Our Expert Guide to the best golf courses in Portugal
Our selection of the best golf courses in Portugal reflects a blend of challenging layouts, stunning landscapes, and excellent facilities. Here are the top 12 courses we believe stand out:
For years, Portugal has basked in the sun-drenched acclaim of the golf world, consistently earning accolades as the world's premier golf destination. Yet, to understand the true depth of its appeal is to look beyond the pristine beaches and cerulean skies. The nation's golfing landscape is a compelling tale of two distinct yet complementary narratives: the established, manicured elegance of the Algarve in the south, and the raw, elemental drama of the Atlantic Frontier, encompassing the Lisbon coast and the spectacular Silver Coast to its north. This geographical duality has provided a canvas for some of the most revered names in golf course architecture, from the foundational masters who first brought championship golf to these shores to the modern visionaries shaping its future.
The selection of the twelve courses that follow is the result of a comprehensive synthesis of expert rankings, architectural merit, and the intangible quality of the holistic playing experience. This is not merely a list but a curated journey through the very best of Portuguese golf. The country's evolution in the sport mirrors a global shift in design philosophy. The early pioneers, such as Sir Henry Cotton, who established Portugal's first 18-hole course at Penina in 1966, and Frank Pennink, who crafted Vilamoura's "Grand Dame" Old Course in 1969, imported the classic tenets of British parkland design to the Algarve, laying the groundwork for a tourism boom. Their work established a tradition of strategic, tree-lined courses that remain beloved classics.
In the decades that followed, legends like Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. left their own indelible marks, introducing a grander, more Americanized scale of championship golf that solidified the region's international prestige.Today, a new wave of architects is writing the next chapter. Designers like Cynthia Dye at West Cliffs and David McLay Kidd at Terras da Comporta are champions of a minimalist, environmentally reverent approach, allowing the natural drama of the coastal landscape to dictate the flow of play. This progression makes Portugal a living museum of golf course architecture, offering players the unique opportunity to experience the evolution of design principles from the mid-20th century to the most progressive concepts of the 21st. A pilgrimage to these fairways is therefore not just a holiday; it is an education in the art and soul of the game
Monte Rei (North Course): The Unrivaled Masterpiece
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, the course occupies a secluded world of its own, framed by the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the distant shimmer of the Atlantic to the south. This remoteness contributes to an atmosphere of tranquil exclusivity. The masterplan is a work of genius, with each hole occupying its own distinct valley, creating a series of natural amphitheatres. Combined with generous 15-minute tee time intervals, this routing ensures that golfers feel as though they have the entire estate to themselves, a rare luxury in modern resort golf.Water comes into play on eleven of the eighteen holes, serving as both a strategic hazard and a stunning visual counterpoint to the manicured turf and native landscape.
When Jack Nicklaus lends his name to a "Signature Course," it comes with the highest of expectations for a stern, uncompromising, and strategically profound test of golf. At Monte Rei, his only creation in Portugal to date, the Golden Bear delivered his magnum opus. The design philosophy is one of grandeur and challenge, unfurling across a vast canvas with broad, sweeping fairways, cavernous sculpted bunkers, and enormous, raised green complexes featuring vicious run-offs that punish the slightest miscalculation. This is not a course for the faint of heart; it is a true championship layout designed to test every facet of a player's game, demanding both prodigious power and surgical precision.
Signature Holes Analysis
Hole 3 (Par 4): An early indication of the course's quality, this hole presents a dramatic downhill tee shot to a fairway that falls away sharply. The approach is to a green fiercely guarded by water on three sides, demanding a confident and well-executed iron shot. It is a hole that rewards thoughtful strategy over brute force.
Hole 13 (Par 4): Arguably the most photographed and memorable hole on the property, the thirteenth descends towards a breathtaking natural lake that fronts a shallow, wide, and intimidating green. The tee shot must be placed perfectly to avoid fairway bunkers, setting up a short but nerve-wracking approach where a par feels like a significant victory.
Hole 18 (Par 5): A grand and thrilling finale. This long par-5 features a waterway that runs the entire length of the left side of the hole, continuing around the back of the green. It constantly dares the long hitter to attempt the heroic shot to the green in two, providing a perfect stage for a dramatic conclusion to the round.
Monte Rei's status as the undisputed number one course in Portugal is consistently affirmed by nearly every major ranking and expert panel. It is more than just a round of golf; it is a "bucket list experience". The impeccable course is matched by a level of service that is second to none, from valet parking upon arrival to personalized bag tags and immaculate practice facilities, all of which contribute to justifying its premium price point. While the region's climate can occasionally impact conditioning, the consensus remains clear: Monte Rei offers an unparalleled day of golf that stands among the very best in continental Europe.
Quinta do Lago (South Course): The Championship Pedigree
A par 72 layout measuring 6,500 metres, the South Course quickly gained a reputation as a favorite among European Tour professionals for its fairness and strategic complexity. The course presents a fascinating strategic dichotomy. The front nine holes meander through the parkland setting and tend to favor a right-to-left ball flight (a draw for the right-handed player). In contrast, the back nine, which loops around a large lake, rewards a left-to-right shot (a fade) from the tee, demanding adaptability from the player. Key to scoring well is accuracy on tee shots to properly navigate the variety of doglegs and strategically located hazards. The 8th, 15th, and 18th holes are consistently cited as being particularly testing, providing a stern challenge for even the most accomplished golfers.
In 1974, long before the Algarve became a household name in the golf world, American architect William Mitchell was tasked with creating a course that would set a new standard for the region. With the South Course at Quinta do Lago, he did precisely that, introducing American-style design principles—large, professionally contoured greens, expansive tees, and strategically placed bunkers—that were revolutionary for their time. His vision was to craft a beautiful and challenging parkland layout that would wind gracefully through a landscape of umbrella pines, wildflowers, and lakes, all while overlooking the serene Ria Formosa Natural Park.
The South Course is rightly considered the "crown jewel" of the expansive Quinta do Lago resort. Its history is steeped in championship pedigree, having hosted the Portuguese Open on eight separate occasions. It was here in 1989 that Colin Montgomerie announced his arrival on the world stage, winning the tournament by an astounding 11 strokes with a 24-under-par total, including a course-record round of 63. To ensure it maintains its world-class standing, the course underwent a major, multi-million-euro renovation, closing in May 2020 for more than a year to upgrade its infrastructure and playing surfaces. The investment has paid dividends, with the course earning a cascade of recent accolades, including being named "Europe's Best Golf Course 2022" and "Portugal's Best Golf Course 2024" at the prestigious World Golf Awards, cementing its status as an elite European venue.
Amendoeira (Faldo Course): The Strategic Desert Challenge
The course is a visual and strategic feast, with significant elevation changes offering breathtaking views across the surrounding orange groves and distant mountains. The layout is defined by its undulating fairways and a myriad of strategically placed hazards that require players to plot their way around the course rather than simply overpowering it. The par-5 holes are particularly strong, offering multiple routes from tee to green and rewarding the player who can think two shots ahead. The uphill par-4 first hole immediately sets a challenging tone, while the downhill par-5 fourth, with its meandering watercourse, is one of the most visually appealing holes on the property. The hillier back nine poses an even greater challenge, testing the endurance and shot-making of even seasoned golfers.
Sir Nick Faldo built his legendary playing career on meticulous preparation, intellectual rigor, and strategic precision. It is no surprise that his design work reflects these same characteristics. The Faldo Course at Amendoeira is a pure distillation of his golfing philosophy: a championship layout that demands careful positioning and strategic thinking to score well.The course is a stunning departure from the Algarve's typical parkland aesthetic, with Faldo drawing inspiration from the arid landscapes of Arizona. The design carves through a dramatic terrain of rocky outcroppings, with spartan Holm oaks, ancient olive trees, and desert scrub bunkers filled with crushed limestone replacing traditional sand and rough. Faldo himself described the land as "dramatic," with an "incredible" and "beautiful undulating" character that was a "great fun to work with".
The Faldo Course offers a unique and intellectually stimulating round of golf that stands in sharp contrast to the region's other top courses. In 2016, its distinct character was recognized when it was voted "Portugal's Best Golf Course" at the World Golf Awards. It is a true "thinking person's course," where strategy and finesse consistently triumph over brute force. As part of the comprehensive Amendoeira Golf Resort, which also features the Christy O'Connor Jnr. championship course and Portugal's only floodlit 9-hole academy course, it is a cornerstone of a premier, multi-faceted golf destination.
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf: The Three Faces of Perfection
The genius of Palmares lies in its variety. The 27 holes are configured as three distinct nines that can be played in any combination, ensuring that no two rounds feel exactly the same.
Praia (Beach): This loop is a genuine seaside links, a rarity in the Algarve. The holes run alongside the Meia Praia beach, fully exposed to the Atlantic winds. With a railway line bordering some holes, it evokes the spirit of the classic links courses of Great Britain and Ireland.
Alvor (Parkland): This nine plays through corridors of mature pine trees, ascending hillsides and descending through secluded valleys. It offers a more traditional parkland feel but still provides glimpses of the dunes and sea to come.
Lagos (Parkland/Dunes): Beginning with a parkland character and incorporating the only two lakes on the property, this loop transitions dramatically, immersing players in the expansive dunes before climbing back towards the clubhouse.
The Architect's Vision (Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
While the original Palmares course, a 1975 Frank Pennink design, was a long-time favorite, the modern incarnation is an entirely different and more ambitious creation. In 2010, the property was handed over to the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr., who was tasked not with renovating but with completely reimagining the site. Jones Jr. saw the potential to craft a course of immense character by leveraging the property's three distinct environments: dramatic, elevated parkland with expansive ocean vistas; intimate, tree-lined valleys; and a raw, sandy dunescape by the sea. His vision was to create a 27-hole facility where each nine-hole loop would offer a unique and memorable experience.
Often billed as the "jewel in the crown of the Algarve," Palmares delivers on that promise with its sheer variety and breathtaking beauty. The 27-hole layout provides exceptional replay value and a strategic test that changes with the wind and the chosen combination of nines. The experience is elevated by a stunning, contemporary clubhouse designed by RCR Arquitectes, winners of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. This architectural marvel offers panoramic views over the course and the Bay of Lagos and is home to the Michelin-starred AL SUD restaurant, making Palmares a complete luxury destination. Consistently ranked among Portugal's elite courses, it is celebrated for its unique and successful fusion of links and parkland golf in a truly spectacular setting
West Cliffs Golf Links: The Wild Child of the Silver Coast
Playing West Cliffs is an immersive and exhilarating experience, a true battle against the elements on a raw and rugged seaside links. The course is both beautiful and punishing in equal measure. The primary challenges are the frequent and often long forced carries over native scrubland from the tee, the significant elevation changes throughout the round, and the ever-present, swirling Atlantic breeze that can turn a simple shot into a complex calculation. The design philosophy is stark and unforgiving: "you are either on the short stuff or dead," making for a thrilling round that can quickly humble an unprepared golfer.
Opened in 2017 to immediate and universal acclaim, West Cliffs is the stunning creation of Cynthia Dye, niece of the legendary and iconoclastic architect Pete Dye. Her design philosophy was one of profound respect for the land, aiming for minimal environmental disruption by preserving the spectacular natural topography and native coastal vegetation. Laid out over a massive 200-hectare property of rolling sand dunes, the course offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic from every single hole. Dye described the site as "the most natural golf course site imaginable," where for the most part, "the course was already there waiting for us".
Signature Holes Analysis
Hole 5 (Par 3): A visually stunning Redan-style hole, where the green slopes significantly from front-right to back-left. It is played from an elevated tee on top of a massive dune directly towards the crashing waves of the Atlantic, a truly memorable shot.
Hole 7 (Par 5): A particularly brutal and strategic hole that features a vast, "Hell's Half Acre" style sandy waste area that must be successfully navigated before a tough, uphill approach to a well-protected green.
Hole 16 (Par 3): Situated on the highest point of the property, this par 3 offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the entire course and the ocean beyond, a perfect moment to pause and appreciate the grandeur of the setting.
West Cliffs was an instant superstar on the global golf scene, deservedly winning "World's Best New Golf Course" in 2017. It is a wild, dramatic, and visually breathtaking experience that many seasoned golfers have placed directly into their all-time top 10. A word of practical advice: the course is a physically demanding walk with very long transitions between some holes; taking a buggy is highly recommended to conserve energy for the demanding shots the course requires.
Oitavos Dunes: The Naturalist's Links
Oitavos Dunes offers one of the purest links experiences in continental Europe. It features a classic out-and-back routing that takes players on a journey through a unique landscape that blends woodland and exposed, sandy linksland. The course provides constant, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the mystical Sintra mountains. The primary defense of the course is the near-constant wind that sweeps in from the ocean, making club selection a perpetual challenge and its small, sloping greens notoriously difficult to find and hold.
Opened in 2001, Oitavos Dunes is a masterclass in environmentally sensitive design from the respected American architect Arthur Hills. The course is set within the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, on a dramatic, tumbling dunescape at the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Hills's guiding philosophy was to work in complete harmony with the land, disturbing as little as possible of the natural environment. His routing carefully preserves the unique Iberian umbrella pines and native flora, a commitment that earned Oitavos Dunes the distinction of being the first golf course in Europe to be awarded the coveted Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary status.
While the course is remarkably consistent, the 14th hole is a memorable standout. This par 3 measures a modest 155 yards, but it requires a nerve-wracking tee shot that must carry a deep, sandy ravine to a green that seems to hang on the edge of the landscape. It is a perfect example of how a hole can be challenging and beautiful without relying on extreme length.
Oitavos Dunes is a course of international renown, consistently ranked among the world's top 100 courses by Golf Magazine and frequently cited as the number one course in Portugal. It is a must-play for the golf purist, a course that celebrates the timeless traditions of links golf and offers a strategic, natural, and unforgettable challenge in one of Europe's most spectacular settings.
Troia Golf: The Peninsula's Perilous Beauty
Playing Troia is a magical experience, with the course wedged between the Atlantic Ocean on one side, the Sado Estuary on the other, and the dramatic Serra da Arrábida mountains providing a stunning backdrop. The wind is a constant companion, adding another layer of complexity to an already exacting layout. The challenge is so profound that when the course hosted the Portuguese Open in 1983, winner Sam Torrance managed a score of just two-under-par for the tournament, a testament to its difficulty.
Set on a magnificent, wind-swept peninsula south of Lisbon that is most easily reached by a short ferry ride, Troia Golf is a timeless creation from the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr.. Opened in 1980, the course is a classic expression of the Jones Sr. design philosophy: a strategically demanding and often punishing test of golf. He utilized the sandy, pine-clad landscape to create a layout with some of his narrowest fairways and smallest, most elevated green complexes, placing an absolute premium on accuracy and control. The course's main natural feature—sand—was used as its primary defense, with vast sandy waste areas and deep bunkers guarding the tight playing corridors.
Signature Holes Analysis
Hole 3 (Par 4): This hole is not just the signature of Troia; it is a hole of global significance. Robert Trent Jones Sr. himself considered it one of the very best he had ever designed and included it in his personal "ideal 18-hole course." It is a perfectly framed hole with magnificent sea views that demands a perfectly placed tee shot to a slender fairway, followed by a precise approach to a small, well-defended green.
Hole 18 (Par 5): A memorable and challenging finishing hole, this par 5 features a sharp dogleg to the left. The approach shot is played to a raised green that is heavily protected by three deep bunkers at its front, requiring one final, well-executed shot to close out the round.
Troia is a timeless classic and one of the great tests in European golf. For years it was considered one of Portugal's best-kept secrets, but it has recently been rediscovered and rightly acclaimed by modern experts, soaring up the continental rankings. It offers a perilous but deeply rewarding journey for the skilled golfer who appreciates classic, strategic design in a spectacular natural setting.
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort: Seve's Final Flourish
The par 72 course is a formidable test, capable of stretching to over 7,300 yards from the championship tees, with the coastal wind serving as a constant and challenging factor. The layout is filled with the kind of creative, risk-reward opportunities that defined Seve's own swashbuckling style of play
Opened in 2012, Royal Óbidos holds the poignant distinction of being the final course designed by the beloved and brilliant Severiano Ballesteros. The course is a fitting tribute to his creative genius, a versatile and strategic layout that subtly integrates with the natural, undulating terrain of the Silver Coast. Seve's vision was to create a course that was both challenging for the best players and enjoyable for all, featuring a variety of holes that incorporate lakes, streams, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the serene Óbidos Lagoon
Signature Holes Analysis
Hole 3 (Par 4): A fantastic hole that has Seve's signature all over it. Played from an elevated tee, it features a large, 'S'-shaped bunker (for Seve) guarding the right side of the fairway and a lake threatening the left, demanding a bold and accurate tee shot.
Hole 5 (Par 5): A long par 5 measuring 520 meters, the hole culminates with a daunting approach shot to a large, undulating green that is surrounded by water on three sides, a true test of nerve and skill.
Hole 18 (Par 5): A spectacular finishing hole that provides a panoramic view of the entire back nine, the magnificent clubhouse, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is a grand stage on which to conclude the round.
Royal Óbidos is a frequently underestimated gem and a worthy final testament to the design talents of one of golf's most charismatic figures. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 courses in the Lisbon region and offers a challenging and enjoyable modern resort experience. The clubhouse is perfectly positioned, with a large terrace overlooking nine of the holes, providing the ideal vantage point to relax after a round and watch the sun set over the Atlantic, a fitting end to a day on a course designed by a legend.
San Lorenzo Golf Course: The Sanctuary by the Sea
Opened in 1988, San Lorenzo is a testament to the design philosophy of American architects Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore, who masterfully utilized the stunning natural topography of the Quinta do Lago estate. Their vision was to create a course that existed in perfect harmony with its sensitive environment, bordering the protected Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. The result is a clever figure-of-eight layout that winds through pine woodlands, around saltwater marshes, and alongside freshwater lagoons, creating a natural sanctuary for both golfers and an abundance of wildlife, including over 70 species of birds.
Renowned for its beautiful Bermuda grass fairways and immaculate year-round condition, San Lorenzo offers a classy and sophisticated round of golf. The course unfolds with a gentle rhythm through the pine forests before the drama begins to build as it approaches the estuary. The routing provides a wonderful sense of journey, with each hole presenting a new and distinct challenge.
Signature Holes Analysis
Hole 6 (Par 4): A demanding dogleg rated as the most difficult hole on the course (Stroke Index 1). From an elevated tee, the player faces a tee shot towards the sea, with the temptation to cut the corner over dense, penalizing shrubbery. A precise drive is essential to set up an approach to a well-defended green.
Hole 8 (Par 5): A truly spectacular par 5 that borders a large inland lake down its right side. After two strategic shots, the player is faced with a daunting third that must carry a significant portion of the lake to find a tight but beautifully positioned green.
Hole 18 (Par 4): San Lorenzo saves its most dramatic moment for last. The finishing hole has become world-renowned as one of the finest and most nerve-wracking in golf. The approach shot is played to a tiny green that is virtually an island, surrounded by water on all sides. It is a spectacular and unforgettable conclusion that can make or break a scorecard.
For decades, San Lorenzo has been a fixture in the rankings of Europe's best courses, celebrated for its perfect blend of natural beauty and strategic challenge. Access to the course is a coveted privilege, primarily reserved for guests of the nearby Dona Filipa Hotel, making it the centerpiece of an exclusive luxury golf holiday. It remains one of the Algarve's most essential and rewarding golfing experiences.
Terras da Comporta (Dunas Course): The Instant Icon
When it was announced that David McLay Kidd, the visionary Scottish architect behind the world-renowned Bandon Dunes in Oregon, was designing his first course in mainland Europe, the golf world took notice. Opened in October 2023, the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta immediately exceeded the monumental expectations. Kidd's vision was to create an authentic, challenging, and unforgettable links experience by sculpting the course into the natural, sandy undulations of a spectacular coastal property on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. The design emphasizes playability, fun, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
The Dunas Course is a true links masterpiece, defined by its vast scale and a feeling of exhilarating freedom. The fairways are covered in fescue grass, a rarity in Southern Europe, which promotes the firm, fast-running conditions essential for authentic links golf, allowing players to utilize the ground game and their imagination. The course tumbles and flows across the landscape, with Kidd's clever routing ensuring that many holes play gently downhill, avoiding the punishing uphill slogs that can mar a walking experience. Flanked by blankets of sandy native areas and handsome pines, every hole is a visual delight, with the back nine featuring some of the most unforgettable holes on the continent.
The Dunas Course has been a global sensation from the moment it opened. It was immediately crowned "World's Best New Golf Course" at the 2023 World Golf Awards and rocketed straight into the top 10 of continental Europe's most prestigious rankings. It represents the pinnacle of modern, sustainable golf design, having been built with the highest environmental standards. In less than a year, it was rated the #1 course in Portugal by the users of the respected website Leading Courses, a testament to its quality and the incredible experience it provides. The course is the first of two at the massive Terras da Comporta development, which is poised to become Europe's next great golf destination.
11. Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort: The Tale of Two Nines
Opened in 1997, Praia D'El Rey is the brilliant work of American architect Cabell B. Robinson, who crafted a course described as an "assault to the senses". Robinson's vision was to create a complete and varied golfing challenge by masterfully blending two distinct environments into one cohesive and dramatic 18-hole journey. The course is a tale of two nines, each with its own unique character and set of demands.
The round at Praia D'El Rey begins with a journey through a lush, parkland setting. The front nine winds its way through a forest of fragrant pines, with holes that demand strategic shot-shaping and accuracy to navigate the tree-lined corridors.This tranquil and sheltered environment provides a stark contrast to what awaits on the back nine. After making the turn, the course transforms dramatically into a wild and rugged seaside links. The holes run alongside the mighty dunes of the Atlantic coastline, fully exposed to the wind and the elements. This sharp transition from parkland to links creates a comprehensive test of a golfer's entire skill set, from accuracy and strategy among the trees to power and control by the sea.
Signature Holes Analysis
The back nine is littered with memorable holes, but the stretch from 13 to 15 is particularly spectacular. These three holes run directly along the ocean, offering breathtaking views and a stern links test where the wind can wreak havoc. The 12th hole is another highlight, a beautiful par 4 where the approach shot is played towards a green set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the distant Berlengas Islands.
Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club: The Grand Dame of Vilamoura
Opened in 1969, the Old Course at Vilamoura is one of the founding fathers of Algarve golf. Affectionately known as the "Grand Dame," it was designed by English architect Frank Pennink with a clear vision: to create a course in Portugal that would evoke the charm and strategic challenge of the great inland heathland and parkland courses of Britain. The result is a timeless masterpiece that eschews artificial drama in favor of a graceful, strategic layout that blends seamlessly with the natural terrain. In 1997, the course was sensitively updated by Martin Hawtree, who modernized its infrastructure, including the installation of a sophisticated irrigation system, while fastidiously preserving Pennink's original and much-loved design character.
The defining characteristic of the Old Course is its majestic, mature umbrella pines. These towering trees line the fairways, acting as the primary hazard and placing an unwavering premium on accuracy and strategic placement from the tee. The course flows over gently undulating ground, with Pennink making masterful use of the natural contours to create interest and challenge without resorting to heavy earth-moving. The experience is akin to a tranquil walk through a beautifully manicured park, with a 'garden' feel that sets it apart from many of its more modern counterparts.
Signature Hole Analysis
The undisputed "jewel in the crown" of the Old Course is the 4th hole. This stunning and formidable par 3 stretches to over 200 yards from the back tees. The shot requires a long, precise iron to be played over a bubbling pond and through a narrow chute of umbrella pines to a well-guarded green. With the wind often a factor, it is a hole that perfectly encapsulates the beauty, charm, and challenge of this classic layout.
Best Golf Courses in Portugal part 1
If you have a different top 12 or additional courses you feel should be included, we welcome your suggestions. Your input helps us maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive guide to Portugal’s finest golf experiences.