Hole in One: 15 Dreamy Golf Courses in Portugal

The author of this project made the most of the natural potential of the place where it is inserted. Course of choice for golf lovers, it has a privileged view of the ocean and the imposing Serra do Caldeirão along most of its 18 holes. The course, PAR 72, is heavily punctuated by lakes and vegetation, surrounded by an environment of peace and tranquillity that guarantees the best playing conditions. Players can also enjoy the high-quality accommodations offered.

The Algarve is undoubtedly an unmissable destination for golfers. Internationally recognized, the Oceânico Old Course promises to leave any player delighted, such is the natural beauty displayed. It offers magnificent views where vigorous pines emerge through carefully manicured grass. The competitive level is demanding and in an 18 holes (PAR 73) classic layout that takes full advantage of the natural terrain conditions.

Neighbouring the Old Course, the Victoria course also boasts stunning conditions and remarkable landscaping, where the 13 hectares of water mirror surface of its lakes stand out. From the beginning, there was a concern to preserve wetlands and indigenous trees, during the course construction. It is an extremely challenging course, PAR 72, and has played host to World Championship stages.

This course is as demanding as it is stunning. Players can enjoy a natural setting of choice in which pine trees blend with freshwater or saltwater lakes. Ria Formosa is present in most of the shots. The club has two nine-hole courses, with the Clubhouse itself marking the centre. The Bermuda grass type offers golfers the perfect playing conditions.

Located in Vale do Lobo, it offers a dream setting with a truly spectacular landscape, where the competitive 18-hole course ends very close to the beach. Pine trees, rolling terrain and a succession of lakes also contribute to the delightful scenery. In the same luxurious complex, there is another course with excellent conditions and equally beautiful views, the Royal course.

Of the three courses of the well-known Quinta do Lago, the most sought after is the South course, inaugurated in 1974 and which has already hosted important competitions. There are 18 holes spread across 6,500 meters of truly enviable natural surroundings, made of stone pines, lakes, and the beautiful Ria Formosa, the biggest star in this luxury “painting”. The course was designed by William Mitchell and features an American layout in the two different areas.

Some consider it one of the most fascinating golf courses in Portugal. Regular presence in speciality publications, it has 18 strategically positioned holes (PAR 72) and extends over more than six kilometres, having as backdrop the beautiful Atlantic Ocean and Arrábida Mountain. Adapted to different handicap levels, the layout was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., who considered its "hole 3" one of the best he ever drew.

The natural setting of this course is absolutely stunning, with its dunes, lakes and pine trees, and the players being able to admire lovely views of the ocean, Cabo da Roca and Serra de Sintra. It bears the title of “Gold Signature Sanctuary”, awarded by Audubon International, for its practices regarding nature and the surrounding area. The 18-hole (PAR 71) layout has demanding playing conditions, with "hole 14" being one of the most difficult of the course, since the wind comes from the north.

Also a regular presence in speciality magazines, it has been elected “Golf Resort of the Year”, mostly because of its wonderful scenery. There, golfers can enjoy a fantastic landscape of 18 holes, where the green blends with large water mirrors and a picture composed of ocean waves fills the background. The layout was designed by the very famous Spanish Severiano Ballesteros, so it is no wonder that the course requires precision and experience. It is part of a resort that includes a five-star hotel.

It is another great representative in central Portugal and some consider it one of the most spectacular golf courses in all of Europe, for its magnificent location among pine trees, dunes and a stunning panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Players who accept this demanding challenge must have a valid certificate and the minimum handicap requirement is 36 for both men and women. The course is 18 holes and was designed by architect Cabell B.Robinson.

Created in 1890 by English Port wine producers, it is one of the oldest golf courses in Europe. Over the years, it has been the target of a number of interventions that have helped to improve the level of play and the competitiveness of the current 18-hole PAR 71 course. "Hole 1" has the peculiarity of being crossed by a road and the railway line. At certain times of the year, the difficulty increases due to the intense and strong winds felt, the typical "nortadas".

In the north of the country there are more equally beautiful and challenging courses for even the most experienced practitioners. Close to the coastal town of Póvoa do Varzim, the Estela Golf Club features 18 holes and two large lakes, with the particularity of it having been built on sand dunes. The view of the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking and the vegetation is also a constant along this course of over six kilometres. The weather is usually favourable, with pleasant summer temperatures.

This is yet another course with excellent conditions and an enviable setting in the north of Portugal. It has nine holes that present various levels of difficulty, plus a golf academy. The holes have the particularity of having the name of different birds, such as woodpecker or swallow. The course is part of a luxury residential complex of over 150 hectares and was designed to take full advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings that the valley offers.

In the heart of Trás-os-Montes is the Vidago Palace, which brings together a luxury hotel and a golf course that promises to dazzle everyone. The 18-hole (PAR 72) course was renovated in 2009, but its natural beauty continues to stand out. Those who choose the Vidago Palace course will not suffer the boredom of monotony, as all holes raise specific difficulties in a course marked by constant contrasts. Please note that there is a strict dress code.

Worthy representative of the islands in this itinerary, it perfectly combines the delicious landscape with a challenging course, also designed by Severiano Ballesteros. Over six kilometres, players find an 18-hole course divided into North and South areas. In the former, the green is perched on a cliff from which you can enjoy the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. In the latter, there is an American-inspired course where the lakes blend with the grass.