When you think of golf in Portugal, your first thought will almost certainly be the Algarve. Right, fair enough. But the Lisbon area is a very real rival now and Oitavos Dunes is the headline act. Just over 30 minutes from Lisbon Airport, it's regarded as the best course in Portugal and it's also been on the European Tour rota, including hosting the Golf Sixes in 2019.
Set on the rugged Atlantic edge of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Oitavos is a proper links-style test, built on sandy soil so it plays lovely and firm when the conditions are right. The wind is the main defence out here, and some days it decides the club for you. You'll need to keep it flighted, pick your lines and accept that par is a good score on more than a few holes.
The best bit is the variety. You'll hit every shape and trajectory depending on the breeze. The front nine climbs through elevated dunes with big views over the ocean, whilst the back nine drops into more sheltered, forested ground before returning to the coast for a cracking last few holes back towards the water. The greens are large, undulating and quick, so anything offline gets punished.
Off the course, it's an easy win for an active long weekend or a longer Lisbon break. You've got Cascais close by for restaurants and beaches, plus Sintra for a bit of culture when the clubs are away. The practice setup is excellent and the clubhouse is a great spot for a post-round drink with the Atlantic in full view.
Who is this for? Golfers or groups seeking a world-class links experience within easy reach of Lisbon, combining championship-standard golf with coastal scenery and access to the wider Cascais and Sintra region.
Who is it best for? Serious golfers who appreciate strategic, wind-affected links golf and want to play one of Europe's top-ranked courses, as well as couples looking to pair quality golf with culture, beaches and relaxation near Lisbon. Include Oitavos Dunes on your next Lisbon golf break.
