If you’re looking for the best public golf courses in Portugal, you’ve come to the right place.
Portugal is a paradise for golfers, offering a rich array of public golf courses that cater to all skill levels. From the sun-soaked Algarve to the picturesque Lisbon coast and beyond, the country’s courses boast stunning landscapes, challenging layouts, and world-class facilities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, these public courses provide a golfing experience that’s hard to match.
This article will guide you through the 15 best public golf courses in Portugal, highlighting what makes each one unique and why they deserve a spot on your must-play list.
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Monte Rei, Algarve
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Located in the eastern Algarve, Monte Rei is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that epitomizes luxury and excellence. The course is known for its immaculate condition, stunning scenery, and challenging design. Each hole presents a unique challenge, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards that demand precision and skill. The service at Monte Rei is second to none, ensuring that every golfer feels like a VIP.
West Cliffs, Óbidos
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West Cliffs is a relatively new addition to Portugal’s golfing landscape, but it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best. Designed by Cynthia Dye, this course seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings of rolling sand dunes and native vegetation. The back-9 offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it as visually stunning as it is challenging.
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Quinta do Lago (South), Algarve
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A staple of the Algarve golfing scene, Quinta do Lago’s South Course has recently undergone a multi-million-euro renovation, enhancing its classic charm. The course winds through the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park, with undulating fairways and well-protected greens that test golfers’ accuracy and strategy. Signature holes, like the par-3 15th over a lake, provide memorable challenges.
Troia, Setúbal
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Troia Golf is set on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, offering a unique and scenic golfing experience. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., this course is known for its narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and small greens. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the challenging layout, makes Troia a favorite among serious golfers.
Oitavos Dunes, Cascais
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Oitavos Dunes is a stunning links course located near Lisbon, offering a unique blend of woodland and coastal holes. Designed by Arthur Hills, the course takes full advantage of its natural setting, with rolling dunes, pine forests, and ocean views. It’s a challenging course that requires thoughtful shot-making, especially on its signature par-3s.
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San Lorenzo, Algarve
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San Lorenzo is a picturesque course that sits alongside the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Known for its beautiful landscape and challenging play, the course features water hazards on several holes and stunning views of the Atlantic. The par-3 5th hole, which plays directly along the coastline, is particularly memorable.
Vilamoura Dom Pedro Old Course, Algarve
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One of the oldest courses in the Algarve, the Vilamoura Dom Pedro Old Course is renowned for its beautiful setting among umbrella pines. The course demands accuracy, as wayward shots are often punished by the trees. Its classic design and well-maintained fairways and greens make it a favorite among golfers.
Palmares, Lagos
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Located in the western Algarve, Palmares offers 27 holes of diverse and intriguing golf. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course combines links and parkland styles, with some holes offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The variety of layouts and the quality of the course make Palmares a standout choice.
Penha Longa (Atlantic Course), Sintra
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Set within the Sintra Natural Park, Penha Longa’s Atlantic Course is both beautiful and challenging. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course features dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The historical setting, including a 14th-century monastery, adds to its charm.
Praia D’El Rey, Óbidos
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Praia D’El Rey is a coastal gem located north of Lisbon. The course features a mix of links and parkland holes, with several offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The wind can be a significant factor here, adding to the challenge. The par-4 14th hole, which runs along the cliffs, is particularly memorable.
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Royal Obidos, Óbidos
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Designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Royal Obidos is known for its wide fairways and large, undulating greens. The course features numerous water hazards and strategic bunkers, requiring thoughtful play. Its location near the Atlantic Ocean provides stunning views and a refreshing breeze.
Quinta do Lago (North), Algarve
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Quinta do Lago’s North Course has recently been upgraded and now stands as one of the top courses in the Algarve. The course features wide fairways and large greens, but also numerous water hazards and bunkers that test golfers’ precision. The back-9, in particular, offers a series of challenging and visually appealing holes.
Amendoeira (Faldo), Algarve
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Designed by Nick Faldo, the Amendoeira Faldo Course offers a unique golfing experience with its desert-style layout. The course features rocky outcrops, ancient olive trees, and cacti, creating a striking landscape. It’s a challenging course that requires strategic play and precise shot-making.
Vidago Palace, Vidago
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Vidago Palace is not only a luxury hotel but also home to one of Portugal’s best golf courses. The course, renovated in 2010, features a mix of valley and hillside holes, with dramatic elevation changes and beautiful scenery. The back-9, in particular, offers a series of challenging and memorable holes.