Portugal Golf Guide

Portugal has three main quality golfing regions, the Lisbon Coast (in central Portugal), Algarve (in the south), and the island of Madeira (southwest of the Portuguese mainland). Well-maintained courses (over 70 at last count), a mild climate, diverse cultural attractions, and a wide range of entertainment choices, make Portugal a wonderful all-round holiday destination, as well as a golfer’s paradise.

Reasonable green fees at most golf courses in Portugal are the icing on the cake. World ranked annual competitions include the Portuguese Open and the Madeira Island Open. Since most of the best Portugal golf courses are associated with hotels, you can often get good accommodation and golf deals at reasonable rates, particularly out of season. The main golfing season in the south is from late autumn to late spring.

If you are planning on playing some golf in Portugal here is a guide to the main Portugal golf regions to help you plan your trip.

Algarve

The Algarve is home to the best golf courses in Portugal. This is Europe’s most famous golfing region and boasts over 30 world-class courses. Year-round sunshine, a full range of accommodation, and plenty of attractions combine with a diverse nightlife to make this one of Europe’s finest golf holiday destinations. From the Palmares and Boavista championship courses in the west, to Quinta da Ria in the east, there are courses of all grades and scenic variations. Central Argarve, with its proximity to Faro International Airport, has many courses including Vale do Lobo, with its mountain and sea vistas.

And you don’t have to play all your golf in Portugal either as just across the border in Spain lies another group of courses in the Costa de la Luz.

Although the Algarve has been declared 'Best Golfing Destination In The World', by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the region has plenty to offer non-golfers, including miles of golden-sand beaches, beautiful nature walks, and a wide choice of water sports, such as sailing and jet skiing.

More information on Algarve golf courses here
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The Lisbon Coast

This is one of the lesser know Portugal golf regions. There are over 20 outstanding golf courses around the Portuguese capital of Lisbon – with access to the city’s superb shopping, historic architecture and museums, and vibrant nightlife, a Lisbon golfing holiday may well represent the best option of all. Courses near the city, such as the prestigious Estoril, set in an old pine forest, are excellent places to begin a Portugal golf tour.

The Lisbon area is also home to the Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, one of the premier golf courses in Portugal, located just one hour north of the capital city, along the peaceful sandy beaches of the west coast.

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Madeira

One of the prettiest of the Atlantic islands, Portugal’s golfing island of Madeira has striking scenery, a seemingly perpetual mild climate, and any number of restaurants serving up the freshest of seafood and fine local wines. Madeira golf is centred on the courses of Santo da Serra and Palheiro. The former, suits all golfing abilities, overlooks the sea, and hosts PGA European Tour events. Palheiro Golf Club, set on a ridge among well-tended formal gardens, is perfect for golfers of average ability, although the challenging 13th hole has a large ravine to traverse.

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Our pick of the best Portugal golf courses

Boavista Golf Club

This striking 18-hole, Par 71 championship Portugal golf course, designed by Harold Swan, opened in 2002. It runs for 6,053 meters and combines incredible views of the Atlantic (from most holes), with a brilliant golfing layout integrated with its natural surrounds. Olive and fig trees are a reminder of its rural past, while tall palms signify the new golfing era. There are tee options to suit all standards, but beware the water obstacles that appear on five holes. The clubhouse serves you well, aprčs golf, while the academy could well correct some of your shots. This course with stunning Atlantic seascapes should definitely be on your Portugal golf ‘must play’ list.

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Palmares

Located 2 km east of Lagos, and overlooking both the old town of Lagos and the Bay of Lagos, Palmares is one of the most scenic places to play golf in Portugal, with its flowering shrubs, acacias, and almonds. The 5,961-metre, 18-hole, Par 71 course has five links holes set beside the sand dunes of Meia Praia beach. We think the 1st hole is one of the most impressive of all golf courses in Portugal.

Palmares was designed by Frank Pennick and includes a driving range and a practice putting area. Here you can hire clubs, trolleys, and buggies and there is a restaurant and bar.

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Quinta da Ria

Rated in the Top 10 Portuguese courses, this spectacular 18-hole, Par 72 Portugal golf course, set within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, overlooks the mountains and the sea. Hazards include five lakes, and more than 300 olive and carob trees border the course. We think that Quinta da Ria must be one of the most beautiful settings in which to play golf in Portugal.

The clubhouse has a bar that sells snacks, and there is a golf school, a putting green, and a driving range.

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Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is amongst the very best of Portugal golf courses. Also designed by Sir Henry Cotton, Vale do Lobo offers mountain scenery and ocean views, and two courses – Royal and Ocean. As well, its Royal Course Par 3, 16th hole has the honour of being dubbed the most photographed hole in Europe. On this hole your shot must clear two ravines to reach the green. Narrow, undulating fairways are lined with umbrella pines and the greens can be tricky. The 18-hole, Par 71 Ocean course has been rated as the No. 3 course in Portugal, by Golf Digest Magazine. If you are planning on playing golf in the Portugal then Vale do Lobo should definitely be on your course shortlist.

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Vilamoura

If you want to play some of the finest golf in Portugal without having to travel far from your hotel then Vilamoura has to be the best choice. The coastal town of Vilamoura is possibly the biggest and best golfing destination in Europe. The collection of 5 courses offer a variety of features and tests that will please both experienced and occasional golfer alike. There are also another 8 Championship courses within 15 minutes of Vilamoura.

The Vilamoura Old Course, opened in 1969, is considered by many to be the finest in Vilamoura and one of the very best golf courses in Portugal.

Book Vilamoura Old Course tee times.

Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

Located just a one hour drive north of Lisbon, the Praia D'El Rey course was voted the 3rd best golf course in Portugal in the biennial poll organised by the European Golf magazine. Designed by the world-renowned American architect Cabell B. Robinson, the Praia D'El Rey Championship Golf Course is rich in variety, providing an excellent test for both the handicapped golfer as well as the advanced player.

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Book your Portugal Golf Tee Times Online

You can book your golf in Portugal online now with Teetimesanywhere.com, your one stop source for the best value green fees for all Portugal golf courses.