The WhatsApp notification came up on my phone: “Got a trip for you, Jamie. How do you fancy playing some of the best golf courses in Portugal?” “Oooh, absolutely. Dates?” “May 26th to 30th.”
“Gaahhh. That’s half-term week. Absolutely no chance I’ll be able to wangle that one. Unless…”
And so it was, I was heading off on a golf trip to Portugal… with a difference: this time with my wife and two daughters in tow. While I was golfing they could relax by the pool, head to the beach, do a bit of shopping, head out for a nice lunch… we had a plan. And, for once, it worked perfectly.
When one thinks of golf in Portugal – or, indeed, a family holiday in Portugal – one invariably thinks of the Algarve. And golf-wise, probably of the courses at Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo. All of which are fantastic, of course. But I love nothing more than venturing off the beaten track, to go to places one wouldn’t immediately associate with the best golf courses in Portugal.
A Perfect Family Golf Holiday
I will be honest, before this wonderful trip, Lisbon wasn’t on my radar as a potential destination for (a) golf, or (b) a beach holiday. Maybe that’s (partly!) down to my ignorance but wow, what a wonderful region.
Just a 20-minute drive from Lisbon Airport is the Costa de Caparica; one long stretch of golden sand on the Atlantic Coast. The beaches are stunning and dotted with beautiful little restaurants nestled amongst the dunes serving the freshest seafood or – when your fussy children turn their noses up at that – your usual spag bol staples. There is also no shortage of surf schools and so my 11-year-old daughter (who caught the surf bug on a family holiday to Cornwall a couple of years ago) had a surfing lesson with a super-friendly, fluent-in-English instructor on our first day there, while my 9-year-old daughter splashed about in the sea, cartwheeled across the sand and lay reading on the beach with my wife.
It was time for me to head off for my first round of the week on PGA Aroeira’s No. 1 course.
Discovering Lisbon’s best golf courses: Aroeira No. 1
I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting to find, but this certainly wasn’t it. The beautifully manicured fairways, framed by towering, majestic pine trees instantly struck me as something closer to home – something in the mould of Wentworth, for example – rather than the image I had in my mind’s eye of golf in Portugal. The No. 1 course is spectacular. Despite the trees, it is forgiving off the tee and the changes in elevation offer lots of beautiful vantage points; playing from elevated tees to an inviting fairway sitting below you; or from the brow of the hill to a green framed by lakes or bunkers.
The word I kept coming back to was ‘playable’. It is exceedingly playable. Demanding at times, with a variety of holes – some of which dogleg to the left, some to the right – a couple of dinky par 3s, and a couple of sterner, more challenging ones. But all in all, just very fun to play. And if you’re playing well (which, fortunately, dear reader, I was!) you can really get a good score going.
After the round, an ice-cold Sagres and a bite of lunch on the terrace outside the modest clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green, is just the ticket. And then it’s back to join the family, who have relocated from the beach to the swimming pool, for a relaxing afternoon.
Day Two means Aroeira No. 2. I’ll be completely honest; I didn’t enjoy this course nearly as much as I enjoyed No. 1. That is not a reflection on the layout but very much down to my, er, limited skillset as a golfer. No 2 is tighter, the trouble if you veer from the fairway more punishing, and the fairway bunkers are perfectly placed. There’s water everywhere and while I thought the course was not quite as visually arresting or as perfectly maintained as No. 1. i found myself asking these questions during my round, but all was made clear afterwards.
PGA Aroeira No. 2 course was being closed the week after our visit to undergo a major renovation. A significant upgrade was completed on No. 1 just last year, and this summer no stone is being left unturned to bring No. 2 up to a similar standard. Quality enhancements will be made to tee boxes, bunkers, fairways and greens – plus general landscaping of the course’s five lakes. Cart paths and bridges are also set to get some much-needed TLC. But the stern challenge originally envisioned by designer Donald Steel will remain. If they’re successful in their aim of bringing No. 2 up to the level of No. 1 (and I have no reason to doubt they will be) then both courses at PGA Aroeira are well worth a visit.
The girls again enjoyed their morning while I’d been golfing. They had pottered around at the pool, gone into Caparica town for a spot of shopping and enjoyed their lunch at a beach bar. But it was time to hit the road and head down to the West Algarve, and Palmares Resort near Lagos.
Palmares one of the best golf Courses in Portugal
The resort is stunning, with breathtaking views of the course below and the sea beyond that from the terrace of its modest hotel (they’ve just broken ground on a larger hotel which will sit neatly tucked underneath the golf clubhouse). Our accommodation is in one of Palmares’ apartments which sit right next to the course. These are very intelligently designed – each is light, spacious and has its own sundeck. You are surrounded by other apartments and yet you feel secluded. There’s a small pool a minute’s walk from our front door, where the kids head to immediately.
For dinner that night we head into Lagos, and have a wander around its charming and bustling old town. There is a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. Every restaurant spills out onto the cobbled street and seems packed. Every corner you turn reveals another quaint little courtyard with beautiful architecture. Dinner is delicious and with stuffed bellies we head back to Palmares after a lovely evening.
The following morning, I head off for my third and final round of golf for the week while the rest of the family head down to the beach. When pressed on the flight home the following day about what her favourite part of the entire trip was – the food? The pool? The beach? Spending quality time with your loved ones?! – my youngest replies “the golf buggy ride down to the beach”. Easily amused and all that…
They have a blast down there while I play two of Palmares’s nine-hole loops. They have three, each with their own character and charm. Our first nine – Praia – begins with a par four which sweeps from just outside the clubhouse down to the seafront and the next seven holes then take you meandering back and forth with the beach, while not visible from the course, never more than a stone’s throw away and always offering a gentle cooling breeze. The course is in impeccable condition and very pretty. Holes which appear gettable on the face of it, have hidden challenges, and severe run-offs around the greens mean accuracy with your approach play is at a premium. Its ninth hole sweeps back up the same hill that you swept down on the 1st. It’s a challenging par 5 which I can happily report provides my only birdie of the day!
So it’s with a skip in my step that I head for our second nine on Alvor. Immediately, it feels very different to Praia. It’s perched on the hillside with, as a result, constant changes in elevation. It’s more challenging but equally more picturesque – the beach, which ironically wasn’t visible whilst playing the holes adjacent to it, is now visible at all times. Meaning even if the wheels come off from a golfing point of view, which after 45 holes in the Portuguese heat in the space of 48 hours up to this stage, they regrettably did for yours truly, you can at least take your mind off that by enjoying the vistas!
Ever the diligent travel writer, I get up at 5.30am the following day to jog the nine holes I haven’t had the chance to play – Lagos. And, whilst huffing and puffing down the fairways, I can tell I would have enjoyed the opportunity to play this too. And hopefully I will, for I certainly intend to come back.
Two joyful Experiences – among Portugal’s Best
Two very different experiences of golf in Portugal; the tree-lined majesty of PGA Aroeira on the outskirts of the nation’s capital, and the more stereotypical seafront beauty of Palmares in the south. I enjoyed them both, and in both places the welcome was incredibly warm. The Portuguese are so proud of what they can offer; their entreaties to come back again are genuine.
And from my perspective, having my wife and two girls alongside me for the trip has been wonderful. While I can pop out for a quick round of golf, they can enjoy the beach, the pool, surfing, shopping, eating or just general mooching about, before we reunite and plot a plan of action for the afternoon. It’s this element – something to keep all the family entertained – which has made our quick trip during the half-term break so much fun. We will absolutely be back, and I know for sure that when we do return, we’ll be welcomed again with open arms.
KEY DETAILS OF JAMIE’S GOLF TRIP
Portugal Golf trip: Accommodation & Location
Costa da Caparica (nr Lisbon)
- Family-friendly beach destination with surf schools, cafes, and beachfront dining
- 20 minutes from Lisbon Airport.
- Ideal for golfers playing PGA Aroeira while travelling with family.
Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (near Lagos, West Algarve)
- Luxury resort with modern apartments beside the course.
- Walking distance to Palmares clubhouse
- Close to Lagos old town with excellent restaurants and charm.
- Located near Lisbon in a pine forest by the sea.
🔗 Website: PalmaresLiving.com
📍 Address: Palmares Golf, Odiáxere, 8600-250 Lagos, Portugal
📞 Phone: +351 282 790 500
Portugal golf Courses Played
PGA Aroeira Golf Resort
Located near Lisbon in a pine forest by the sea.
Aroeira No. 1
Classic tree-lined layout, very playable and scenic. Recent upgrades completed in 2023.
Aroeira No. 2
Tighter, more technical, currently under renovation (as of June 2025). Designed by Donald Steel.
🔗 Website: PGAAroeira
📍 Address: Herdade da Aroeira, 2820-567 Charneca da Caparica, Portugal
📞 Phone: +351 212 979 110
Palmares Golf
27-hole layout (Praia, Alvor, Lagos loops) with views of the Atlantic.
Links-style Praia nine hugs the coastline; Alvor and Lagos offer elevation and variety.
Excellent condition with run-off areas and standout scenery.
🔗 Website: PalmaresLiving.com
📍 Address: Palmares Golf, Odiáxere, 8600-250 Lagos, Portugal
📞 Phone: +351 282 790 500
🌊 Other Activities & Family Fun
Surf Lesson (Costa da Caparica)
Numerous surf schools along the beach.
English-speaking instructors available.
Popular with kids and ideal for beginners.
Lagos Old Town
Cobbled streets, excellent seafood restaurants, and relaxed evening atmosphere.
Great for dinner and a stroll post-round.
Palmares Golf Course Map
PGA Aroeira Scorecard
PGA Aroeira Course Map
Frequently Asked Questions: best golf courses in Portugal (FAQs)
Which are the best golf courses in Portugal?
Portugal is home to many world-class golf courses, but standouts include Palmares Golf in the Algarve and PGA Aroeira near Lisbon. Palmares offers stunning sea views and a mix of links and parkland golf, while Aroeira No. 1 is known for its towering pine trees and playability, just 20 minutes from Lisbon Airport. Both are ideal for golfers looking to combine top-tier golf with family-friendly activities.
Is Lisbon a good destination for golf?
Yes, Lisbon is an underrated golf destination. While most golf travellers think of the Algarve, the Lisbon Coast offers fantastic options like PGA Aroeira, set among beautiful pine forests with two 18-hole courses. It’s also close to beaches, restaurants, and surf schools—making it a great choice for a golf and family holiday in Portugal.
What’s the difference between Aroeira No. 1 and Aroeira No. 2?
Aroeira No. 1 is more scenic and forgiving, with a fun, varied layout and beautifully maintained fairways. It’s perfect for a relaxed yet rewarding round. Aroeira No. 2 is narrower, more technical, and currently undergoing major renovations to bring it up to the same standard. Once complete, it will offer a tougher test for more experienced golfers.
Is Palmares Golf suitable for all handicaps?
Yes. Palmares Golf near Lagos features three nine-hole loops—Praia, Alvor, and Lagos—that offer a mix of challenges and styles. Praia is more links-like, Alvor is hillier with stunning views, and Lagos blends the two. There’s something for every golfer here, from low-handicappers to those seeking scenic, playable golf.
Can I bring my family on a golf holiday to Portugal?
Definitely. Portugal is one of the best countries for a family-friendly golf holiday. Resorts like Aroeira and Palmares are close to beaches, surf schools, shopping, and dining options. While you’re playing golf, your family can enjoy the pool, beach, or nearby towns—making it a win-win for everyone.
When is the best time to play golf in Portugal?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for golf in Portugal. The weather is warm but not too hot, the courses are in great shape, and it’s generally quieter than during peak summer months. That said, Portugal’s mild year-round climate makes it a reliable golfing destination even in winter.
How do I get to the golf courses near Lisbon?
PGA Aroeira is just 20 minutes from Lisbon Airport, making it one of the most accessible golf resorts in Portugal. You can hire a car or arrange a transfer. It’s close to the beaches of Costa da Caparica, so you can easily mix golf with a seaside holiday.
Are there new developments happening at Portuguese golf resorts?
Yes. Many top resorts are upgrading their facilities. At the time of writing, Aroeira No. 2 is undergoing a full renovation, and Palmares is expanding with a new hotel beneath the clubhouse. Portugal continues to invest in its golf tourism infrastructure, which is why it remains one of Europe’s top golf destinations.
