Crafted from the best: A dream course of Lisbon’s top 18 Golf Holes
Start your course with a stunning coastal hole. The Atlantic Ocean view adds to the beauty while testing your shot placement.
A short, strategic par 3 where wind and elevation changes make the approach shot tricky. The perfect hole early on for mental focus.
This demanding hole, with the sea on one side, sets up for a tough but picturesque challenge. Precision is key here.
A par 3 that’s all about elevation, making it tricky but rewarding. It brings in some natural drama early in the round.
A long, downhill par 5 with breathtaking views of the cliffs and ocean. The elevation and wide fairway make it an exciting strategic challenge.
A beautiful hole with panoramic views of the Sintra hills, combining power with finesse as you navigate its undulating terrain.
A short but tricky par 3. Its classic, tight design forces players to rely on precision rather than distance, perfect for a mid-round test.
One of the most beautiful par 3s, playing over water. It’s scenic and challenging—a highlight that fits perfectly into the front nine.
Close the front nine with a water-lined par 5. This hole’s risk-reward nature and strategic fairway make it a memorable way to finish before the turn.
Start the back nine with a hole that presents incredible views of both the ocean and Sintra Mountains. The wind makes the approach tricky.
Another demanding par 4 that plays along the coast, where wind, sea views, and a tricky fairway require accuracy and creativity.
A stunning downhill par 3 with elevation changes and incredible views of the historic estate. It provides a short but scenic break.
This par 4 features beautiful rolling hills and tree-lined fairways. A perfect balance of scenic beauty and golfing challenge.
A rugged par 4 with cliffside views and challenging elevation changes, adding a raw, natural challenge to the back nine.
The coastal breeze and beautiful views add excitement to this strategic par 4, where the ocean backdrop creates an iconic moment in the round.
This traditional par 4 is shorter but very tight, demanding precision and smart club choice. A classic, challenging hole that keeps you thinking.
A challenging and scenic par 5 to set up the final stretch. Its well-protected greens make for an exciting finish.
End the round with this signature par 5. It’s long, tough, and visually spectacular, with sweeping ocean views that provide an epic finale to your dream course.
Ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world, Oitavos Dunes is set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. The course blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering both a challenging game and breathtaking views.
This course is often praised for its environmental sustainability and is part of the Quinta da Marinha resort, offering 5-star accommodations.
Playing Oitavos Dunes is like immersing yourself in nature while enjoying a world-class golfing challenge. The sound of the Atlantic waves crashing against the shore adds a serene backdrop to the game. The course is beautifully maintained, and the wind off the ocean provides a challenging element, especially on the back nine.
The 14th hole—a short par 3—is a stunning and nerve-wracking challenge. Elevated above the green, it plays directly into the wind with a steep drop-off on one side. It’s as much about mental strategy as it is precision, and the view is unbeatable.
Incredible views of the Atlantic and the Sintra Mountains
Seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape
Challenging wind conditions that add an extra layer of complexity
Eco-friendly and beautifully maintained course
The wind can be overwhelming for less experienced players
Greens can be tough to read due to the natural undulations
Located on a peninsula, Troia Golf Course is regarded as one of the most scenic courses in Portugal. The course is famous for its tricky design, pine trees, and proximity to the sea, making it a rewarding yet demanding challenge for experienced golfers.
Consistently ranked among the best courses in Europe, Troia offers a unique, secluded experience.
Troia is a hidden gem for the golfer who seeks both beauty and a tough challenge. The course is isolated on a peninsula, surrounded by water, offering spectacular views. Its tricky layout keeps you thinking at every hole. The pine trees lining the fairways make for tight shots and there’s no shortage of bunkers.
The 3rd hole, a par 4, with the sea running down the left and strategically placed bunkers. It’s both visually intimidating and rewarding if you play your shots right.
Incredible coastal views and natural beauty
Challenging for even the most seasoned golfers
Quiet and peaceful, offering a secluded golfing experience
Remote location, a bit far from Lisbon
Tight fairways can be frustrating for beginners
Limited facilities nearby
Located within a luxury estate that dates back to the 14th century, Penha Longa features two courses: the Atlantic Championship and the Atlantic North. The Atlantic Championship course is the crown jewel, with stunning views, undulating terrain, and a mix of wooded and open landscapes.
This course has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Portuguese Open, and the resort itself is a luxury retreat with a 5-star Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Set along the coastal area, this course offers views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. Its design incorporates strategic bunkers, water hazards, and elevation changes, making it a favorite for golfers of all skill levels.
The course is part of a larger luxury resort that includes a 5-star hotel, spa, and other amenities, making it ideal for those looking for both relaxation and a great round of golf.
This course is a mix of beauty and strategy. With the Sintra Mountains as a backdrop and several holes running alongside the Atlantic, the views are gorgeous. The course is fairly forgiving but still keeps you on your toes with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed throughout.
The 13th hole, a par 4 that runs right along the coastline, where the view of the Atlantic Ocean is distracting—in the best way possible. It’s a great test of control.
Stunning ocean views
Great course layout that suits players of all levels
Convenient location within a luxury resort
Can be crowded during peak times
Some of the holes are less challenging for experienced golfers
Known for its scenic layout that incorporates the natural landscape of rolling hills and valleys, Belas Clube de Campo is a challenging course with tight fairways and strategically placed hazards. The course is also eco-friendly and has earned accolades for its environmental practices.
The club offers top-notch facilities and a strong sense of exclusivity, making it a favorite among Lisbon’s elite golfers.
This course is all about precision. The rolling hills and valleys provide a serene setting, but the fairways are tight and require strategic shots. I enjoyed the challenge of navigating the terrain and hazards, and the natural beauty around the course adds to the experience.
The 7th hole, a par 3 with a green perched high on a hill. It’s a tough hole to master, especially when the wind picks up, but hitting the green is incredibly rewarding.
Beautiful scenery and a sense of exclusivity
Challenging design with tight fairways and strategic hazards
Eco-friendly and well-maintained
Not as forgiving for beginners
Slightly outside of Lisbon, making access a little less convenient
Set within a pine forest with views of the Arrábida Mountains, Quinta do Peru is a beautiful and serene course. It is considered one of the most challenging courses in the Lisbon area due to its well-protected greens and strategic bunkers.
Known for hosting several national and international tournaments, the course offers a balance of beauty and difficulty.
Quinta do Peru is one of the most challenging yet beautiful courses I’ve played in the Lisbon area. The layout is tricky with well-protected greens and plenty of bunkers, but the course is impeccably designed. The quiet setting in a pine forest adds to the experience.
The 8th hole, a par 3 over a lake, is both visually stunning and nerve-racking. The water hazard makes this a shot to remember.
Secluded, peaceful atmosphere
Impeccable course design and maintenance
Challenging for all skill levels
Slightly remote location
Can be very difficult for beginners due to well-placed hazards
One of Portugal’s oldest and most traditional golf courses, Estoril Golf Club is known for its tight, tree-lined fairways and small, well-protected greens. The course is shorter than most modern designs but requires precision and strategy.
The Estoril Golf Club has hosted several Portuguese Opens and international tournaments, and its proximity to the luxury Estoril Hotel makes it an appealing option for golfers looking for a more classic experience.
Playing Estoril Golf Club is a bit like stepping back in time. It’s a classic course that prioritizes precision over power. The tree-lined fairways and small, protected greens require careful shot placement. The historical feel of the course makes it unique.
The 16th hole, a par 3 that’s short but sweet, with a tricky green. It’s a classic hole that encapsulates the feel of the course.
Rich history and traditional course design
Beautiful tree-lined fairways
Close proximity to luxury hotels and amenities
Shorter course length may not appeal to those looking for modern, long courses
Greens are very small, making them difficult to approach
Aroeira I and Aroeira II are two courses that offer a mix of challenges, including water hazards, wide fairways, and tree-lined holes. The courses are set within a protected forest area, giving them a secluded and tranquil atmosphere.
Aroeira is often referred to as the “Wentworth of Lisbon” due to its exclusivity and reputation. The resort features luxury accommodations and is known for attracting high-profile guests.
Aroeira offers two distinct courses, and both are fantastic. I especially enjoy the secluded atmosphere, as the courses are set within a protected forest area. It’s a quiet, relaxing round of golf, but don’t be fooled—the water hazards will test you!
The 11th hole on Aroeira I, a par 5 with a lake that runs along the left. It’s a tough hole where strategy is key, and it rewards careful shot selection.
Secluded, peaceful environment within a forest
Two distinct courses, both with their own challenges
Known for attracting high-profile guests
Can feel a bit isolated, away from the city buzz
Water hazards make some holes quite unforgiving
Designed by the renowned Cynthia Dye, this links-style course is perched on dramatic coastal cliffs with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course’s design takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, offering a rugged and raw golfing experience.
West Cliffs is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Portugal’s best courses and is often praised for its layout and stunning coastal vistas.
West Cliffs is one of the most stunning courses I’ve played. The layout takes full advantage of the rugged coastline, and the views are spectacular. It’s a true test of golf with plenty of elevation changes and strong winds coming off the Atlantic.
The 10th hole, a par 5, is my favorite. It starts high on a cliff with sweeping views of the ocean, and the fairway runs downhill. It’s a thrilling hole to play.
Spectacular coastal views and dramatic landscape
Challenging links-style course with strong wind factors
Quickly gaining a reputation as one of Portugal’s top courses
The rugged landscape can be challenging for less experienced golfers
Located about an hour from Lisbon, so a bit of a drive
