Home

Best Golf Courses in Portugal

from the Experts in Golf Holidays

✍️ Ian Purvis | ⏰ 7 min read

Best Golf Courses in Portugal

Golf in Portugal

Having risen to the top of the ranks as one of Europe's premier golfing destinations, Portugal now has a total of 75 golf courses with 31 of them in the Algarve.

Boasting a vast array of picturesque courses skirting the stunning coastline, the Algarve still remains the country's golfing hotspot with the Nicklaus designed Monte Rei Resort being at the forefront of this. The emerging stars of the country are the fantastic courses surrounding the capital, Lisbon.

Combining sun, sea and pristine fairways Portugal is tailored to provide for every golfers needs, making it an ideal location for your summer or winter golfing getaway.

Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in Portugal or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in Portugal >>

MONTE REI 13th HOLE

Trending Portugal Golf Course Deals

Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course)

<p>Arguably Portugal's most renowned golfing estate, there aren't many better places to stay and play than Vale Do Lobo. The Royal Course boasts some of the most dramatic holes in the Algarve culminating with the par 3, 16th which quite literally leaves you on a cliff hanger.</p> <p>Designed by the great Sir Henry Cotton and revamped by Rocky Roquemore, the stunning golf course will not leave you disappointed and is a must play for anyone heading to the Algarve.</p> <p><a href="/vale-do-lobo">More info on Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course) &gt;&gt;</a></p> <table><thead> <tr> <th>Vale Do Lobo (Royal Course) facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead><tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Location</strong></td> <td>Vale do Lobo, Central Algrave</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Length</strong></td> <td>6,626 yards</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Par</strong></td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Designed by</strong></td> <td>Sir Henry Cotton, R. Roquemore</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Established</strong></td> <td>1997</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote> <p><em>"The 16th on the Royal Course is an obvious favourite, just don't miss left! It can get windy there so good to practice your knockdown shots before you play here."</em><br> <strong>Alex (European Team: Handicap 11)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Call <strong><a href="tel:+448000436644">0800 043 6644</a></strong> to speak to Alex about playing this course.</p>

Monte Rei (North Course)

<p>Bursting onto the Algarve's golfing scene in 2007, the North Course at the magnificent Monte Rei Resort is designed by 18 time major champion Jack Nicklaus. Employing every bit of his golfing knowledge, Nicklaus has sympathetically merged incredible course design with the region's stunning natural landscape.</p> <p>The course winds its way through the dramatic valleys creating multiple mini amphitheatres which add to the sense of drama with any drive or approach shot.</p> <p><a href="/monte-rei-resort">More info on Monte Rei (North Course) &gt;&gt;</a></p> <table><thead> <tr> <th>Monte Rei (North Course) facts</th> <th></th> </tr> </thead><tbody> <tr> <td><strong>Location</strong></td> <td>Vila Nova de Cacela, East Algarve, Portugal</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Length</strong></td> <td>7,182 yards</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Par</strong></td> <td>72</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Designed by</strong></td> <td><a href="/golf-architects/jack-nicklaus-golf-courses">Jack Nicklaus</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Established</strong></td> <td>2007</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Where to stay</strong></td> <td><a href="/monte-rei-resort">Monte Rei Resort</a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <blockquote> <p><em>"Each hole is very individual with it rare to see any of the other holes while playing. It is the 1st golf course we book when we visit The Algarve each year, it gets better and better each time we play it."</em><br> <strong>Oliver (Marketing: Handicap 1)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Call <strong><a href="tel:+448000436644">0800 043 6644</a></strong> to speak to Oliver about playing this course.</p>

Frequently asked questions about Golf in Portugal

How many golf courses are there in Portugal?

There are 75 golf courses in Portugal with the Southern region of Algarve home to 31. These range from inland championship tests such as that of the Jack Nicklaus designed Monte Rei to shorter 9 hole coastal golf courses such as Pine Cliffs on the West Coast of The Algarve. Golfers heading to Porto can enjoy some of Portugal's oldest golf courses including Oporto Golf Club which is the country's oldest. Lisbon is home to some stunning courses with views across Atlantic coastline including West Cliffs and Praia D'El Rey.

Where can I play golf in Portugal?

Golf is most popular in and around Lisbon, Porto and The Algarve. The Algarve is the most popular for golf holidays with both beginners and experienced golfers heading to these courses which meander through the countryside of established umbrella pines. Beginners can enjoy resorts such as Penina which offer tuition, a dedicated golf academy and 2 9-hole golf courses which are great to learn to brush up on your golf skills.

Is golf expensive in Portugal?

Portugal is very similar to mainland Europe in terms of cost with green fees ranging from £30 to £250 per person per round. There are many packages available which can reduce the cost significantly with some hotels, such as Penina, often including complimentary rounds of golf with your stay. The best value green fees can be enjoyed in the winter months with specials also offered for early-bird (before 8am) and twilight (typically after 3pm).

More About Ian

Handicap: 1
Favourite Course: Valderrama
My 'Expert' areas: Portugal, Spain, France & Turkey
Best trip I've done: Valderrama, Finca Cortesin & Real Club de Sotogrande
Where my next trip is to: La Manga

Give Ian a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.

Your golf travel, your way.

Organise trips and earn rewards from our app.

Download YourGolfTravel

Scan the QR Code
to download