What makes a golf holiday in Portugal an unforgettable experience? World-renowned golf courses, idyllic weather, and exceptional resorts. Whether you’re elevating your game in the Algarve or exploring the best courses the historic courses of Lisbon, this guide provides everything you need to know to tailor your perfect golfing retreat.
Key Takeaways
Portugal is a premium golfing destination featuring top regions like the Algarve, Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto, which offer a mix of historic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned golf courses.
Luxury golf resorts such as Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Penha Longa Resort, and Amendoeira Golf Resort provide high-end amenities and services to elevate the golfing experience with options for all-inclusive golf packages.
Planning a Portugal golf holiday entails considering the best travel times, taking advantage of early booking deals for better rates, and engaging in various off-the-course activities such as wine tasting and visiting historic sites.
Top Golf Destinations in Portugal
Steeped in golfing history and blessed with a wealth of fantastic golf courses, Portugal boasts some of the best golf holiday destinations in the world. From the sun-drenched Algarve, renowned for its championship courses and luxury golf resorts, to the charming city of Lisbon, with its blend of historic culture and spectacular golfing amenities.
The island paradise of Madeira offers a unique golf holiday destination and experience, combining challenging golf with breathtaking natural beauty. Lastly, the historic city of Porto offers a unique blend of culture and golfing experiences with its fantastic golf courses and rich cultural ambiance.
Algarve
Renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and world-class golf courses, the Algarve region is a golfer’s paradise. Golf was introduced to the Algarve in 1937 with the development of a 9-hole course, and the region has since become home to prestigious championship courses like the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course and the Vale do Lobo Golf Club.
Algarve’s luxurious golf resorts such as Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Quinta do Lago, and Ombria Resort offer golf enthusiasts an opportunity to play on some of the best golf courses in Portugal, amid stunning landscapes and a vibrant atmosphere.
Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, offers a unique blend of city life and golfing opportunities. The city boasts a diverse range of golf amenities, such as:
These golf courses, set against the backdrop of the vibrant city center, offer an exhilarating golfing experience.
The cost of participating in a golf break in Lisbon can range from €57 to €615, depending on the golf course chosen, the number of players, and the inclusion of buggies.
Madeira
Madeira, a picturesque island, boasts a unique golfing experience that sets it apart from other regions in Portugal. With a total of 3 outstanding golf courses, including Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf, and Porto Santo Golfe, golf enthusiasts can experience a challenging game amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
The island’s pristine environment, particularly at Palheiro Golf, allows golfers to appreciate the beauty of:
- maritime pine
- botanical woodlands
- panoramic views of Funchal bay
- the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Porto
Porto, a historic city renowned for its wine, is also a favoured golf destination. The city boasts fantastic golf courses such as:
Porto’s unique golfing experience is complemented by its historic and cultural ambiance, making it an appealing choice for golf enthusiasts.
The city’s golfing history dates back to 1890 when it was established by British residents, solidifying Porto as a lasting hub for the sport in Portugal.
Luxury Golf Resorts in Portugal
For those seeking a touch of opulence on their next golf trip or holiday, Portugal offers a selection of luxury golf resorts. These resorts, including Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Penha Longa Resort, and Amendoeira Golf Resort, are known for their top-notch facilities and services. From exclusive amenities such as dining, 24/7 concierge service, heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, children’s play areas, to historic ruins, majestic accommodations, exclusive event venues, and personalized spa treatments, these resorts elevate the golfing experience to a whole new level.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Located in the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club offers an array of high-end amenities, including:
- Dining
- 24/7 concierge service
- A heated swimming pool
- A gym
- Tennis courts
- A children’s play area
Its golf course is distinguished by its unique design, incorporating strategic fairway cross bunkers and water hazards.
The exceptional quality of the course has earned it various accolades, including being named the best golf club in Portugal in 2016, Best Course in Portugal for 2022, and the Best Golf Course in Portugal in 2020.
Penha Longa Resort
Located in Lisbon, Penha Longa Resort offers a mix of history and golf, with a stunning course and lavish amenities. The resort’s golf course, the Atlantic Championship, provides a variety of experiences in a picturesque hilly setting. It has been the recipient of many awards, including Golf Resort of the Year at the Travel & Hospitality Awards 2017 and securing the 32nd position in Golf World’s 2015 top 100 golf courses in Continental Europe.
The resort also features a significant historical heritage, with a circuit that dates back to 1355.
Amendoeira Golf Resort
Situated in Alcantarilha in the Algarve, Amendoeira Golf Resort provides a tranquil setting with top-quality golf courses. The resort offers three golf courses for enthusiasts: the Faldo Course, O’Connor Jnr. Course, and the unique 9-hole floodlit Academy course.
With luxurious, spacious self-catering apartments and villas equipped with a range of facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi, Amendoeira Golf Resort ensures a pleasant stay for all golfers. Its accessibility, located just a 30-minute drive from Faro airport, adds to its appeal.
All-Inclusive Golf Packages in Portugal
For those seeking a hassle-free golf holiday, Portugal offers all-inclusive golf packages. These packages, available at resorts such as Pestana Vila Sol and NAU São Rafael Suites, offer convenience and value, with services such as pre-booked Green Fees and unlimited golf at select courses. Additionally, these packages can range in cost, with the price being influenced by the selection of the golf course, the number of players, and the inclusion of buggies, ensuring options for a range of budgets.
Pestana Vila Sol
Located in the Algarve, Pestana Vila Sol offers an all-inclusive golf package with a 3, 5, or 7-night stay in a Superior Garden double room, buffet breakfast, and 2, 3, or more pre-booked Green Fees. The resort offers a variety of golf courses, including a 27-hole Vila Sol golf course on the premises, meticulously crafted by Donald Steel.
Golfers also have access to 15 other golf courses situated within a 30-minute drive from the town center of Vilamoura, providing a diverse and comprehensive golfing experience.
NAU São Rafael Suites
NAU São Rafael Suites, located in Albufeira, provides an all-inclusive golf experience with luxurious suites and a variety of golf courses to choose from. The all-inclusive golf package at NAU São Rafael Suites provides unlimited golf at Salgados, Alamos, and Morgado golf courses, complimentary shuttle service to these golf courses, and all-inclusive services at the hotel. Additionally, the resort has received a high rating from previous guests, suggesting a high level of satisfaction among golfers.
Iconic Golf Courses to Play in Portugal
Portugal is also home to some iconic golf courses, each offering a unique golfing experience. Some of the notable golf courses in Portugal include:
Oceanico Old Course in the Algarve, known for its beautiful layout and challenging design
West Cliffs Golf Links in Lisbon, offering a unique golfing experience with stunning coastal views and a challenging layout
Quinta do Lago South in the Algarve, offering a world-class golf experience in a luxurious setting
These top golf courses are a must-visit for any golf enthusiast visiting Portugal.
Oceanico Old Course
Set in the heart of the Algarve, the Oceanico Old Course is a legendary golf course known for its beautiful layout and challenging design. Designed by Frank Pennink, the course was established in 1969 and has since become a European golf landmark.
Its unique design incorporates strategic fairway cross bunkers and water hazards, offering an exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
West Cliffs Golf Links
Located in Lisbon, the West Cliffs Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience with panoramic Atlantic views. Designed by Cynthia Dye ASGCA, the course is set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, incorporating the indigenous coastal surroundings and natural landscapes to create an exceptional 18-hole links course with a par of 72.
The course showcases a unique blend of coastal and parkland holes, distinguished by profound bunkers, undulating greens, and sandy dunes, offering a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
Quinta do Lago South
Quinta do Lago South, located in the Algarve, is a prestigious golf course that offers a world-class golf experience in a luxurious setting. Established in 1974, the course has a rich history and has served as the venue for the Portuguese Open on multiple occasions.
The course offers golfers a challenging game amidst beautiful natural surroundings, making it a must-play course for any golf enthusiast visiting Portugal.
Off-the-Course Activities and Attractions
A golf holiday in Portugal is not just about the golf. The country has a rich cultural heritage, offering a plethora of off-the-course activities and attractions. Some highlights include:
- Wine tasting in the country’s famous vineyards
- Exploring historic sites like castles, monasteries, and ancient cities
- Relaxing on Portugal’s beautiful beaches
There is something for everyone to enjoy during all inclusive golf holiday and holidays in Portugal, making it a perfect destination for a Portugal golf break and a golf holiday.
These activities add variety to your popular golf trip destinations and holidays, ensuring a well-rounded and memorable experience as you play golf during your golf holiday and golf trip.
Wine Tasting
Portugal’s rich wine-making history and diverse wine regions make it a fantastic destination for wine lovers. The country offers numerous opportunities for wine tasting, allowing you to sample local wines, learn about the wine-making process, and even participate in wine tours in regions such as the Douro Valley, Alentejo, and Lisbon.
Combining golf with wine tasting can make your golf holiday in Portugal even more enjoyable and memorable.
Historic Sites
Portugal is home to a wealth of historic sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. Some of the must-visit sites include:
- St George’s Castle
- Pena National Palace
- Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores districts in Lisbon
- Belém
- There’s a lot to explore in Portugal!
These sites provide a nice contrast to the best golf resorts and courses, offering a cultural experience during your golf holiday.
Beach Relaxation
After a day on the golf course, what better way to unwind than on one of Portugal’s beautiful beaches? The country’s coastline is dotted with pristine beaches, offering the perfect setting for relaxation. From the serene Praia do Carvalho in the Algarve to the soothing sandy expanses in Madeira, there’s a beach to suit every preference.
Whether you prefer to soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the sea, or simply enjoy the stunning views, Portugal’s beaches provide the perfect way to unwind after a day of golf.
Tips for Planning Your Portugal Golf Holiday
A well-planned golf holiday to Portugal can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. From booking flights and choosing the best time to visit, to finding early booking deals, there are many aspects to consider when planning your golf holiday.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Portugal golf holiday.
Booking Flights
Booking flights to Portugal is easier than you might think. There are numerous direct flights available from the UK and other European countries, making Portugal easily accessible for a golf holiday. Airlines providing direct flights to Portugal from the UK include:
- Wizz Air UK
- Ryanair
- easyJet
- British Airways
- TAP Portugal
The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes.
The primary airports in Portugal for golfers are Porto Airport and Faro Airport, and you can compare flight prices on reputable websites such as Skyscanner, Momondo, KAYAK, TravelSupermarket, and Expedia.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Portugal for a golf holiday is during the spring and autumn months. These months offer pleasant weather conditions, with temperatures reaching highs of around 22°C. The Algarve region, in particular, experiences mild and enjoyable conditions during autumn, with temperatures ranging between 13°C and 22°C.
Additionally, the shoulder season, which typically falls around February-March and October-November, is the most economical time to book a golf holiday to Portugal.
Early Booking Deals
Taking advantage of early booking deals can help you secure the best prices and availability for your Portugal golf holiday. It is advisable to plan your next golf holidays and travel to Portugal in advance to secure the best available times. Early booking may also provide opportunities for discounts.
For instance, at Dona Filipa Hotel Algarve, you can get a 15% discount with a package including 3 nights, bed and breakfast, and 2 rounds of golf suitable for groups of 2 to 16 people, starting from £385 per person.
Summary
In conclusion, a golf holiday in Portugal is an experience like no other, offering a perfect blend of golf, relaxation, and cultural exploration. From the world-class golf courses and luxury resorts in Algarve, Lisbon, Madeira, and Porto, to the all-inclusive golf packages, and the off-the-course activities like wine tasting, visiting historic sites and beach relaxation, Portugal has something for every golfer. So, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Portugal is the ideal destination for your next golf holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you golf year round in Portugal?
Yes, the weather in Portugal is perfect for playing golf year-round, particularly in the Algarve region.
Is there a golf tournament in Portugal?
Yes, the Portugal Masters is an annual golf tournament in Portugal that has been successful over the past seven years, attracting top European players.
How many golf courses are in Portugal?
There are 75 golf courses in Portugal, with 31 located in the Southern region of Algarve. These include a range of inland championship tests and shorter coastal courses such as Pine Cliffs.
What are the top golf destinations in Portugal?
The top golf destinations in Portugal are the Algarve region, Lisbon, the island of Madeira, and the historic city of Porto, each offering exceptional golf experiences.
What are some of the luxury golf resorts in Portugal?
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Penha Longa Resort, and Amendoeira Golf Resort are some of the luxury golf resorts in Portugal. These resorts offer top-notch facilities and beautiful golf courses.
