Lisbon & Cascais Golf Courses: Complete Guide 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Playing Golf in Lisbon and Cascais

Portugal has earned its reputation as one of Europe's premier golf destinations, and nowhere is this more evident than in the stunning Lisbon and Cascais region. With dramatic Atlantic coastlines, championship-level course design, and year-round playable weather, this corner of Portugal offers an unforgettable golf experience for players of all skill levels.

Whether you're a low-handicap golfer seeking technical challenges or a mid-handicapper looking to enjoy spectacular scenery while working on your game, the golf courses in Lisbon and Cascais deliver world-class conditions and memorable rounds.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about playing golf in Portugal's capital region—from detailed course reviews and strategic tips to practical travel advice and how the Hole19 Golf App can elevate your entire experience.

Let's get you ready for an incredible golf adventure.

Which Golf Courses Should I Play in Lisbon?

What are the best golf courses to play in Lisbon and Cascais?

The top-rated courses include Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa Atlantic Championship Course, Quinta da Marinha, and Praia D'El Rey. These championship layouts offer stunning Atlantic views, strategic challenges, and excellent conditioning year-round. Use the Hole19 GPS app for accurate yardages and course navigation.

Top Golf Courses in Lisbon Region

Oitavos Dunes Golf Course

Oitavos Dunes consistently ranks among Europe's finest golf courses, and for good reason. Designed by Arthur Hills and opened in 2001, this par-71 championship course stretches over 6,300 meters and sits within the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

The course features a links-style layout with dramatic elevation changes, native dune vegetation, and sweeping ocean views from nearly every hole. It's a true test of golf that demands accuracy off the tee, precise iron play, and a deft touch around the greens.

Expect firm, fast conditions that reward the ground game and strategic positioning. The course can play significantly longer when the wind picks up—which it often does—so being able to adjust your club selection and ball flight is essential.

The signature 15th hole is a breathtaking par-3 that plays downhill to a green perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Club selection here is critical—the ocean breeze can easily turn a well-struck shot into trouble.

The par-5 18th provides a risk-reward finish with strategic bunkering and a narrow approach to the green. Going for the green in two requires both distance and precision, making it a perfect example of the decision-making demanded throughout the round.

On Oitavos, smart course management beats raw power. Keep the ball in play off the tee, respect the wind, and don't be too aggressive attacking pins tucked behind bunkers. Bogey golf here is nothing to be ashamed of—this course has humbled tour professionals.

Before your round, use the Hole19 app to review the course layout and add strategic Notes to challenging holes. During play, rely on accurate GPS yardages to front, middle, and back of the green, especially on the elevated and blind tee shots where visual judgment can be deceiving.

The Plays Like distance feature is invaluable here, accounting for the significant elevation changes throughout the course. What looks like 150 meters might play closer to 135 or 165 depending on wind and slope—Hole19 handles that calculation for you.

Use Shot Tracker to record your performance and identify which clubs and shot types worked best in the coastal conditions. This data becomes crucial for future rounds in similar environments.

Penha Longa Atlantic Championship Course

Penha Longa offers two outstanding courses, but the Atlantic Championship Course (designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.) is the crown jewel. This par-72 layout has hosted European Tour events and provides a stern examination of every aspect of your game.

Set in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, the course blends dramatic elevation changes with strategic water hazards and multi-tiered greens. The conditioning is consistently excellent, with smooth, true-rolling greens that reward confident putting.

The front nine works through tighter, tree-lined fairways demanding driving accuracy, while the back nine opens up with more dramatic vistas and length challenges. Both nines require thoughtful approach shots and solid short game execution.

One of the key challenges at Penha Longa is mastering distance control on approach shots to elevated and multi-tiered greens. Missing on the wrong tier can lead to difficult two-putts or worse.

Pay close attention to pin positions and use your Hole19 app to get exact yardages. The Plays Like feature adjusts for uphill and downhill shots, helping you make confident club selections even on unfamiliar holes.

Wind tends to be less of a factor here than at coastal courses, but the elevation changes create their own challenges. A shot that feels perfect at contact might come up short on an uphill approach or fly long on a downhill one.

After your round, dive into your Advanced Performance Stats in Hole19 to see where you gained and lost strokes. Were your approach shots dialed in? Did you hit enough greens in regulation? How did your putting hold up on the fast surfaces?

This data-driven approach helps you understand your game objectively and identify specific areas for improvement before your next round.

Quinta da Marinha Golf Course

Quinta da Marinha is a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design that cleverly uses the natural landscape to create strategic interest. The course features narrow, pine-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and greens that reward precision while punishing wayward shots.

The par-71 layout plays just under 6,000 meters from the back tees but don't let the yardage fool you—this course demands accuracy and smart course strategy over raw distance. The closing holes along the coast are particularly memorable, with ocean views and coastal breezes adding to the challenge.

Water comes into play on several holes, most notably the par-5 18th, where a large lake guards the left side of the fairway and approach. Managing risk here separates smart scores from big numbers.

Playing Quinta da Marinha requires an understanding of how wind affects ball flight, especially on the coastal back nine. Learning to hit controlled, penetrating shots that hold their line in the breeze is essential.

The Hole19 app's Shot Tracker helps you understand how far you actually hit each club in these conditions versus your normal distances. You might find that your standard 7-iron yardage shrinks by 10-15 meters into a strong headwind or gains that much with a tailwind.

Use Notes in Hole19 to record which side of fairways to favor based on wind direction, where trouble lurks, and which pins to attack versus respect. This strategic preparation pays dividends on return visits.

Belas Clube de Campo

Belas Clube de Campo offers golfers the rare treat of two championship courses—Quinta da Beloura and Belas—at one facility. Both layouts provide distinct challenges and exceptional conditioning.

The courses wind through rolling terrain with cork trees, strategic water hazards, and well-protected greens. William (Bill) Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed these courses with an emphasis on strategic variety, rewarding thoughtful play over brute force.

Both courses are extremely playable for mid-handicappers while still challenging low-handicap players from the championship tees. This versatility makes Belas an excellent choice for groups with mixed skill levels.

With multiple tee boxes and strategic options off nearly every tee, having accurate yardage information is crucial at Belas. The Hole19 GPS app provides reliable distances to hazards, layup targets, and greens, helping you make informed decisions.

Use the HD Maps feature to see detailed aerial views of each hole, identifying hidden bunkers, water hazards, and ideal landing zones. This visual intel helps you plot the smartest route to the green.

Track your driving accuracy and fairways hit percentage using Hole19's stat tracking. Understanding your tendencies helps you choose more conservative or aggressive lines based on your current ball-striking form.

Estoril Golf Club

Founded in 1945, Estoril Golf Club is one of Portugal's oldest courses and exudes classic charm while still providing a modern challenge. Designed by Mackenzie Ross, the course features tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small, well-protected greens.

At just over 5,200 meters from the tips, Estoril rewards accuracy and course management rather than length. The greens are typically firm and fast, demanding precise approach shots and confident putting.

Despite its shorter yardage, Estoril has tested professional golfers during various tournaments, proving that length isn't everything. Smart play and solid execution matter more than distance here.

To score well at Estoril, focus on hitting greens in regulation. The small, well-bunkered greens make scrambling difficult, so avoiding greenside trouble in the first place is paramount.

Use your Hole19 app to track your GIR percentage and identify which approach distances give you the most trouble. Are you struggling from 140-160 meters? That's a clear area to work on at the practice range.

The Club Recommendation feature in Hole19 analyzes your personal distance data and suggests the optimal club for each shot. This takes guesswork out of club selection and helps you commit fully to each swing.

Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort

Located about an hour north of Lisbon, Praia D'El Rey delivers an authentic links golf experience with dramatic ocean views, firm turf conditions, and ever-present coastal breezes. Designed by Cabell Robinson, the course features wide fairways that invite aggressive driving but demand accuracy to avoid pot bunkers and native rough.

The par-72 layout stretches over 6,100 meters and plays significantly longer when the wind blows. Understanding how to flight the ball low and use the firm ground to your advantage is key to scoring here.

Several holes play directly along the Atlantic coastline, creating spectacular visuals and challenging playing conditions. The risk-reward opportunities are plentiful, but so are the penalties for overly aggressive play.

Coastal golf in Portugal teaches you valuable lessons about adaptability and shot shaping. Use Hole19's Shot Tracker to record every shot during your Praia D'El Rey round, noting not just distance but also conditions, wind direction, and results.

Over time, this data helps you understand your tendencies in the wind and which shot shapes hold up best in different conditions. Do your draws hold their line better than fades in a left-to-right wind? Does hitting a punch shot give you better distance control than a full swing?

These insights transform you from a golfer who fights conditions into one who works with them, leading to lower scores and more consistent play.

Planning Your Lisbon Golf Trip

Best Time to Visit for Golf

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for golf, with daytime highs around 18-25°C (64-77°F). These shoulder seasons also tend to have lighter winds and excellent course conditions.

Summer (June-August) brings warm to hot temperatures (25-35°C/77-95°F) and the most tourists. Courses remain in excellent shape, but you'll want to book early morning tee times to avoid the midday heat.

Winter (December-February) is surprisingly pleasant for golf, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F). You'll find fewer crowds, better rates, and perfectly playable conditions—just pack a light jacket for cooler mornings.

Peak golf season in Lisbon runs from April through October, with July and August seeing the highest rates and most crowded courses. If you're looking for value golf without sacrificing quality, consider visiting in November through March.

Winter rates can be 30-50% lower than summer peak, and you'll often have courses nearly to yourself. The trade-off is occasionally wetter weather and slightly softer course conditions, but for many golfers, this is a worthwhile compromise.

Getting Around: Course Locations and Transport

Most premier courses are located in and around Cascais, approximately 25-30 minutes west of central Lisbon. Sintra area courses (including Penha Longa) are about 25-30 minutes northwest. More distant options like Praia D'El Rey and Tróia require 60-90 minutes of driving.

Having access to a car provides maximum flexibility for multi-course trips, but it's not strictly necessary if you're staying at a golf resort or booking organized golf packages.

Renting a car gives you freedom to explore multiple courses and enjoy the scenic coastal drive at your own pace. Portugal's highways are excellent, and parking at golf courses is always plentiful and usually free.

Alternatively, many golf transfer services and organized golf tours operate in the Lisbon region, providing transportation, tee time bookings, and sometimes even caddies or local guides. This option works well if you prefer not to drive or want to enjoy post-round refreshments without worrying about the journey back.

Accommodation Options Near Golf Courses

Staying in Cascais puts you within 15-20 minutes of most premier courses while providing charming coastal town atmosphere, excellent restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Options range from five-star beach resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals.

Popular golf-friendly hotels include Quinta da Marinha Oitavos, Grande Real Villa Itália, and Pestana Cascais Ocean & Conference. Many offer golf packages with preferential tee times at nearby courses.

Basing yourself in Lisbon city center allows you to combine golf with urban exploration, though you'll add 30-45 minutes of travel to reach most courses. This option works well if golf is only part of your trip and you want easy access to Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Many Lisbon hotels can arrange golf transportation or you can simply rent a car for your golf days.

Golf Course Strategy for Lisbon and Cascais Layouts

Playing Coastal Golf: Wind and Weather Tactics

The Atlantic wind is perhaps the single biggest factor affecting your scores on coastal courses in Portugal. Understanding how to read and play in the wind separates local knowledge from visitor frustration.

Generally, winds blow from the west and northwest in summer, while winter storms can bring stronger southerly winds. The key is observing how the wind affects the flag, trees, and even your clothing before committing to a shot.

Don't rely on one check—wind can swirl and change direction, especially on holes with significant elevation change or tree protection. Make it a habit to check wind multiple times during your pre-shot routine.

As a rule of thumb, take one extra club for every 10-15 mph of headwind, and one less club for similar tailwinds. Crosswinds require different strategies depending on your natural shot shape—either ride the wind or fight against it with opposite spin.

The Hole19 app becomes invaluable here, providing baseline yardages that you can then adjust mentally for conditions. Having confidence in your base number allows you to make informed adjustments rather than guessing.

Shot Tracker data from previous rounds in wind helps you understand your tendencies. Do you tend to underclub in headwinds? Overestimate the effect of tailwinds? This self-knowledge leads to better decisions.

Course Management on Portuguese Layouts

Portuguese championship courses consistently present risk-reward scenarios: tight driving corridors with trouble on both sides, reachable par-5s with water guarding the green, aggressive pins tucked behind bunkers.

The key to smart course management is understanding when the potential reward justifies the risk. If you're hitting your driver well and the wind is favorable, perhaps attacking that par-5 in two makes sense. But if you've been fighting a slice all day, laying up becomes the smarter play.

Use the Notes feature in Hole19 to remind yourself of smart strategies for each hole. "Favor right side, left is jail" or "Two-putt territory, don't be aggressive" can save strokes when you're in the heat of competition.

Honest self-assessment leads to better scoring. If you're a great wedge player but struggle with long irons, why not lay back off the tee on tight par-4s, leaving yourself a comfortable wedge approach rather than a nervy 5-iron from the rough?

Track your strengths and weaknesses using Hole19's Advanced Performance Stats. Maybe you discover you're excellent from 100-125 meters but struggle from 150-175. This insight allows you to strategically position yourself in your comfort zone more often.

Short Game Essentials for Portuguese Greens

Portuguese courses typically feature fast, firm greens that reward confident, aggressive putting. Hesitant strokes lead to short putts and three-putts on surfaces this slick.

Practice lag putting before your round to get a feel for green speed. Focus on distance control rather than direction on longer putts—getting within a comfortable two-putt range is the goal.

Use Hole19's putting stats to track your performance. How many putts per round? What's your three-putt frequency? These metrics reveal whether your putting is costing you strokes or keeping you in the game.

Many Portuguese courses feature elevated greens with firm approaches and run-off areas. This demands solid chipping technique and the ability to land shots softly or use the ground to your advantage.

Generally, when conditions are firm, lower-launching chips that release toward the hole work better than high, spinning shots that might bounce and roll past. Practice bump-and-run shots alongside your standard lob wedge pitches.

Track your up-and-down percentage using Hole19 to measure short game effectiveness. If you're consistently missing greens, getting up and down becomes crucial to keeping scores respectable.

GPS Yardages for Every Lisbon and Cascais Course

The Hole19 Golf App provides comprehensive GPS coverage for all major courses in the Lisbon and Cascais region. With a simple glance at your phone or smartwatch, you'll have accurate distances to the front, middle, and back of every green.

This eliminates guesswork and the need to rely on potentially inaccurate yardage markers. You'll always know exactly how far you have, allowing you to make confident club selections and commit fully to every shot.

The app also shows distances to hazards, layup targets, and doglegs—critical information for smart course management and strategic play.

Perhaps the most valuable feature for Portuguese golf is Plays Like distances, which account for elevation changes that are prevalent on courses like Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, and Praia D'El Rey.

When you're hitting to an elevated green at Penha Longa, Hole19 automatically calculates how the uphill slope affects your shot distance, suggesting you play the hole as if it were 8-12 meters longer. This takes the mental math out of the equation and lets you focus on execution.

This feature alone can save you multiple strokes per round by preventing the common mistakes of coming up short on uphill shots or flying greens on downhill approaches.

Shot Tracker for Analyzing Your Round

One of the biggest mistakes golfers make is assuming they know how far they hit each club. The reality is that actual carry distances often differ significantly from what we think—and conditions dramatically affect these numbers.

Shot Tracker in Hole19 records every shot you hit, building a database of your actual club performance. After several rounds, you'll have reliable data showing that your 7-iron carries 155 meters on average, not the 165 you thought.

This objective information leads to better club selection, more greens hit, and lower scores. No more coming up short because you were playing to vanity yardages.

Beyond just distance tracking, Shot Tracker reveals patterns in your game that might not be obvious. Maybe you're consistently missing greens right, suggesting an alignment or path issue. Perhaps your driving is better than you thought, but your approach play needs work.

The Advanced Performance Stats break down your game into specific categories: driving accuracy, greens in regulation, scrambling, putting, and more. This granular analysis shows exactly where strokes are being lost and gained.

Armed with this information, you can target practice sessions more effectively and make strategic adjustments on the course.

Handicap Calculator and Stat Tracking

If you're playing multiple courses during your Portugal golf trip, the Handicap Calculator in Hole19 tracks all your scores and maintains an accurate handicap index.

This is especially useful if you're not a member of a home club or want to see how your game performs against different course ratings and slope ratings. The more rounds you log, the more accurate your handicap becomes.

Beyond basic scoring, Hole19's Advanced Performance Stats include metrics like:

- Fairways Hit % – Are you finding enough fairways to score well?

- Greens in Regulation % – The foundation of good scoring

- Scrambling % – How well do you recover from missed greens?

- Average Putts Per Round – Is your putter helping or hurting?

- Average Score Per Hole Type – Do you score better on par-3s, 4s, or 5s?

These insights guide your improvement journey, showing exactly which areas need attention and measuring progress over time.

Course Notes and Strategy Reminders

Before teeing off at an unfamiliar course, use the Notes feature to record strategic reminders from course reviews, local knowledge, or your own observations during a practice round.

"Favor left side of fairway on #3, right is OB"
"Pin middle-right on #7, anything left spins off the green"
"Downhill putt on #15, leave it below the hole"

These brief reminders become invaluable decision-making aids when you're standing on the tee or over an approach shot.

During your round, quickly reference your notes without disrupting pace of play. A glance at your phone reminds you of the smart play, preventing the mental errors that lead to big numbers.

This is especially valuable on golf trips where you're playing multiple courses in a short time. It's easy to forget which hole had the hidden hazard or which green slopes away from you—notes keep this strategic intel at your fingertips.

Golf Etiquette and Local Customs in Portugal

Portuguese golf clubs generally maintain good pace of play expectations, with four-hour rounds being the norm for fourballs. Be ready to hit when it's your turn, keep up with the group ahead, and be courteous by allowing faster groups to play through if you fall behind.

Most courses have marshals monitoring pace, especially during busy periods. Following their guidance and maintaining a reasonable rhythm keeps everyone happy.

Most upscale courses enforce traditional golf dress codes: collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and soft-spike golf shoes. Tank tops, denim, and athletic shoes are typically prohibited.

When in doubt, check the club's website or call ahead regarding dress code policies. Showing up properly attired demonstrates respect for the club and ensures you won't be turned away.

Tipping practices in Portugal are less ingrained than in some countries, but small gratuities for exceptional service are appreciated. Consider tipping caddies €20-40 depending on the quality of service and round length.

For bag handlers, drink cart servers, and restaurant staff, €5-10 tips are appropriate for good service. Service charges are often included in resort packages, so tipping becomes optional but appreciated.

Booking Tee Times and Green Fees

Most Portuguese courses offer online booking through their websites or through aggregator platforms like GolfScapes, TeeOff, and local booking services. Booking online often provides better rates than walk-up pricing.

Some premium courses require booking well in advance during peak season (April-October), while shoulder season offers more flexibility and availability.

Green fees vary significantly by season, with summer peak rates 40-60% higher than winter rates. Twilight rates (usually after 2-3 PM) can save 30-50% off full rates while still allowing you to complete 18 holes during long summer days.

Midweek rounds are typically cheaper than weekend tee times, and some courses offer replay rates if you want to play a second round the same day.

If you're planning to play several rounds, look for multi-round packages or golf resort stays that include rounds at partner courses. These packages often provide significant savings over individual round pricing.

Some resorts offer "stay and play" packages combining accommodation with guaranteed tee times and occasionally including cart rental, range balls, or meals.

Final Tips for an Unforgettable Golf Experience

Morning tee times offer the best conditions: cooler temperatures, calmer winds, less-crowded courses, and pristine greens before afternoon foot traffic. If you're playing premium courses, getting out early maximizes your enjoyment.

Early starts also free up afternoons for sightseeing, relaxing at the beach, or exploring local restaurants and culture.

While it's good to have a plan, building some flexibility into your golf trip allows you to adapt to weather conditions, take advantage of unexpected tee time opportunities, or add a rest day if needed.

Don't overschedule—playing 18 holes daily for a week sounds great until you're exhausted by day four. Consider mixing in some nine-hole rounds or practice-only days.

From the first tee to the final putt, let Hole19 be your on-course companion. Trust the GPS yardages, reference your strategic notes, track your shots, and enjoy the confidence that comes from playing with accurate information.

After your round, review your stats, celebrate your successes, and identify areas for improvement. This cycle of play, analyze, and improve is how you truly elevate your golf game.

Your Portugal Golf Adventure Starts Now

The golf courses in Lisbon and Cascais offer everything a golfer could want: championship-quality layouts, stunning scenery, excellent year-round weather, and world-class service. Whether you're a seasoned traveler looking for your next great golf destination or planning your first international golf trip, Portugal delivers an unforgettable experience.

With proper preparation, smart course management, and the Hole19 Golf App in your pocket, you're ready to tackle these magnificent courses and create lasting memories.

Download Hole19 today, start planning your Portugal golf adventure, and get ready to play some of the finest golf Europe has to offer. Your best rounds might be just a flight away.

See you on the fairways of Portugal!