Set on Portugal's stunning Silver Coast, West Cliffs Golf Course weaves through towering dunes and rugged coastal countryside for a modern links-style round with the Atlantic never far from view. Opened in 2017, it quickly earned a reputation as one of the most talked-about new courses in Europe, and once you've stood on the tee with the dunes framing the shot, you'll see why.
Sitting alongside the famed Praia D'El Rey Resort and around an hour north of Lisbon, it's an easy add-on to a Lisbon break or a perfect base for a long weekend on the coast. With ocean vistas on most holes, the routing feels like it was simply laid over the land. It's regularly talked about as one of the best courses in Lisbon, and the setting delivers that proper links feel: firm turf, sea air and plenty of strategic tee shots.
Spreading out across more than 200 hectares, the course offers a proper test without feeling unfair. With a par of 72 matched by a yardage in excess of 7,000 yards from the back tees, West Cliffs enjoys a host of great par-3s, while the finishing par-4 17th and 18th holes rank amongst some of the toughest closing stretches you'll face. The wind can get up, so club selection matters, and the dunes mean you'll want to pick your lines off the tee rather than just grip it and rip it.
Designed by Cynthia Dye, niece of legendary architect Pete Dye, West Cliffs makes the most of the natural dunes and coastal scrub rather than forcing anything into place. Cynthia went on to say about West Cliffs Golf Course, "With the Atlantic visible from every hole, West Cliffs is the most natural golf course site imaginable. One of the most impressive characteristics of the course is just how anchored it is to the native coastal environment." Praise indeed, and no surprise why so many travel here each year.
If you're planning a trip, West Cliffs pairs brilliantly with Praia D'El Rey for a quality 36-hole day, or you can build it into a three to five-night Silver Coast break. We'll sort the tee times, accommodation and transfers so you can focus on the golf.
Who is this for?
Golfers who love a links-style challenge, big dune scenery and sea views, especially if you want a headline course within easy reach of Lisbon.
Who is it best for?
Confident mid to low handicappers and golf groups who enjoy picking lines off the tee. Pair it with Praia D'El Rey for a quality 36-hole day or build it into a three to five-night Silver Coast break.
