned ”
World’s Best Golf Destination” at the prestigious World Golf Awards (2023) in Abu Dhabi, Portugal also
retained its title as “Europe’s Best Golf Destination”
for the second consecutive year. Poised for further recognition, Portugal
is again a nominee in 2024.
Unveiling Portugal’s Top 10 Golf Courses: Where Should You Play?
After gaining insight into why Portugal stands tall in the golf world, it’s
the perfect moment to highlight the must-visit locations on every golf
enthusiast’s map. While the Algarve remains the country’s golfing hot spot,
prepare to be surprised by other hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
1. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (Tavira, Algarve)
The
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
in Tavira, which commands spectacular views of the Caldeirão mountains and
the Atlantic Ocean, offers the best of both land and sea. The 18-hole,
6,000-meter course was designed by American golf legend Jack Nicklaus; this
complete resort includes hotel lodgings, dining options, and curated
golfing experiences.
2. Oitavos Dunes (Cascais)
Outside of the Algarve, lies
Oitavos Dunes, one of the highest
rated courses in Europe. Situated just outside Lisbon, it expertly combines
the stunning Portuguese coastline with a masterful golf course design.
Designed by Arthur Hills, the Oitavos Dunes offers 18 holes over almost
6,000 meters.
3. West Cliffs (Óbidos)
West Cliffs Golf
complex, a sustainable build in perfect harmony with its natural setting, is
located one hour from Lisbon, and is a brief distance from the Óbidos
Lagoon. Cynthia Dye McGarey, a renowned architect, meticulously shaped the
18 holes, which extend over 7,000 meters, to integrate with the existing
terrain, pine forests and coastal vegetation.
4. Tróia Golf Resort (Tróia, Setúbal)
Although it is very close to Lisbon, you need to
take a ferry from Setúbal to reach the
Tróia Golf Resort.
Here, on the beach, the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course includes 6 hectares, 18 holes, and stunning views of the Arrábida mountains which make it the perfect place for you to hone your skills. As one of the
top 20 golf resorts in Europe, the Tróia Golf Resort has received numerous awards that are testament to
its unique experience.
5. Old Course – Dom Pedro Golf Collection (Vilamoura, Algarve)
Discover the pinnacle of Algarve splendor while visiting one of the region’s
historic golf courses. The
Dom Pedro Old Golf
course, designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, has since been
restored to improve its facilities while retaining its original design. A world class
clubhouse as well as a state of the art green area have subsequently been added.
Do not underestimate its significance! With a great legacy, this course –
which has 18 holes over nearly 6,000 meters – is one of the most popular
in the nation.
