Golf: the best Courses in Portugal

Today as you reach Lisboa International Airport, you'll collect your rental car with all the important travel documentation you may need during your trip.
Before heading to your hotel in Cascais, we suggest that you spend some time exploring Lisboa. Capital of Portugal and one of the oldest capital cities in Europe, Lisboa is blessed with a marvelous location by the mouth of the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Well known for its historic traditional neighborhoods, you’ll be amazed by the sections of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Alfama as well as the Castle of Saint George and the gorgeous views you can enjoy from the top of its hill. You can't also miss a visit to the most monumental area of the city: the Belém district, where the 15th century Jerónimo's Monastery is the highlight. In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a Private Walking “foodie” Tour of Lisboa with “petiscos” tastings. Enjoy!

Enjoy the amazing Penha Longa Resort, more specifically the Atlantic Championship course, one of Robert Trent Jones Jr’s best designs. A morning tee time will be scheduled for you, once completed we suggest you to visit the town of Sintra, where you will find a variety of fascinating historic buildings and enthralling attractions. Sintra is a place full of magic and mystery, where nature and man are combined so perfectly that UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. The visit to Quinta da Regaleira estate or Monserrate Palace is a must! Save some time for shopping in the center of the village and to try the famous "Travesseiros" (local sweet pastry delicacy) from Sintra.

Head to one of Portugal’s most celebrated golf courses, the Oitavos Dunes. Designed by Arthur Hills, it occupies the 55th position on the list of the 100 courses in the world, and it was the first golf course in Europe and second in the world to get the Gold Signature Sanctuary status, quality certificate awarded by Audubon International. Afterward, stroll around Cascais city center seaside streets. This fishing village was developed mainly when King Dom Carlos I of Portugal decided to use the Citadel of Cascais to build his summer residence in the late 19th century. The king was a great sailor, a lover of the sea, and living in Cascais, he could be close to it every day, surrounded by many of Portugal’s aristocracy. Due to Portugal's neutrality during World War II, Cascais also had an important role as a major safe area for political refugees. Today this beautiful seaside resort still holds its charm and invites you to relax as you walk the streets of its historical center.

After these amazing first few days in the outskirts of Lisboa, it is time to head South, towards the Algarve. Once you reach this area we recommend that you stop near one of the great hidden gems of Portugal. The beach of Cacela Velha is incredibly unique as the small strips of sand that surround it seem to create the effect of being near a lagoon. It is the perfect location to end your afternoon and enjoy the sunset.

Another day starts for some quality golfing and we could not be more proud to suggest the Monte Rei 18-hole course. Jack Nicklaus has created in Monte Rei Golf Resort a golfing masterpiece, the first of his “Signature Courses” to reach the Algarve & Portugal, and one of very few in Europe. It has been ranked as the number 1 golf course in Portugal by Golf Monthly, and as Nr.12 in Europe by top100golfcourses UK.

Time to head back North, more specifically to the area northwest of Lisboa, in the municipality of Óbidos. This will be a long drive, so once you reach your destination, just relax, or maybe head to the Óbidos Lagoon and the beaches nearby. In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic prepared by your hotel.

Praia D’El Rey is arguably one of the most stunning golf courses in Europe. Set among extensive pine forests and undulating dunes, with spectacular views over the Atlantic and the Berlengas Islands beyond. The 18-hole golf course, designed by renowned American golf architect Cabell B.Robinson is characterized by deep bunkers, sloping greens and sandy dunes contrast sharply with the lush fairways, making it the complete golfing challenge. A morning tee time will be scheduled for you. If you’re still up for some activity after you complete the course, then going for a stroll in the medieval town of Óbidos will be the perfect way to complete this trip to Portugal!

This is your departure day. Make sure you deliver your rental car at the airport before you start your flight boarding procedures. Have a safe flight home!