Golf in Portugal: The Algarve or Lisbon? A Guide to Portugal’s Best Golf Courses
Portugal has quietly risen to the top. While everyone was looking toward Spain, the Portuguese built world-class courses, perfected their cuisine, and kept prices low.
The result is a golf destination that today rivals its Spanish competitor—and, as many believe, even surpasses it. Verti Golf Tours offers golf trips to Portugal with direct flights, 7 nights, and 4–5 rounds of golf starting at 8,895 DKK.
Why go on a golf trip to Portugal?
The Courses: Portugal has about 90 golf courses. Monte Rei, Oitavos Dunes, and San Lorenzo consistently appear on lists of Europe’s best. Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, and Cabell Robinson have designed courses here.
Climate: The Algarve has over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild winters. You can play golf all year round.
Food: Portuguese cuisine is underrated. Fresh fish, cataplana, pastel de nata, and wines that pair perfectly with it all.
Price: Golf trips to Portugal often cost the same as those to Spain, but the courses and hotels are typically a cut above.
The Algarve or Lisbon: Where Should You Play Golf in Portugal?
| Algarve | Lisbon Region | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Faro | Lisbon |
| Top Courses | Monte Rei, San Lorenzo, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago | Oitavos Dunes, Praia D’El Rey, Royal Óbidos, Penha Longa |
| Atmosphere | Beach, sun, and a pure golf vacation | Golf combined with city life and culture |
| Winter Weather | Mildest and driest | Slightly cooler and windier |
| Starting price (7 nights) | 9,195 DKK | 8,895 DKK |
All prices are per person in a double room, including flights from Denmark with a checked bag, carry-on bag, and golf bag. The lowest prices are typically available during the winter months.
Golf in the Algarve: Portugal’s golf capital
The Algarve is Portugal’s golfing capital, with about 40 courses along the southern coast. The best-known courses are located in the “Golden Triangle” between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago, and Vale do Lobo, 20 minutes from Faro Airport. Further west are Lagos and Portimão, and to the east are Monte Rei and Tavira.
- Boavista Golf & Spa Resort, Lagos – apartments on the course, 4 rounds of golf, and a rental car. Starting at 9,195 DKK.
- Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort, Vilamoura – starting at 9,995 DKK.
- NAU Morgado Golf & Country Club, Portimão – starting at 10,195 DKK
- Dona Filipa Hotel, Vale do Lobo – five-star, 4 rounds at San Lorenzo. Starting at 10,595 DKK.
- Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, Portimão – starting at 10,795 DKK.
- Monte Rei Golf & Country Club – private villa and 4 rounds with a buggy on Portugal’s best course. Starting at 13,895 kr.
Golf near Lisbon: The Big City, the Atlantic Ocean, and Seve Ballesteros
The Lisbon region is the place to go if you want to combine golf with city life. West of the city lies Cascais, home to the Oitavos Dunes and Quinta da Marinha on the Atlantic coast. North of the city lies the Óbidos coast, featuring Praia D’El Rey—designed by Cabell Robinson—and Royal Óbidos, which was Seve Ballesteros’s final design. Here you’ll find our most affordable golf trip to Portugal.
- Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort – five-star, 5 rounds on four different courses. Starting at 8,895 kr.
- Dolce CampoReal – starting at 8,995 DKK.
- Praia D’El Rey Resort – 5 rounds with transportation included. Starting at 9,995 DKK (apartment for 4 people)
- Aroeira Lisbon Hotel – starting at 10,495 DKK
- Quinta da Marinha Resort, Cascais – five-star, next to Oitavos Dunes. Starting at 11,295 DKK.
We also offer golf trips to Madeira and Porto. See all golf trips to Portugal →
Top 5: Portugal’s Best Golf Courses
1. Monte Rei (Algarve)
Jack Nicklaus’ masterpiece in the eastern Algarve, featuring water hazards on 11 holes and views of the mountains. Often voted Portugal’s best course.
2. Oitavos Dunes (Cascais)
A links-inspired coastal course set among the dunes along the Atlantic Ocean. Regularly ranked among Europe’s best courses.
3. San Lorenzo (Algarve)
A classic in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, featuring lagoons and birdlife. You play it from Dona Filipa in Vale do Lobo.
4. Quinta do Lago South (Algarve)
A championship course set among pine trees and lakes. It has hosted the Portuguese Open several times.
5. Vale do Lobo Royal (Algarve)
Known for its famous cliff-side hole, where you tee off over the ochre-colored cliffs toward the Atlantic Ocean.
What do our guests say about golf in Portugal?
“We’ve been going to Spain for 15 years. Portugal was a revelation. Better courses, better food, and we felt more welcome.”
– Jette & Mogens, Slagelse
Practical Information and Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to play golf in Portugal?
March through June and September through November. The Algarve is great for golf all winter long, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 18°C. In the summer, it’s hot, but the sea breeze keeps it pleasant along the coast.
How long is the flight to Portugal?
There are direct flights from Copenhagen to both Faro and Lisbon. The flight time is about 4 hours.
The Algarve or Lisbon—which should I choose?
Choose the Algarve if you want the mildest weather, the most courses in close proximity, and a vacation focused solely on golf and the beach. Choose Lisbon if you want to combine golf with city life and culture.
Do I need a car for a golf trip in Portugal?
It depends on the hotel. Some packages include a rental car, while others include a private transfer to the airport and the golf courses. This information is listed under each hotel.
Is golf cheaper in Portugal than in Spain?
Prices are pretty much the same. However, you often get five-star hotels and top-notch golf courses for the same price as a four-star hotel in Spain.
Is my money safe?
Yes. Verti Golf Tours is a member of the Travel Guarantee Fund (No. 3539), so all package tours are covered.
Book your golf trip to Portugal
Call us at +45 69 166 130 or email us at info@vertigolftours.co.uk.
Want to stay longer than a week? Check out our long stay golf packages.
Verti Golf Tours – Portugal Specialists
