Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, isn’t just renowned for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes; it’s also a paradise for golf golfers. 

Each year the city is becoming more and more popular as a one of the best golf trip destinations. 

And it’s easy to see why. Nestled in and around this historic city are some of Portugal’s finest golf courses, each offering a unique blend of challenging gameplay and stunning scenery. 

From the rugged coastal links to courses bordered by fragrant pine forests, golf in Lisbon is as diverse as it is exhilarating.

The best golf courses in Lisbon

Below are the courses that we think are the best golf courses in and around Lisbon. All courses can be easily reached within an hour of the city centre.

1. Praia Del Rey Golf Course

Praia Del Rey Golf Course is celebrated as one of Europe’s most stunning golf courses. 

Designed by the famous American golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, it opened on June 14, 1997. The course is known for its challenging layout, set among pine forests and dunes, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the Berlengas Islands. 

The 18-hole course is a blend of seaside links and parkland holes, offering a unique experience with a par of 73. 

2. West Cliffs Golf Course

West Cliffs Golf Course offers a world-class experience, having been recognized as the World’s Best New Course in 2017. Since opening it consistently ranks as one of Portugal’s top courses!

Designed by Cynthia Dye of the Dye Designs Group, this course presents a unique 18-hole seaside links golf course along the Silver Coast. 

The layout, set among rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation, captivates with its natural beauty and challenging terrain. 

3. Royal Obidos Golf Course

The Royal Obidos Golf Course, with its design by the world golf legend Severiano Ballesteros. It is a masterpiece that complements the high standards of the Royal Obidos Spa & Golf Resort. 

Spanning over 6,400 metres (7,000 yards), this course is integrated seamlessly with its natural surroundings, taking advantage of the terrain’s undulations to attract golfers of all handicaps. 

The course reflects Ballesteros’ artistry in golf course design, offering a “wonderful place” for golfers. 

4. Bon Sucesso Golf Course

Bon Sucesso Golf Course is a remarkable creation by the prestigious golf architect Donald Steel. 

Located in Óbidos, just an hour from Lisbon, this 18-hole championship course is a marvel of design which opened in September 2008. 

It stretches over 60 hectares, surrounded by the Óbidos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and a unique golfing experience. The course is adorned with Mediterranean vegetation, exotic species, and hundreds of secular olive trees, camellias, azaleas, and magnolias, adding a unique charm. 

5. Estoril Golf Course

Nestled among eucalyptus, mimosas, and pine trees, Estoril Golf Course presents a 5200-metre (5,700 yards), 18-hole course designed by Mackenzie Ross. 

Located just 25 minutes from Lisbon towards the coast, it’s a great option for those who are staying in the centre of the city. 

One of the more mature courses in the area, it’s not the longest, but that doesn’t mean it’s not as good. Back it’s heyday, the club was known for hosting the Portuguese Open and the Portuguese International Championship Amateur for over two decades. 

6. Oitavos Dunes Golf Course

Oitavos Dunes Golf Course in Cascais is a masterpiece of golf course design, offering an unforgettable experience. 

Each hole provides a unique challenge, from the broad landing areas framed by umbrella pines and sandy understory to greens set in natural bowls of native sand dunes. 

The course layout beautifully integrates with the landscape, offering views of the Sintra mountains and the Atlantic ocean. The diverse and challenging terrain, combined with the natural beauty and strategic design, makes Oitavos Dunes a must-visit for all golfers in Lisbon.

7. Penha Longa Golf Course

Set amidst the breathtaking scenery of Sintra’s hills, the Penha Longa Golf Course is a testament to golfing luxury. 

Ranked among the top 30 courses in Continental Europe and the top 10 in Portugal, this 27-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., combines bold drives, courageous approaches, and artful greens. 

Offering two circuits – the Atlantic Championship and the Monastery – it provides distinct experiences against the backdrop of Sintra’s inspiring landscapes. 

8. Troia Golf Course

Troia Golf Course, designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Senior, is an 18-hole, par 72 course that stretches 6,317 metres (6,900 yards). 

Located between the Sado Estuary and Arrábida Mountain, it stretches along the beach offering mesmerising views of the sea. 

Troia Golf has been recognized globally for its exceptional design, including accolades from Rolex and a top rating from Golf World magazine. 

Notably, hole 3, a par 4 with a stunning sea view, was chosen by Trent Jones Senior as one of his best designs!

9. Comporta Dunes Golf Course

Comporta Dunes Golf Course, located in the heart of Comporta near the Alentejo coast, presents a serene golfing experience surrounded by unspoiled nature. 

The course, designed by David McLay-Kidd, features 18 holes across 38.4 hectares. It offers a true links golf experience, unique in Portugal and southern Europe.

Renowned for being one of Europe’s Best New Golf Courses, Comporta Dunes is already a top-rated course in Continental Europe. 

Summary of the Golfing Experience in Lisbon

Golfing in Lisbon presents an array of experiences, thanks to the variety and quality of its courses. 

These courses, designed by some of the world’s best golf architects like Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and Donald Steel. 

Offering a range of challenges and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains, it’s easy to see why this destination is gaining more and more traction each year! Furthermore, the mild climate of the region allows for year-round golfing, making Lisbon an ideal golf destination.

Below we’ll leave you with a reminder of our top recommendations in the area.

• Prai del Rey 
• West Cliffs
• Royal Obidos
• Bon Successo
• Estoril
• Oitavos Dunes 
• Penha Longa 
• Trioa 
• Comporta Dunas