Lisbon has fast become a popular spot for British and Irish golfers looking to play on some top quality courses, enjoy some sunshine but also experience the city’s rich cultural offerings. However many golfers opt to stay in one of two regions – Cascais and Estoril which is east of Lisbon and Sesimbra which is over the bridge and South of the main city itself. We take a look at what both regions offer:
Cascais And Estoril For A Golf Holiday
Cascais was once a small fishing village located just 30 minutes west of Lisbon but it’s now developed into a beautiful and popular spot for tourists due to its small sandy beaches, a beautiful yacht harbour, and it’s popularity as a holiday destination for Portugal’s Royal Family. Accommodation here is high quality with options to stay on a golf resort such as the 5* Quinta Da Marinha or by the beach in 3* Hotel Baia which has beautiful views over the sea.
Estoril is the another resort located next to Cascais and is connected by a coastal promenade. The glamorous reputation of this region in Portugal is heightened further due to the Casino Estoril – the largest casino in Europe. It’s reported that during the Second World War this was a meeting place for spys and was actually the inspiration behind Ian Fleming’s 007 novel Casino Royale. Here it’s possible to stay at the 4* Hotel Inglaterra or the stunning 5* Hotel Palacio Estoril which continues the James Bond references at it is where Ian Flemming wrote his first Bond novel and it actually features in a number of the films!
Both Cascais and Estoril are good locations to base yourself if you are planning to visit the stunning town of Sintra which is littered with pastel coloured villas and palaces, with the centre piece being the 19th-century Pena National Palace which provides stunning views of the region from its hill top position.
The golf courses in Cascais and Estoril are superb – Penha Longa, Quinta Da Marinha and Oitavos Dunes are all worth playing, with the latter considered one of the best courses in Europe, let alone Portugal due to it regularly hosting the Portuguese Open.
Sesimbra For A Golf Holiday
Sesimbra is the main resort in the region of Setúbal which is about 50 minutes from Lisbon city centre. Popular with Lisbon locals who come for day trips and weekend getaways, it’s now becoming popular with other European tourists looking for a pretty coastal retreat with good access to Lisbon. As you would expect from any coastal town with a strong fishing heritage, there are a large number of restaurants offering excellent fish dishes. Beyond golf, other popular activities in this resort are most forms of water sports and hiking due to the picturesque surroundings.
Accommodation here is available at a number of hotels close to the beaches and promenade including the SANA Sesimbra Hotel or on a golf resort such as Aroeira Resort within their one and two bedroom apartments or two bedroom villas.
Golf in this region is slightly more spread out than it is in Cascais / Estoril and we would probably recommend a hire car to keep your costs down as opposed to transfers. However Aroeira 1 & 2 provide some great quality golf, as does the Robert Trent Jones designed Troia Golf and a previous host of the Portuguese Open.
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