A Guide to Golf in Portugal

Portugal has long been a top choice for golf holidays worldwide. While golf in the Algarve has traditionally been the most popular holiday choice for British and Irish golfers, other Portuguese regions have gained popularity in recent years.

From vibrant Lisbon golf holidays to trips to the charming island of Madeira, a golf trip to Portugal offers a diverse range of experiences to suit all players.

This guide to Portugal golf trips is your ultimate resource for planning the perfect vacation. Discover must-play courses, insider tips for securing the best value deals, and our most popular golf offers to make your getaway unforgettable!

Golf in Portugal

Portugal at a Glance

  • Location: Situated in the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, bordering Spain. The coast is on the Atlantic, so expect bigger waves and slightly cooler seas than the Med. It also gets a lot more wind along its coast, adding to your golfing experience.
  • Closest Airports: Portugal offers three main airports to suit your travel plans, depending on your destination. Faro International Airport is the gateway to the Algarve, Humberto Delgado Airport (commonly referred to as Lisbon Airport), serves the capital, and Madeira Airport provides access to the beautiful island of Madeira.
  • Flight Time: The average flight time from the UK to Portugal is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. However, the exact time will depend on weather conditions and the specific airports you’re departing from and arriving at.
  • Best Time to Travel: Whether you’re heading to the Algarve, Lisbon, or Madeira, Portugal’s prime golfing season falls during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn. During these times, the weather is pleasantly mild, and both accommodation and flight costs are more affordable compared to the higher prices in the summer months.
  • Climate: Portugal’s golf holiday seasons – from March to June and September to October – typically offer average temperatures around 22°C. However, this can vary slightly depending on whether you’re visiting the Algarve, Lisbon, or Madeira.

Best Golf Courses in Portugal 

Praia D’El Rey, Lisbon

Praia D’El Rey, Lisbon

Just 1 hour and 15 minutes north of Lisbon, near the charming town of Óbidos, lies this stunning 18-hole golf course. Designed by the renowned Cabell B. Robinson, this masterpiece blends seamlessly with its coastal surroundings, featuring lush pine forests and rolling sand dunes.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 73
  • Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
  • Opened: 1997

West Cliffs, Lisbon

West Cliffs, Lisbon

Positioned on the cliff tops and just a short shuttle ride away from Praia D’El Rey resort sits the fabulous West Cliffs golf course.

Designed by Cynthia Dye, niece of the legendary golf architect Peter Dye, this course has gained widespread acclaim since its opening. It’s a must-play for any golf enthusiast, especially those planning a trip to Lisbon.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Cynthia Dye
  • Opened: 2017

Quinta Da Marinha, Lisbon

Quinta Da Marinha, Lisbon

Designed by the iconic American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., this 18-hole golf course sits in an exclusive community just outside the scenic coastal town of Cascais.

As you play, enjoy breathtaking views of the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The course challenges players with elevated greens and tees, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards, all set against a stunning landscape.

With a luxurious five-star hotel and villa accommodations on-site, this course makes an ideal base for a golf holiday in Lisbon.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 71
  • Designer: Robert Trent Jones Senior
  • Opened: 1984

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Algarve

Often dubbed “millionaire’s golf,” this course offers a truly exclusive experience – generous spacing between tee times and a clever layout means that you’ll rarely see another player.

With the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, you can enjoy amazing views while also benefitting from its wide, forgiving fairways dotted with mature trees and valleys. Suitable for players of all levels, it’s both challenging and accessible.

Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this course is widely regarded as one of the finest in Europe, not just Portugal. The exceptional service provided at the club ensures a memorable experience from start to finish.

The original 18 holes are now known as the North Course, with the South Course – another Jack Nicklaus signature design – currently under development.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Jack Nicklaus Design
  • Opened: 2007

Quinta Do Lago, Algarve

Quinta Do Lago, Algarve

Choosing a favourite among the three courses at Quinta do Lago – North, South, or Laranjal – is no easy task, as each offers its own unique charm. All three are 18-hole courses with a par of 72, ensuring a prestige golfing experience no matter your preference.

With four sets of tees, thoughtfully placed bunkers and water hazards, the North Course is an excellent choice for higher-skilled golfers while still providing a fair challenge for all players.

The South Course, designed by William Mitchell in 1974, is surrounded by umbrella pines, lakes, and wildflowers, offering stunning views over the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Playing here is a chance to walk in the footsteps of golfing legends – perfect for your next golf getaway!

The Laranjal Course, the newest of the three, opened in 2009 and is built on a former orange grove. Expect pristine fairways and well-defined greens surrounded by lakes, umbrella pines, cork oaks, and, of course, orange trees, creating a visually striking and enjoyable golfing experience.

Dom Pedro Old Course, Algarve

Dom Pedro Old Course, Algarve

Renowned as one of the finest courses in the Algarve, this Frank Pennink masterpiece, affectionately known as the “Grande Dame,” boasts a rich history as the second oldest course in the region after Penina.

Its classic parkland layout reflects Pennink’s British influences, offering a timeless golfing experience similar to some of the UK’s top courses.

Under new management, the Old Course has undergone significant upgrades, including clubhouse renovations and sustainability enhancements throughout the course, making it a must-play for your next Algarve golf getaway.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 73
  • Designer: Frank Pennink
  • Opened: 1969

San Lorenzo, Algarve

San Lorenzo, Algarve

Located in the Quinta Do Lago estate, and previously exclusively reserved for guests of Dona Filipa Hotel, San Lorenzo is an 18-hole championship golf course created by Americans Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore in 1988.

San Lorenzo golf course borders the Ria Formosa Estuary as well as the picturesque saltwater lagoons and is just a ten-minute shuttle ride from Dona Filipa Hotel. The course is decorated with tall pine woods and is home to over 70 bird species.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore
  • Opened: 1988

Sir Henry Cotton at Penina, Algarve

Sir Henry Cotton at Penina, Algarve

The Sir Henry Cotton Course at Penina holds the title of being Portugal’s first-ever golf course and has long been a favourite among British golfers visiting Portugal.

Built on former rice fields, its design features streams, water hazards, subtle undulations, and elevated greens, all of which demand thoughtful strategy at every shot.

Having hosted ten Portuguese Opens and numerous other tournaments, this course guarantees a top-tier golfing experience in the Algarve.

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 73
  • Designer: Sir Henry Cotton
  • Opened: 1966

Palheiro Golf Club, Madeira

Palheiro Golf Club, Madeira

 

Situated nearly 500 metres above sea level on the hilltops of the Palheiro Estate, and neighbouring the elegant Casa Velha do Palheiro Hotel, this 18-hole, par-72 Championship golf course offers breathtaking views over Funchal and beyond.

Designed by the renowned American architect Cabell B. Robinson, this course is another masterpiece in Portugal’s golfing landscape. Players will navigate through pines, woodlands, and lush vegetation, all while tackling its dramatic ridges and hilly terrain, making a buggy an absolute necessity.

For those planning a golf getaway to Madeira, this course is an unmissable experience!

  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Designer: Cabell B. Robinson
  • Opened: 1993

Top 5 Travel Tips for Your Portugal Golf Holiday

  • Secure Your Tee Times Quickly: Popular golf courses tend to book up quickly, as tee times are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. If you’re aiming to tee off between 10am and 12pm, we strongly recommend securing your booking as early as possible, especially if you’re arranging for a larger group!
  • 1-in-8 Green Fee Discounts: Some golf courses offer a group discount on green fees, such as 1 in 8 go free. This can make a big difference to the overall cost of your golf break if travelling in a large group.
  • Consider Renting Clubs: If you’d rather not bring your own clubs on the plane, we can arrange a rental set for you. Our trusted partners will deliver them directly to your hotel or resort and pick them up when you’re done, saving you the hassle of carrying them through the airport. Even better, you’ll have access to the latest models from top manufacturers – perfect for a trial run if you’re considering a new set in the near future.
  • All-Inclusive Food & Drink for Groups: We appreciate managing a budget for a large group and keeping everyone happy is a tricky job for any group organiser, so consider going for an all-inclusive golf holiday. This means all your food and drinks are covered, removing the hassle of splitting the bill at the restaurant each evening.
  • Transfers For Large Groups: In general, the larger the group, the more cost-effective airport and golf transfers become, as the expense is shared among everyone. For smaller groups or couples, car hire might be a better option. However, for larger groups, transfers are a better choice, and they save you the hassle of driving abroad or missing out on a well-earned beer in the clubhouse afterward.

 

Top Golf Holiday Deals: Play Some of Portugal’s Most Popular Golf Courses

We’ve handpicked some of the most sought-after golf break destinations in Portugal, spanning Lisbon, the Algarve and the island of Madeira:

 

About Glencor Golf

For expert advice and personalised guidance on booking your perfect golfing trip to Portugal, call our experienced and well-travelled team at Glencor Golf Holidays today on 01904 406550. We’re here to make your dream golf getaway a reality!