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.
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.
Top 15 Best Golf Courses in Portugal
This curated ranking of the 15 best golf courses in Portugal is based on three objective, publicly verifiable criteria: international reputation (regular placement in European course rankings), signature architecture (designs by world-recognised architects), and competitive history (hosting of European Tour events or significant national championships).
The order reflects the recognition broadly attributed by the international golf community. Each course links to its detailed profile in our database.
1. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (Algarve)
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2007, Monte Rei is consistently ranked as Portugal’s number one course and a regular feature in European Top 100 lists. Located in the eastern Algarve, around 50 minutes from Faro Airport, it combines exclusivity, impeccable maintenance and a course of high technical demand.
2. Quinta do Lago South (Algarve)
Quinta do Lago South is one of the Algarve’s most established championship venues, with a long history of hosting Portuguese Open editions on the European Tour. The course remains a benchmark among high-end resort golf and sits within one of Portugal’s most exclusive holiday destinations.
➡️ Read our Quinta do Lago South review.
3. Oitavos Dunes (Cascais)
Designed by Arthur Hills in 2001, Oitavos Dunes in Cascais is one of the very few Portuguese courses to feature regularly in Golf World’s European Top 100. The links-inspired layout along the Atlantic coast, with dunes and pine groves, offers a rare playing experience just 30 minutes from Lisbon airport.
➡️ Read our Oitavos Dunes review.
4. Penha Longa Atlantic (Sintra)
The Penha Longa Atlantic Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., hosted the Estoril Open de Portugal on the European Tour for several years. Set within a luxury resort in the hills near Sintra, it delivers a demanding test in a unique scenic setting just outside Lisbon.
➡️ Read our Penha Longa review.
5. Vilamoura Old Course / Dom Pedro Old (Algarve)
Designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1969, the Vilamoura Old Course is one of the Algarve’s most iconic layouts. Its classic parkland style, set amongst mature pine trees, remains one of the historical reference points of Portuguese golf and a favourite of returning British golfers.
➡️ Read our Vilamoura Old Course review.
6. Vale do Lobo Royal Course (Algarve)
The Royal Course at Vale do Lobo is known for its signature par-3 16th hole, played across Atlantic cliff tops — one of the most photographed holes in Portugal. The course is a regular feature in lists of the Algarve’s finest venues.
➡️ Read our Vale do Lobo Royal review.
7. Praia D’El Rey (Óbidos)
Designed by Cabell Robinson, Praia D’El Rey alternates between pine forest and clifftop ocean holes, a layout frequently mentioned in European rankings of coastal courses. Located on the Silver Coast, it serves as an occasional venue for national professional events.
➡️ Read our Praia D’El Rey review.
8. West Cliffs Golf (Óbidos)
Opened in 2017 and designed by Cynthia Dye (Dye Designs), West Cliffs stands out for its dramatic Atlantic dunes and modern course architecture. It has been widely recognised as one of the most striking new openings in European golf of the last decade.
➡️ Read our West Cliffs review.
9. Penina Championship (Portimão)
Designed by Sir Henry Cotton and opened in 1966, the Penina Championship Course was the first 18-hole course in the Algarve and southern Portugal. It hosted multiple editions of the Portuguese Open over the decades and remains a historical landmark of British-influenced course design in Portugal.
➡️ See Penina on PortugalGolfe.
10. Palmares Ocean Golf (Lagos)
Redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 2011, Palmares offers 27 holes with Atlantic views and several holes hugging the coastline. Widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the western Algarve and a flagship of the Lagos golf scene.
11. Pine Cliffs Golf (Algarve)
Designed by Martin Hawtree, Pine Cliffs is a boutique 9-hole course with several holes set above the red cliffs of Praia da Falésia (Albufeira) — one of the Algarve’s iconic landscapes and a regular fixture in postcards.
➡️ Read our Pine Cliffs review.
12. The Els Club Vilamoura (Algarve)
Designed by Ernie Els (four-time major champion), The Els Club Vilamoura offers a modern, challenging layout integrated into the famous Vilamoura golf hub.
➡️ Read our The Els Club review.
13. Vale do Lobo Ocean Course (Algarve)
The Ocean Course at Vale do Lobo is the older of the resort’s two layouts, with several holes running close to the Atlantic. It is marked by strong scenic value and iconic holes along the cliff edge.
➡️ Read our Vale do Lobo Ocean review.
14. Palheiro Golf (Madeira)
Designed by Cabell Robinson, Palheiro delivers a uniquely Madeiran golf experience: mountain layouts with spectacular Atlantic views in a subtropical setting rare in Europe.
➡️ Read our Palheiro Golf review.
15. Vidago Palace Golf (North Portugal)
Opened in 1936 and designed by Philip Mackenzie Ross (architect of Scotland’s renowned Turnberry), Vidago Palace Golf is one of Portugal’s most historic courses. Restored and integrated into the heritage Vidago Palace Hotel in the north, it combines tradition and elegance.
➡️ Read our Vidago Palace review.
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.