For the golfer, Portugal is a must-see destination. Why? Because it offers some of the best golf courses in the world!
But which ones are worth playing?
We’ve compiled a list of what we think are some of the best to play at:
The Penha Longa Golf Course – Considered one of Europe’s finest and most challenging courses. This course is situated on top of a mountain and has been named by many as “the toughest round in Europe.” The Algarve Golf Club – One word that describes this course: breathtaking. With its natural beauty and impeccable conditions, it’s no wonder why it was just voted “Best Golf Course” for 2016 by WorldGolfMetropolis magazine.
The most famous area for golfing in Portugal remains the Algarve, due to its beautiful year-round weather, beautiful hotels and high-quality courses. If you are looking for golf courses on the west of the Algarve, then you Amendoeira Golf Resort, Palmares and Penina which quickly stand out. In Central Algarve then you have the pick of some of the most famous golf resorts and golf courses including Pinheiros Altos, Vilamoura Golf Course and Quinta do Lago and then in the East Algarve, Monte Rei and Castro Marim for its 3 sets of 9 hole golf courses.
But today, Lisbon, with its multicultural up and coming city vibe is beginning to catch up. Within just 60 mins of Lisbon, you have some outstanding courses along the coast. The most highly recommended golf courses in Lisbon are Oitavos, Praia d’El Rey, Penha Longa and Aroeria Golf Resort as well. What we love about golfing in this area is that Lisbon is a brilliant place to based in or at least near potentially staying out towards Cascais and Sintra.
As you move towards the north of Portugal towards Porto, there are a number of brilliant links-style courses including Estela, White Cliffs and Quinta do Fojo. Porto is not only fantastic for golf, but the landscape changes and the vineyards are everywhere – the perfect way to feel better about your latest round. A beautiful location to wind down.
The last locations to consider for golf in Portugal is the Azores and Madeira. While we would avoid this location if you are looking for the best golf, we would never hesitate to play golf if we visited either of these islands off the coast of Portugal.
We have so far found only 75 golf courses in Portugal. But this is the way Portugal is, slightly understated just to make sure it keeps its charm.
Azores Courses
Maderia Courses
Porto Golf Courses
What is wonderful about Portugal is that while there are only 75 golf courses in Portugal, the quality is high and the prices still remain reasonable. Oitavos Dunes which is easily one of the best golf courses in Europe comes in at €140 for a tee time in the peak season which can be quickly compared to €200+ for a similar quality course in other European countries such as Scotland, Ireland or Spain. And the chances are you will always get better weather than across most of Europe.
Portugal is the perfect destination for golfers of all abilities For those who want to play year-round, Portugal has a mild climate with temperatures averaging between 18°C (65°F) in winter and 27°C (80°F) in summer
