Lisbon Coast: History Meets Links

Located just 30 minutes from downtown Lisbon, close to the beaches of Estoril and Cascais, and only 10 minutes from the enchanting UNESCO-listed town of Sintra, Penha Longa is a serene retreat where nature, heritage, and exceptional golf come together. Set within a former 14th-century monastery and later transformed into a royal family refuge, the resort blends historic grandeur with the refined comfort expected from a Ritz-Carlton property. Guests enjoy the full services of a true five-star hotel, including elegant rooms and suites overlooking the Sintra mountains, expansive gardens, and a world-class spa. The culinary offering is one of the resort’s standout features, with five restaurants on site. Among them is Arola, developed with the guidance of two-Michelin-star Spanish chef Sergi Arola, delivering a contemporary take on Iberian cuisine. Penha Longa is also home to one of Portugal’s most celebrated golf courses, the Atlantic Course, a dramatic championship layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., offering a memorable round amid forested hills, granite outcrops, and sweeping views.

Set in the heart of the Praia D’El Rey resort, the 5-star Marriott offers an elegant blend of coastal luxury and sweeping Atlantic views. Guests enjoy direct access to two of Portugal’s top golf courses, Praia D’El Rey and West Cliffs, along with a full-service spa featuring eight treatment rooms, massages, and a wide range of wellness therapies. The hotel features 179 spacious rooms, including 11 suites, all equipped with private balconies or terraces, individual climate control, premium bedding, and satellite TV. Large windows and contemporary décor create a relaxing atmosphere perfectly suited to a golf and leisure getaway. Dining options are varied and high quality. Tempera offers themed buffet menus highlighting both Portuguese and international cuisine, while Emprata serves an à la carte menu focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients. For a more casual setting, the Contato Lobby Bar provides snacks and cocktails, and the Pool Bar is ideal for outdoor lunches during warmer months. Facilities include a Kids Club, a fully equipped gym, an extensive spa, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The resort also offers a wide selection of outdoor activities such as surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, and birdwatching, making it an excellent choice for golfers travelling with companions or family. Conveniently located 15 minutes from Peniche and 22 minutes from the medieval village of Óbidos, the hotel provides free parking and sits just 96 km from Lisbon, making arrivals and departures easy.

Opened in the summer of 2017, the course was designed by Cynthia Dye, Pete Dye’s niece. She worked closely with the local government to preserve the natural environment as much as possible.

Set on 200 hectares of land, with views of the Atlantic from every hole, West Cliffs is set to become a must-visit destination for any golfer.

Carefully designed by Arthur Hills, one of the world’s most respected golf course architects, Oitavos Dunes is a masterpiece of natural links that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is dramatically set among sand dunes and pine trees.

The Sintra Mountains and the westernmost point of Cabo da Roca can be seen from this majestic setting along the Estoril coast. Recently recognized by the most respected golf course ranking, GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, as the 65th best course in the world and the second best in continental Europe, Oitavos Dunes is easily recognized as one of the best golf courses in Portugal.

The Penha Longa golf course located between Guincho beach, Cascais and Estoril was founded in 1992. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. the course has an 18-hole course, Atlantic, and another 9-hole course.

The Atlantic Championship is considered among the 30 best golf courses in Continental Europe. The start and finish of the round run along a wooded valley under the shadow of the mountains. A particularly inspiring and unique setting against the backdrop of the ancient Roman ruins that accompany us at some point along the route.

Home of numerous tournaments, undoubtedly, a course that deserves to be known.