The Best of the Lisbon Golf Coast

Championship golf, Atlantic Ocean views, historic towns, golden beaches and one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities — the Lisbon Golf Coast has everything required for a memorable golf holiday.

Stretching from the dramatic coastline north of Lisbon to the courses and resorts south of the River Tagus, the region offers an impressive variety of golfing experiences. You can take on spectacular coastal layouts, play peaceful courses surrounded by pine and cork forests, stay at luxurious golf resorts or base yourself in a lively seaside town.

Add excellent food, welcoming hospitality and plenty to experience away from the fairways, and it is easy to understand why Lisbon has become one of Portugal’s leading golf destinations.

Whether you are planning your first golf holiday to Lisbon or returning to explore more of the region, this guide will help you make the right choices with confidence. Here is what you will gain from reading.

One of Lisbon’s greatest strengths is its variety. The region is not centred around one resort or small cluster of courses. Instead, golfers can choose from several distinctive areas, each offering a different style of holiday.

To the north, the Oeste and Silver Coast are home to dramatic layouts including Praia d’El Rey, West Cliffs, Royal Óbidos and Guardian Bom Sucesso.

Further south, Cascais and Estoril combine excellent golf with stylish hotels, beaches, restaurants and lively evenings. Across the River Tagus, the courses around Aroeira, Quinta do Peru, Sesimbra, Setúbal and Tróia provide another strong collection of golfing experiences.

The destination works equally well for a short golf break, a longer multi-course holiday, a group trip or a golf-and-city escape for couples.

Lisbon itself adds another dimension to the holiday. Portugal’s capital is filled with historic neighbourhoods, colourful streets, traditional trams, independent restaurants, rooftop bars and impressive architecture.

Visitors can explore famous landmarks such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, walk through the winding streets of Alfama or enjoy panoramic views from São Jorge Castle. Traditional Fado music, excellent seafood and the city’s lively atmosphere make Lisbon well worth exploring before or after a round.

Understanding the different parts of the Lisbon Golf Coast can make choosing your hotel and golf itinerary much easier.

Located north of Lisbon, the Oeste region is known for its rugged Atlantic coastline, rolling countryside and exceptional collection of golf courses.

This is one of the strongest choices for golfers who want to stay in a peaceful resort and play several outstanding courses without travelling long distances each day. In this area, you will find: Praia d’El Rey Golf Course, West Cliffs Golf Links, Royal Óbidos Golf Course, Guardian Bom Sucesso and Campo Real Golf Course.

The coastline west of Lisbon is one of the most established golf holiday areas in the region.

Cascais and Estoril are particularly appealing to golfers who want plenty of restaurants, bars, beaches and local attractions within easy reach of their hotel. The nearby courses offer everything from traditional parkland golf to exposed coastal layouts.

In this area you will find Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha Golf Course, Penha Longa Atlantic Championship Course, Golf do Estoril, Lisbon Sports Club and Belas Clube de Campo.

Crossing south of the River Tagus opens up another excellent collection of golf courses.

This area is ideal for golfers who want convenient access to Lisbon while staying closer to quieter beaches, pine forests and traditional coastal towns. In this area you will find PGA Aroeira No.1 and No.2, Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club, Tróia Golf, Montado Golf Course, Ribagolfe Lakes and Ribagolfe Oaks.

Accommodation across the Lisbon Golf Coast ranges from beachfront hotels and luxury golf resorts to modern self-catering apartments and centrally located town hotels.

The right choice will depend on whether golf, nightlife, sightseeing, relaxation or convenience sits at the top of your holiday wish list.

In the North of Lisbon, you will find Praia d’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, The Village at Praia d’El Rey, Guardian Bom Sucesso Resort, Dolce Campo Real Lisboa.

Onyria Quinta da Marinha Hotel, The Oitavos Hotel, Penha Longa Resort, Palácio Estoril Hotel, Vila Galé Cascais and Vila Galé Estoril.

Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon, Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel, Tróia Design Hotel, Montado Hotel & Golf Resort.

A Lisbon golf holiday does not need to end after the final putt. Spend a day discovering the capital’s historic districts, viewpoints, restaurants and riverside attractions. The traditional trams are an enjoyable way to travel through the city, although exploring on foot often reveals the best cafés, shops and hidden streets.

In the evening, enjoy Portuguese cuisine, visit a rooftop bar or experience live Fado music in one of the city’s traditional neighbourhoods.

Cascais is known for its marina, beaches, restaurants and relaxed atmosphere. Estoril offers a more sophisticated setting, with its famous casino, fine-dining venues and attractive seafront.

Both towns provide an excellent base for golfers who want something to do every evening without travelling into central Lisbon.

Sintra is one of the region’s most memorable day trips. Its colourful palaces, historic estates, wooded hills and unique architecture feel worlds away from the nearby coastline. It can easily be combined with a stay in Cascais, Estoril or Penha Longa.

The medieval town of Óbidos is conveniently positioned near the Silver Coast golf courses. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and historic walls make it a worthwhile stop between rounds or on a rest day.

The Lisbon coastline offers a wide choice of sandy beaches.

Costa da Caparica is particularly convenient for golfers staying south of the city, while Cascais, Estoril, Sesimbra, Tróia and the Silver Coast all provide opportunities to relax beside the Atlantic.

Fresh seafood is one of the highlights of the region, particularly in coastal towns such as Cascais, Sesimbra and Setúbal. Traditional restaurants, family-run eateries and contemporary dining venues can be found throughout the Lisbon Golf Coast. Whether it is grilled fish by the sea, petiscos in the city or a well-earned drink in the clubhouse, the food is a memorable part of the experience.

Choose the Silver Coast for easy access to Praia d’El Rey, West Cliffs, Royal Óbidos and Guardian Bom Sucesso.

Stay in Cascais or Estoril for excellent restaurants, bars and beaches alongside access to Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha, Estoril Golf Club and Penha Longa.

PGA Aroeira is a practical choice, with two courses in one location and a selection of accommodation nearby. Bom Sucesso and Praia d’El Rey also offer spacious villas and apartments that work well for larger parties.

Penha Longa, Praia d’El Rey Marriott and the hotels around Cascais offer an appealing balance of golf, luxury, dining, beaches and sightseeing.

Montado, Campo Real and accommodation around Caparica can provide excellent-value packages without compromising on the quality of the golf.

Ribagolfe, Tróia and the countryside around Campo Real provide peaceful surroundings and a more relaxed pace away from the busiest tourist areas.

With so many different courses, resorts and coastal towns to choose from, the Lisbon Golf Coast can be shaped around almost any type of golf holiday.

You might stay beside the Atlantic and play the leading courses of the Silver Coast, combine golf with the restaurants and nightlife of Cascais, explore the pine-lined courses south of Lisbon or create a multi-centre itinerary covering several parts of the region.

Our experienced Golf Escapes team can recommend the right courses, accommodation and travel arrangements for your group, taking care of the details so you can concentrate on the important part — enjoying the golf.

Speak to one of our golf travel experts by either calling us on 01342 811777 or by requesting a call back to start planning your bespoke Lisbon Golf Coast holiday.