Discover Lisbon: Your Premier Golf Destination
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. In addition to its many attractions, Lisbon and its surrounding areas have also become a top destination for golf enthusiasts. With a mild climate, diverse landscapes, and a selection of high-quality golf courses, Lisbon offers a unique golfing experience that combines the thrill of the sport with the opportunity to explore one of Europe's most captivating cities. Whether you’re an experienced golfer or a beginner, Lisbon provides an unforgettable golf holiday.
1. Why Lisbon is an Ideal Golf Destination
Lisbon is an ideal destination for golfers who want to combine their love of the game with cultural exploration and relaxation. The region’s golf courses are set against stunning backdrops that include rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic coastlines, providing a variety of playing experiences.
Mild, Year-Round Climate: Lisbon enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round golfing. The pleasant weather makes it possible to play comfortably throughout the year, even during the winter months when other European destinations may be less appealing.
Diverse and Scenic Courses: The golf courses in Lisbon and its surrounding areas are known for their diversity and natural beauty. From parkland courses surrounded by pine forests to links-style courses with sweeping ocean views, each course offers a unique blend of challenge and scenery.
Rich Cultural and Leisure Opportunities: Beyond golf, Lisbon offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from exploring historic sites and enjoying local cuisine to experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. The city’s rich history, combined with its modern amenities, provides a comprehensive vacation experience that goes beyond the fairways.
2. Top Golf Courses in Lisbon
Lisbon is home to several outstanding golf courses, each offering a unique blend of challenge and charm. Here are some of the top courses that make Lisbon a premier golfing destination:
Oitavos Dunes (Cascais): Consistently ranked as one of the best golf courses in Europe, Oitavos Dunes is a stunning links-style course located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon. Designed by Arthur Hills, the course features rolling fairways, challenging bunkers, and fast greens, set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. The course’s natural beauty and strategic design provide a memorable golfing experience for players of all levels.
Penha Longa Resort (Sintra): Situated in the hills of Sintra, Penha Longa Resort offers two excellent golf courses—the Atlantic Championship Course and the Monastery Course. The Atlantic Championship Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, elevation changes, and several water hazards. The Monastery Course, a 9-hole course, offers a more relaxed round but still provides a test for golfers. The resort’s stunning setting, combined with its rich history and luxury amenities, makes it a favorite among visitors to Lisbon.
Troia Golf (Setúbal): Located on the Troia Peninsula, about an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Troia Golf is a challenging links course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The course is set amidst sand dunes and pine trees, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra da Arrábida. The narrow fairways, fast greens, and numerous bunkers provide a true test of golf, making it a must-play for serious golfers visiting the region.
Quinta da Marinha Golf Course (Cascais): Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., Quinta da Marinha is a scenic 18-hole course set along the Atlantic coast, near the charming town of Cascais. The course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and several water hazards, providing a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all levels. The course’s location, with views of the ocean and the Sintra Mountains, adds to its appeal.
Belas Clube de Campo (Sintra): Designed by renowned golf course architect Rocky Roquemore, Belas Clube de Campo is a picturesque course set in the hills near Sintra, about 20 minutes from Lisbon. The 18-hole course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, large greens, and several water hazards. The course’s beautiful setting, surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills, provides a serene and enjoyable golfing experience.
3. Luxury Accommodations and Amenities
Lisbon offers a range of luxurious accommodations that provide the perfect base for a golf holiday. From historic city hotels to coastal resorts, Lisbon ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for all visitors.
Penha Longa Resort (Sintra): This 5-star resort offers luxury accommodations with views of the surrounding hills and easy access to the Penha Longa golf courses. The resort features elegant rooms and suites, a world-class spa, multiple dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants, and a variety of leisure facilities, making it an ideal choice for golfers looking to relax in style.
The Oitavos (Cascais): Located within the Oitavos Dunes Golf Course, this luxury hotel offers modern accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra Mountains. The hotel features a spa, a heated outdoor pool, and several dining options, providing a perfect base for a golf getaway.
Palácio Estoril Hotel, Golf & Wellness (Estoril): Situated near the Estoril Golf Course and the beach, this historic hotel offers luxurious accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Estoril coastline. The hotel features a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options, making it an excellent choice for golfers looking to combine golf with relaxation and cultural exploration.
Hotel Cascais Miragem (Cascais): Located in the coastal town of Cascais, just a short drive from several top golf courses, this 5-star hotel offers elegant accommodations with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel features a spa, multiple swimming pools, and a variety of dining options, providing a luxurious base for a golf holiday.
4. Explore Lisbon Beyond the Fairways
While golf is a major attraction, Lisbon offers a wealth of experiences beyond the fairways. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation:
Historical and Cultural Sites: Lisbon is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and São Jorge Castle. Visitors can explore the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. The city’s many museums, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and the National Museum of Ancient Art, house impressive collections of art and artifacts.
Beaches and Watersports: The Lisbon coastline is famous for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. Enjoy a day at popular beaches like Cascais, Estoril, or Carcavelos, where you can relax under the sun, swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or participate in various watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, and sailing.
Dining and Wine Tasting: Lisbon is known for its delicious cuisine and wine, offering a wide range of dining experiences, from traditional Portuguese taverns and seafood restaurants to Michelin-starred establishments. Enjoy fresh seafood, local specialties such as bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts), or explore the city’s many wine bars for a taste of Portuguese wines.
Shopping and Nightlife: Lisbon offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from luxury boutiques and designer stores in Chiado to local markets and artisan shops in Alfama. The city’s vibrant nightlife, with its bars, clubs, and live music venues, provides plenty of options for evening entertainment.
5. Perfect for Golf Groups and Families
Lisbon is an excellent choice for both golf groups and families, offering a wide range of activities and amenities to suit everyone’s interests:
Group-Friendly Courses and Accommodations: Many of Lisbon’s golf courses and hotels cater to groups, offering special packages, events, and services tailored to larger parties. The courses are designed to accommodate golfers of all levels, making them perfect for groups with varying skill sets.
Family Activities: Lisbon is a family-friendly destination, with plenty of activities for children and non-golfing family members. The city’s parks, museums, and attractions provide endless opportunities for fun and education. Many hotels offer family-friendly amenities, including kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and organized activities.
6. Planning Your Golf Trip to Lisbon
Lisbon is easily accessible via Lisbon Portela Airport, which offers regular flights to and from major cities across Europe and beyond. The city is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas and visit nearby attractions.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer looking to play on some of Portugal’s finest courses, a beginner eager to learn in a beautiful setting, or someone looking for a relaxing holiday with a bit of golf on the side, Lisbon has something to offer. With its combination of world-class golf, luxury accommodations, and diverse activities, Lisbon is a premier destination that promises a memorable and fulfilling experience for all.
