best golf courses in Portugal
Portugal is known as home to some of the finest golf courses in the world, together with stunning landscapes and perfect golfing weather. Are you planning to travel to this country for your next golf holiday? Here, we introduce to you the top 10 best golf courses in Portugal, based on our players’ reviews. Add these courses to your bucket list and start planning your next unforgettable golfing adventure.
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort
Royal Óbidos Golf & Spa Resort, located about an hour north of Lisbon, is ranked as the number one golf course in Portugal by our users. The course is designed to honor the surrounding nature as it takes full advantage of the naturally undulating terrain to create a challenging yet beautiful golfing experience.
Adjacent to the golf course, the resort and spa provide luxurious accommodations and top-notch amenities, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing golf getaway in Portugal.
The club facilities receive the highest score from golfers, averaging 4.8 out of 5. Service, course condition, and value for money are also highly rated, each scoring 4.7 out of 5.
West Cliffs Golf Course
West Cliffs Golf Course is one of the best links-style golf courses in Portugal. It stretches along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing you to enjoy your game with the soothing sound of the sea in the background. Many players describe the course as breathtaking but very challenging.
The condition of the course scores an impressive 4.8/5, and the club facilities are also highly rated at 4.7/5. The clubhouse features a restaurant and bar with a stunning panoramic view of the golf course, as well as a well-equipped pro shop offering golf fashion, accessories, and souvenirs. Service and value for money are rated at a solid 4.5/5.
This course layout is considered “a very difficult course if you try long 300m drives on par 4s.” It is unforgiving and you have to play very carefully from the very first stroke to succeed.
Vale Do Lobo – Royal Course
On Portugal’s southern coast lies the Royal Course at Vale do Lobo, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Portugal. Golfers rate both the condition of the course and the club facilities highly, with scores of 4.6/5. This course’s 16th hole is considered Europe’s most photographed golf hole, which requires carry-over cliff edges – a must-see and must-experience for any golfer.
The value for money is well-regarded at 4.5/5, and the service also receives a strong rating of 4.4/5. Playing golf here, you are said to be taken around a whole village. And, be prepared for a hike with a lot of height differences.
Praia D’el Rey Golf & Beach Resort
Praia D’el Rey Golf & Beach Resort is also a true golfing gem of Portugal. It is located on the stunning Atlantic coast with a captivating mix of sand dune beach landscapes, vast pine forests, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Berlengas Islands.
Users consistently rate all aspects of the course highly. The condition of the course and the quality of service both receive a commendable 4.6/5. Club facilities and value for money also score well, with 4.5/5 points.
This resort course not only provides an exceptional golfing experience but also ensures a memorable visit with its beautiful surroundings and top-notch amenities. If you’re seeking a special golf destination in Portugal, Praia D’el Rey Golf & Beach Resort should be at the top of your list.
Amendoeira Golf Resort – Faldo Course
In fifth place is the Faldo Course at Amendoeira Golf Resort, located about 20 minutes from Albufeira in southern Portugal. This course stands out for its excellent club facilities and service, both rated at 4.6/5. It emphasizes strategic play, requiring careful positioning for optimal results.
Most players find good value for money here, scoring it 4.4/5. A useful tip is to look for tee-off times that include a golf cart in the price. The condition of the course is rated 4.3/5.
The course’s layout is highly appreciated. From the tee box, players can typically gain a clear understanding of the upcoming hole. It is also designed with numerous elevation changes, so you are advised to use a golf cart to save energy.
Gramacho Pestana Golf Resort
Situated just a little over half an hour west of Albufeira, the Gramacho Pestana Golf Resort is also one of the must-visit golf courses in Portugal.
Consistently rated across various aspects, the course garners commendable scores from users. Both service and value for money earn 4.3 out of 5 points. It’s an ideal choice for those new to golf, although users caution that it can pose a bit of a challenge while still being accommodating to beginners. Club facilities and course conditions receive equally favorable ratings of 4.2 out of 5 from golfers.
Feedback from players underscores the suitability of the course for beginners and those with less consistent skills. Its picturesque layout, characterized by gentle hills and some tricky holes, also earns praise from players.
Oitavos Dunes Golf Course
Located east of Lisbon near Cascais, Oitavos Dunes presents itself as a prominent links course. Its design harmonizes with its natural environment, encompassing sand dunes and pine trees.
Reviews from players highlight the exceptional course condition, rated at 4.5 out of 5, and excellent value for money, scoring 4.4 out of 5. Given its coastal positioning, players may encounter challenging winds, adding an extra layer of excitement to the game. The clubhouse offers various amenities including a restaurant, bar, and pro shop, earning a commendable user rating of 4.2 out of 5 for its facilities and 4.1 out of 5 for service. Adjacent to the course lies a luxurious hotel boasting additional amenities such as a restaurant and spa.
Reviews praise the course’s difficulty, particularly due to the prevailing winds and dry fairways that facilitate extended ball roll. Putting becomes an additional challenge as the wind can affect ball trajectory, making the game all the more exhilarating for wind enthusiasts.
Salgados Golf Course
Get ready for a thrilling challenge at Salgados Golf Course, situated just a short drive away from Albufeira. Renowned for its formidable difficulty, the 6th hole of this course is hailed as one of the toughest worldwide with a considerable length and abundant water hazards. What will your scorecard reveal after tackling this formidable hole?
Feedback from golfers indicates consistently high ratings across various aspects of the course. Club facilities stand out slightly with a score of 4.3 out of 5. Service, course condition, and value for money all receive commendable ratings of 4.2 out of 5. Being near the sea, the course’s character is significantly influenced by the coastal winds, resulting in a dynamic playing experience that can vary greatly from day to day.
Aroeira Golf Club – Aroeira Pines Classic
Aroeira Golf Club is a serene setting for golf enthusiasts in Portugal. It is located amidst the natural beauty outside Lisbon. The temperate climate creates a year-round golfing landscape with ample opportunities to enjoy the sport. Precision is key when navigating the course as it is surrounded by lush pine forests.
Golfers consistently rate Aroeira Golf Club highly for its value for money, earning it a solid score of 4.3 out of 5. Additionally, the service provided receives commendable marks, also averaging 4.3 out of 5. Families traveling with children can take advantage of the Kids Club, ensuring their little ones are well cared for and entertained while they enjoy their round of golf.
Through golfers’ reviews, the excellent condition of the course and the quality of the club facilities are highlighted, both earning a respectable score of 4.1 out of 5.
Penha Longa Golf Club – Atlantic Championship
Ranked tenth on our list of the best golf courses in Portugal is the Atlantic Championship Course, which notably hosted the Portuguese Open in 1992. Nestled alongside the Penha Longa Resort, renowned for its spa and hotel amenities, the course offers enticing package deals for those seeking a blend of golf, spa indulgence, and overnight accommodations. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, the course boasts scenic views and even features historical ruins scattered along its fairways.
The service of this course receives commendable scores, averaging 4.3 out of 5, while value for money is rated at 4.1 out of 5 by our users. Although its condition garners a slightly lower rating of 3.8 out of 5, it remains a must-visit destination for those craving an unforgettable golfing experience.
Portugal is currently home to about 75 golf courses and many of them are built to international standards. Above is the list of the top 10 best golf courses in Portugal that are worth playing, whether you go on a summer or winter golf holiday. If you are planning a golf holiday in Portugal, remember to add these courses to your bucket list. Or, if you have ever played there, don’t hesitate to share your experience by commenting on the box below.
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