Spoiler alert: A golf trip to Portugal doesn’t just meet expectations – it exceeds them. Picture golden coastlines kissed by the Atlantic, just-caught seafood with a bright squeeze of lemon, rolling vineyards stretching endlessly into the horizon, and (of course) some of the most spectacular golf courses in all of Europe.
From dramatic cliffside fairways in the Algarve to hidden gems tucked near Lisbon and Porto, here are the best golf courses in Portugal.
Why Portugal?
It’s more than just the sunshine and scenery, though those help. Portugal blends old-world charm with modern luxury, and the golf scene follows suit. Legendary layouts, clifftop ocean views, and championship-level conditions are basically the norm at the best golf courses in Portugal. And because it’s still somewhat under the radar compared to places like Spain or Scotland, there’s this sweet spot of high quality without the overwhelming crowds.
Best Golf Courses in Portugal
1. West Cliffs Golf Links
Óbidos
This one had us at “cliffside,” really. West Cliffs is dramatic in the best way. We’re talking undulating fairways cut through natural dunes, with panoramic views of the Atlantic pretty much the entire way around. It’s relatively new (opened in 2017), but already ranks among Europe’s best. Designed by Cynthia Dye (yes, part of that Dye family), it’s a modern links course that still feels wild and raw. A definite must-play.
2. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Eastern Algarve
If Portugal has a bucket list course, this is it. Monte Rei is Jack Nicklaus-designed, immaculately maintained, and pure luxury from start to finish. It’s tucked away in the eastern Algarve, which means fewer crowds and more tranquility. The service? Next-level. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re playing on a private course, even if you’re not.
3. Oitavos Dunes
Cascais
Close to Lisbon, this one’s perfect if you’re looking to combine golf with some city exploring. Oitavos Dunes runs along the coastline and offers that classic dunes-and-pines combo. It’s ranked high for both design and sustainability, and the layout is strategic enough to challenge but still playable for a vacation round. Bonus: Cascais is effortlessly charming – think seaside cafés and winding cobblestone streets.
4. Old Course Vilamoura
Algarve
They call this one the “Grande Dame” of the Algarve, and it’s easy to see why. Built in 1969, the Old Course is packed with history and framed by umbrella pines that feel straight out of a postcard. There’s a certain serenity here – less flashy, more soulful. It’s part of a larger golf resort cluster in Vilamoura, which makes trip planning super easy if you’re trying to squeeze in a few rounds.
5. Troia Golf
Setúbal Peninsula
If you like your courses remote and rugged, Troia’s your spot. It’s located on a narrow sandbank south of Lisbon, surrounded by beach, estuary, and nature. The course itself is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design, which means it’s tight, technical, and totally stunning. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but that’s part of the charm. Be sure to pack a camera.
Whether you’re teeing off along the cliffs of the Algarve or enjoying a post-round vinho verde in Cascais, one thing’s for sure: the best golf courses in Portugal are an experience worth savoring, without the stress of lugging your clubs through airports.
Let ShipSticks handle the heavy lifting. With door-to-door service and hassle-free shipping, your clubs will be waiting for you when you arrive.
