Portugal is comfortably one of the best golf holiday destinations on the planet and it's not hard to see why. Sun-drenched fairways, world-class resort accommodation and courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Robert Trent Jones Jnr make it a must-visit for every golfer.
The Algarve remains the headline act, home to iconic venues like Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Monte Rei that consistently rank among Europe's finest. Head further north to the Lisbon coast and you'll find hidden gems set against dramatic cliffs and historic hillsides that offer a completely different challenge.
Whether you're after a long weekend with your regular four-ball or a week-long stay with unlimited golf, Portugal delivers. Here are the best golf resorts in Portugal to help you plan your next trip.
• Premier Destinations: The Algarve and Lisbon regions are the primary hubs for Portugal's world-class golf infrastructure.
• Top-Ranked Courses: Monte Rei is currently ranked as the #1 course in Portugal, featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature design.
• Diverse Accommodations: Options range from ultra-luxury 5-star hotels like the Conrad Algarve to group-friendly self-catering villas at Pestana Carvoeiro.
• Championship Pedigree: Many featured resorts, including Penina and Vale do Lobo, are frequent hosts of European Tour events.
Amendoeira Golf Resort Albufeira
Praia D'El Rey Resort Lisbon
Quinta do Lago, in the Algarve region of Portugal, is one of the world's great golf resorts and has had this reputation since it opened. Awarded "Europe's Best Golf Destination" at the World Golf Awards as well as Golf Digest "Best International Resort", it's safe to say this is as good as it gets.
The three championship courses each offer something different. The South Course is the flagship and a regular European Tour host, the North provides a stern test through umbrella pines and lakes and the Laranjal weaves through orange groves with water in play on almost every hole. Luxury accommodation options include the Magnolia Hotel and the 5* Conrad Algarve, and the resort continues to invest in both its courses and facilities.
Book a golf holiday to Quina do Lago or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Quinta do Lago
• Multiple Europe's Best Golf Destination winner
• 3 Championship golf courses
• Just 20 mins from Faro airport with luxury accommodation
What our clients think
❝Hard to choose between all three of Quinta do Lagos courses, this was and always will be right up there in top courses.❞
Andrew (visited November)
The Magnolia Hotel Quinta do Lago
Penina Golf Resort has long been one of the most celebrated golf destinations in Portugal and across Europe. With a 5-Star Hotel and multiple world-class courses on-site, it's no surprise the resort is regularly cited among the very best in the country.
The Championship Course stretches to over 6,800 yards and winds through umbrella pines and water features that demand accuracy off the tee. As well as enjoying the breathtaking golf, the resort also boasts five restaurants and two bars, offering a stunning array of cuisines and cocktails to sample.
Book a golf holiday to Penina Golf Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Penina Golf Resort
• Two courses on-site, designed by Henry Cotton
• Host of European Tour events
• Luxury accommodation with 5 restaurants & 2 bars
What our clients think
❝A really relaxing place to stay. It is calm and the staff are amazing! They are so helpful and friendly, they can’t do enough. We love the pool area, dinner in the grill and generally food is really good.❞
Hilary (visited October)
Designed by the legendary golfer and respected course designer Jack Nicklaus, Monte Rei has quickly earned a reputation as one of the best golf courses in Europe. The par-72 layout stretches over 7,100 yards from the tips and winds through the eastern Algarve's unspoilt countryside, with elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers and water hazards creating a memorable test from the 1st tee to the 18th green.
The resort is only a few minutes away from Manta Rota Beach on the Atlantic coast and has wonderful views that look out over lush green pastures, meandering streams, idyllic stone bridges and valleys. It's a must-play for any golfer visiting Portugal.
Book a golf holiday to Monte Rei or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Monte Rei
• Ranked the number one course in Portugal
• Designed by 18-time Major Champion Jack Nicklaus
• Luxury villas and apartments with stunning dining options
What our clients think
❝Excellent well appointed villas which are for couples or families. You have space and luxury to help you rest comfortably between the golf.❞
Vivek (visited July)
Monte Rei Golf Resort Tavira
Set on the spectacular western coast of Portugal, Praia D'el Rey Golf Resort is a breathtaking property with two golf courses ranked amongst Europe's finest. The incredible 5-star Marriott Hotel is the centre of the resort and offers fantastic food and hospitality.
The seaside links at Praia D'El Rey is tremendously exciting to play, with holes weaving through dunes and along the clifftops above the Atlantic. The great variety of the natural landscape keeps you reaching for different clubs all day. The younger West Cliffs, designed by Cynthia Dye, is already being heralded as one of Europe's top tracks, offering a more modern links experience with wide fairways and bold bunkering.
Book a golf holiday to Praia D'El Rey or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Praia D'El Rey
• Designed by famed American golf architect Cabell Robinson
• Two local championship courses
• 5-Star Hotel with superb views of the Atlantic Ocean
What our clients think
❝Exceptional hotel, probably the best we've stayed at in Europe. The room was fabulous, great restaurant, food first class and very personable and efficient staff. A great course with the first nine mostly along the dunes/beach. The rough wasn't so rough you couldn't find your ball, which makes speed of play so much better.❞
Lou (visited July)
Amendoeira Golf Resort is located just 15-minutes from the beautiful beaches of southern Portugal and is home to luxurious 4-star apartments & villas that offer fabulous views to the magnificent Monchique Mountains.
Amendoeira offers distinct championship experiences:
• The O'Connor Jnr. Course: An American-style layout featuring wide fairways and water hazards.
• The Faldo Course: A strategic challenge requiring careful navigation of hundreds of bunkers.
• Academy Course: The region's only floodlit par-3 course, ideal for evening play.
Book a golf holiday to Amendoeira Golf Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Amendoeira Golf Resort
• Two championship layouts ranked among the best in Portugal
• Designs from Nick Faldo and Chrisy O'Connor Jnr
• Luxurious 4-star apartments and villas
What our clients think
❝Great facilities, friendly and responsive staff, would I go back - yes, the golf courses alone would bring me back.❞
Campbell (visited May)
Amendoeira Golf Resort Albufeira
Vale do Lobo sits just 25 minutes from Faro airport with great access to the local beaches and the nightlife of Vilamoura. The luxury accommodation is accompanied by no less than 15 restaurants plus the Royal Spa which provides relaxation and rejuvenation experiences. The resort continues to invest and evolve, cementing its reputation as one of the Algarve's premier golf destinations.
The courses at this coastal resort are some of the best in Europe. Vale do Lobo's Royal Course boasts some spectacular holes, not least of which is the cliff-top 16th hole which has effectively become the face of golf in the Algarve. Many of the holes on the Ocean course run alongside a nature reserve, before winding down to the shoreline, where you can enjoy unparalleled views along the coast.
Book a golf holiday to Vale do Lobo Golf Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Vale do Lobo Golf Resort
• Two fantastic courses set by the ocean
• Has hosted European Tour events
• Self catering units are perfect for groups of golfers
What our clients think
❝Our 4th time we have been and once again everything was excellent. The courses were superb but could you slow the greens down please! We will definitely travel again.❞
Michael (visited April)
Penha Longa is located just 30 minutes from Lisbon with the spectacular backdrop of the Sintra Hills overlooking the resort. The estate is rich in history, with its fourteenth century roots most visible at the landmark monastery, the resort is so luxurious that even the Portuguese Royal family have stayed here.
The Robert Trent Jones Jnr courses offer a great challenge with the Championship Course utilizing the steep, sloping terrain of the surrounding landscape. The combination of the 27-holes provides a wide variety of golfing options alongside fantastic scenery and beautiful lakes.
Book a golf holiday to Penha Longa Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Penha Longa Resort
• Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr
• European Tour host & ranked in Top 30 courses in Portugal
• Spectacular backdrop of the Sintra Hills and forest
What our clients think
❝This is our favorite course and hotel. We will definitely return and stay longer next time. Everything about it being 5 star. The staff were amazing - nothing was to much trouble. I can't rate it highly enough.❞
Elizabeth (visited March)
Penha Longa Resort Cascais
The Vila Sol resort is located just 25 minutes from Faro Airport, offering a stunning beach, championship golf and luxurious accommodation. On-site you will find a number of awesome facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, The Vila Sol SPA and Casa del Forno Italian restaurant.
The resort features three distinct nine-hole loops designed by Donald Steel:
• Prime: Regarded as the most difficult and challenging loop.
• Challenge: Characterized by its undulating greens.
• Prestige: A shorter, narrower loop that demands high accuracy.
Book a golf holiday to Pestana Vila Sol Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Pestana Vila Sol Resort
• European Tour host
• 5* hotel with 27-holes of golf on-site
• Just 10 minutes from Vilamoura Beach & Vilamoura Marina
What our clients think
❝Fantastic stay at this wonderful hotel! Can’t wait to be rebook again for next year.❞
Tom (visited February)
Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Vilamoura
Pestana Carvoeiro has outstanding self-catered accommodation consisting of apartments, townhouses and villas as well as being very close to some of the best beaches in the Algarve, this resort is the perfect place for groups of golfers.
After you check into the resort you will have five championship courses to experience. The two on-resort courses have strong championship pedigree having hosted elite ladies and senior championships on many occasions and will test your golfing ability from tee to green.
Book a golf holiday to Pestana Carvoeiro Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Pestana Carvoeiro Resort
• 2 Championship Courses on-site plus 3 more in the local area
• Stylish apartments and villas, perfect for groups
• Designs from Ron Fream and Nick Price
What our clients think
❝We stayed in one of the villas and it was unreal. Kept clean and tidy great pool and rooms were ample. The staff in the clubhouse were fantastic, friendly and had great banter with us.❞
Allan (visited August)
Pestana Carvoeiro Resort Carvoeiro
Palmares is located just outside the historic town of Lagos, perched above the sands of Meia Beach on Portugal's spectacular southern coast. The boutique accommodation offers incredible views over the golf course and the stunning blue sea, a visual treat that few others can compete with.
The layouts at Palmares are a jewel in the Algarve's golfing crown, featuring a fantastic mix of both links and parkland holes, making all three loops of nine holes well worth playing.
Book a golf holiday to Palmares Golf Resort or Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to one of our golf experts.
Reasons to Visit Palmares Golf Resort
• Boutique accommodation overlooking the courses
• Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr.
• 27-holes of Championship golf
What our clients think
❝Great courses, greens were excellent. We played the Alvor & Lagos loops of 9. The starter was friendly and helpful.❞
Jon (visited March)
Palmares Golf Lagos
Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for golf holidays in Europe. Golfers from across the world head here for top-rated golf courses, beaches and golf resorts. With a choice of layouts from championship courses that have featured on The European / DP World Tour to excellent resort golf courses such as the two nine hole courses at Penina which are perfect for those wanting an easier test or perhaps are new to the game of golf.
Portugal has many luxury golf resorts. These include Oitavos in Lisbon, Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo and Monte Rei in The Algarve. Golfers can expect championship golf matched with luxury amenities to make their stay in Portugal a little more memorable.
Portugal is one of Europe's most established golf destinations. The Algarve alone has more than 30 championship courses within easy reach of Faro Airport, designed by some of the game's biggest names including Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Henry Cotton. Add reliable sunshine for most of the year, luxury resort accommodation and competitive pricing, and it's easy to see why Portugal consistently ranks among golfers' favourite destinations in Europe.
The Algarve is Portugal's most popular golf region. Resorts like Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Penina Golf Resort are all within 30 minutes of Faro Airport and offer championship courses alongside luxury hotels and beach access.
If you want to explore beyond the Algarve, the Lisbon area is worth serious consideration. Penha Longa Resort, set against the Sintra Hills, offers 27 holes designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr and a very different style of golf in a stunning forested setting. The western Silver Coast, home to Praia D'El Rey, is another strong option for golfers who want a links-style challenge with Atlantic views.
Monte Rei Golf Resort is currently ranked the number one course in Portugal. Designed by 18-time Major Champion Jack Nicklaus and set near Manta Rota Beach in the eastern Algarve, the course winds through valleys, over stone bridges and alongside streams before finishing with sweeping Atlantic views.
Quinta do Lago is another course that regularly draws global attention, having been named Europe's Best Golf Destination multiple times at the World Golf Awards. Both are strong choices if you want a marquee round on your Portugal golf holiday.
Portugal is a genuine year-round golf destination. March to May and September to November are widely favoured by visiting golfers. Temperatures sit between 18°C and 25°C, courses are in excellent condition and the summer crowds have either not yet arrived or have thinned out.
Summer golf (June to August) is very popular but temperatures in the Algarve can exceed 35°C, so early tee times are strongly advisable. Winter rounds are also very playable, with mild temperatures across the Algarve rarely dropping below 15°C, making Portugal one of the few European destinations worth visiting in January or February.
Yes. At Your Golf Travel, we offer a wide range of ready-made stay-and-play packages across Portugal, bundling accommodation with pre-booked green fees. Options range from short 2-night breaks with a couple of rounds to week-long holidays with unlimited golf. You can book online or speak to one of our Golf Travel Experts to build a custom itinerary.
Handicap: 1
Favourite Course: Valderrama
My 'Expert' areas: Portugal, Spain, France & Turkey
Best trip I've done: Valderrama, Finca Cortesin & Real Club de Sotogrande
Where my next trip is to: La Manga
Give Ian a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.
European Golf Expert
