As of 2026, this is widely ranked as the #1 course in Portugal. Designed by David McLay-Kidd, it is a world-class links course set among rolling sand dunes and pine forests about an hour south of Lisbon. For a stay that matches the high-design aesthetic of the region, the Quinta da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort offers rustic-chic luxury and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the rice fields

A regular fixture in world Top 100 lists, Oitavos Dunes is a “natural” links course that flows seamlessly through umbrella pines and sand dunes on the edge of the Sintra-Cascais National Park. The ideal lodging is the on-site The Oitavos, a sleek, ultra-modern 5-star hotel where every room faces the ocean or the fairways, complete with an exceptional equestrian center and spa.

Set within a 545-acre estate in the Sintra mountains, this Robert Trent Jones II design winds past a 14th-century monastery and Roman aqueducts. It is a dramatic, hilly course with tournament pedigree. The only way to experience it properly is by staying at the Penha Longa Resort, a Ritz-Carlton property that is effectively a luxury sanctuary featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and an incredible spa.

The final design masterpiece by the late Seve Ballesteros, Royal Óbidos features wide fairways and a technical back nine with incredible views of the Óbidos Lagoon. For a seamless experience, stay at the Evolutee Hotel, a boutique 5-star hotel on-site with interiors designed by yoo Studio (Philippe Starck) and a stunning terrace for post-round cocktails.

Twice the host of the Portuguese Open, Aroeira No. 1 is often called the “Wentworth of Lisbon” due to its tall, overhanging pine trees and traditional feel. It offers a cool, shaded environment that is perfect for summer play. Stay at the Aroeira Lisbon Hotel, a contemporary “Sea & Golf” resort located right on the estate, providing a very relaxed, boutique feel just 25 minutes from central Lisbon.

Located on the Silver Coast, West Cliffs is a visual masterpiece where the Atlantic Ocean is visible from every single hole. The layout is rugged, sandy, and challenging, requiring precise shots to navigate the natural vegetation. To stay right in the heart of this coastal wilderness, book into the West Cliffs Ocean & Golf Resort, which offers high-end apartments and villas with floor-to-ceiling windows.

This course offers a fantastic “tale of two nines,” with half the holes winding through lush pine forests and the other half running directly along the cliff’s edge. It is one of the most photographed courses in Europe. You should stay at the Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, a classic 5-star hotel situated right on the cliffs, providing the perfect base to play both this course and its sibling, West Cliffs.

Accessible via a short ferry ride from Setúbal, Troia is a “pure” links course known for its small, narrow greens and demanding Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout. It is widely considered one of the toughest but most rewarding tests in the country. For a stylish stay nearby, the Troia Design Hotel is a contemporary landmark in the marina, offering a casino and expansive views of the Sado Estuary.

Located south of the Tagus River, this is a parkland gem known for its exceptionally fast greens and the majestic backdrop of the Arrábida Mountains. It’s an exclusive club that maintains a very friendly atmosphere. A perfect nearby retreat is the SANA Sesimbra Hotel, a beachfront property in a charming fishing village where you can enjoy the best seafood in the region after your game.

This Robert Trent Jones Sr. course is famous for its par-3 3rd hole, which plays over a ravine with the Atlantic crashing below. It is a scenic, flatter course that is very walkable and enjoyable for all levels. The best place to stay is the Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, which recently underwent a full renovation and offers a fantastic “stay and play” environment right in the posh heart of Cascais.

The region has several standout venues. Troia Golf, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, is widely regarded as one of Portugal’s finest courses and sits on a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic and the Sado estuary, which makes for an extraordinary setting. Penha Longa, set within a historic estate in the hills above Sintra, is another course that regularly features in European top-100 lists.

Lisbon has excellent air connections from across the UK. TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair and British Airways all operate direct services, with flights available from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and Belfast among others. Flight times are typically around two hours twenty minutes to two hours forty from most UK departure points.

It depends on what you’re looking for. The Algarve has more courses and more dedicated golf resort infrastructure. Lisbon, though, offers something the Algarve can’t quite match, which is the combination of a major world city with excellent golf right on the doorstep. The courses around Lisbon tend to be quieter and more affordable than those in the south, and the overall travel experience feels richer for golfers who also want culture, great restaurants and a proper city to explore.

The honest answer is that it combines things other golf destinations do separately. You get genuinely good courses, several of them outstanding, alongside a capital city with real cultural depth, exceptional food and a nightlife scene that won’t disappoint. The Atlantic coastline around Cascais and Guincho is dramatic and beautiful. Sintra is one of the most visited heritage sites in southern Europe for good reason.