Golf Courses in Portugal

Portugal is one of Europe’s most respected golf destinations, known for its high-quality golf courses, mild climate, and wide variety of playing experiences across the country.

On this page, you’ll find a complete overview of golf courses in Portugal, organised by region, with practical insights to help you choose where to play based on your skill level, travel plans and the type of golf experience you’re looking for.

At PortugalGolfe.pt, our goal is simple:

👉 to help you discover, compare, and choose golf courses in Portugal, based on clear criteria and real-world experience.

Best Golf Courses in Portugal

The Best Golf Courses in Portugal: An Overview

With more than 90 golf courses spread across mainland Portugal and the islands, the country offers options for every type of golfer — from challenging championship layouts to more accessible courses ideal for beginners.

Golf in Portugal stands out for several reasons:

  • consistently high course design standards
  • excellent maintenance throughout the year
  • diverse landscapes, from coastline to countryside
  • modern infrastructure and facilities
  • a strong tradition of hospitality

Rather than focusing on marketing claims, we organise golf courses by region, making it easier to plan your next round or golf holiday with confidence.

How Many Golf Courses Are There in Portugal?

Portugal currently has over 90 golf courses, officially registered with national and international golf bodies.

The highest concentration of courses can be found in:

  • the Algarve
  • the Lisbon & Greater Lisbon area

These regions benefit from:

  • year-round playable weather
  • strong investment in golf tourism
  • excellent accessibility for international travellers

That said, golf is played across the entire country — including the North, Central Portugal, Madeira and the Azores — each offering a very different type of experience.

Golf Courses in Portugal by Region

To make navigation easier, we’ve grouped golf courses by Portugal’s main golfing regions.
Each region differs in terms of:

  • course style and layout
  • difficulty level
  • landscape and surroundings
  • average green fee prices

Below you’ll find an overview of each region, with links to dedicated pages where courses are analysed in greater detail.

Golf Courses in the Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s leading golf region and one of the most recognised golf destinations in Europe. It features the highest concentration of golf courses in the country, many designed by internationally renowned architects.

Golf courses in the Algarve are known for:

  • varied and technically interesting layouts
  • exceptional course maintenance
  • short distances between courses
  • top-level tourism infrastructure

This region is particularly popular for golf holidays, winter golf trips and multi-round stays.

👉 Explore all golf courses in the Algarve

Golf Courses in Lisbon & Greater Lisbon

The Lisbon region offers high-quality golf courses that combine proximity to the capital with challenging layouts and diverse playing conditions.

It’s an ideal area for:

  • playing golf without long travel times
  • combining golf with city tourism
  • regular practice, lessons and training

Lisbon’s golf courses appeal both to experienced players and those still developing their game.

👉 View golf courses in Lisbon and Greater Lisbon

Golf Courses in Central Portugal

Central Portugal offers a quieter and more relaxed golfing experience, with courses set in natural surroundings and less tourist pressure than the Algarve or Lisbon.

Courses in this region stand out for:

  • scenic environments (coastline, pine forests and rural landscapes)
  • interesting and varied layouts
  • a calmer pace of play
  • excellent value for money in many cases

This region is ideal for golfers who value authenticity, tranquillity and quality.

👉 Discover golf courses in Central Portugal

Golf Courses in Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal has a smaller number of golf courses, but they are rich in character, history and identity.

Golf courses in the North are often characterised by:

  • lush, green and sometimes mountainous landscapes
  • a strong connection to tradition and heritage
  • technically demanding layouts
  • a more exclusive and peaceful atmosphere

It’s a great option for golfers seeking distinctive and less commercialised experiences.

👉 Explore golf courses in Northern Portugal

Golf Courses in Madeira

Madeira offers one of the most unique golf experiences in Portugal, combining dramatic landscapes with technically demanding courses and a strong Atlantic character.

Golf courses in Madeira are known for:

  • panoramic ocean views
  • challenging elevation changes
  • mild temperatures throughout the year
  • a strong local identity

This destination is especially appealing to players looking for technical challenge paired with unforgettable scenery.

👉 See golf courses in Madeira

Golf Courses in the Azores

The Azores are an emerging golf destination within Portugal, offering courses integrated into volcanic landscapes and unspoilt nature.

Golf in the Azores provides:

  • a truly distinctive natural setting
  • less crowded courses
  • close contact with nature
  • a different pace compared to mainland destinations

It’s an excellent choice for golfers looking for something different and off the beaten path.

👉 Explore golf courses in the Azores

How to Choose a Golf Course in Portugal

With so many options available, choosing the right golf course depends on several factors. When making your decision, consider:

  • your playing level (beginner, intermediate or advanced)
  • the type of course (technical vs more forgiving layouts)
  • your budget for green fees
  • available facilities (practice areas, clubhouse, buggy rental)
  • location and ease of access

Defining these criteria will help ensure a golf experience that matches your expectations.

Best Time of Year to Play Golf in Portugal

Thanks to its mild and stable climate, Portugal is a year-round golf destination.

In general:

  • Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons
  • Winter is ideal in the Algarve and Madeira
  • Summer offers long days, though some regions can be hot

Seasonality can also affect:

  • green fee prices
  • tee time availability
  • pace of play

Planning ahead allows you to optimise both experience and cost.

Golf Courses in Portugal for Beginners

Portugal has several golf courses well suited to beginners, either due to shorter layouts, more accessible pricing or excellent practice facilities.

Beginner-friendly courses typically offer:

  • shorter or 9-hole layouts
  • less punishing designs
  • golf academies and lessons
  • a relaxed playing environment

Throughout our reviews, we highlight courses that are particularly suitable for golfers who are just starting out.

How We Review Golf Courses in Portugal

At PortugalGolfe.pt, all golf course reviews follow a clear and consistent evaluation methodology, based on practical experience and objective criteria.

When assessing a golf course, we consider:

  • course design and layout variety
  • maintenance standards
  • value for money of green fees
  • practice facilities
  • rental equipment (buggy, trolley, clubs)
  • clubhouse, restaurant and overall amenities

This approach allows us to provide balanced and useful insights, helping golfers make informed comparisons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses in Portugal

How many golf courses are there in Portugal?

There are currently over 90 golf courses across mainland Portugal and the islands.

Which region is best for golf in Portugal?

The Algarve has the highest concentration of courses, but Lisbon, Madeira and Northern Portugal offer excellent alternatives.

Can you play golf in Portugal all year round?

Yes. Thanks to the climate, golf is playable throughout most of the year.

Are there golf courses suitable for beginners?

Yes. Several courses and academies cater specifically to beginners, with accessible layouts and good training facilities.

Conclusion

Golf courses in Portugal offer a rare level of diversity in Europe, both in terms of quality and experience. Whatever your playing level or preferences, you’ll find excellent options to play, train and improve your game.

This page is regularly updated to help you choose where to play golf in Portugal, based on honest analysis, practical information and real criteria.