Portugal Advice

[Divot_Forensicist]

Planning a trip to Portugal (Lisbon and the Algarve) next March (2023). We will have a rental car and will be staying at VRBOs along the way. We are looking to play 5-7 courses (will be there for 10 days). Are there any “can’t miss” courses or courses by noteworthy architects? Any recommendations for where to play (including ranked lists) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[hammergolf]

My group is going to Portugal in October 2023. We are going up to The Silver Coast, about an hour north of Lisbon. We’re playing West Cliffs (ranked #2, Prai Del Rey (ranked #8) Penha Longa, (#11) and Royal Obidos (#17). There are also some good ones in and around Lisbon. Oitivos Dunes in Cascais is one of the top ranked, and Troia is 1.5 hours south of Lisbon and is ranked #3. Down in the Algarve are where most of the top course are. I’ll attach a link to the top rated courses. I love Portugal, enjoy your trip!

 

https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-courses/continental-europe/portugal

Edited June 18, 2022 by hammergolf

[Divot_Forensicist]

On 6/18/2022 at 5:15 PM, hammergolf said:

My group is going to Portugal in October 2023. We are going up to The Silver Coast, about an hour north of Lisbon. We’re playing West Cliffs (ranked #2, Prai Del Rey (ranked #8) Penha Longa, (#11) and Royal Obidos (#17). There are also some good ones in and around Lisbon. Oitivos Dunes in Cascais is one of the top ranked, and Troia is 1.5 hours south of Lisbon and is ranked #3. Down in the Algarve are where most of the top course are. I’ll attach a link to the top rated courses. I love Portugal, enjoy your trip!

 

https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-courses/continental-europe/portugal

 

Do you know if Comporta Dunes is open yet (or if it will be by next spring)--it is a David Mclay Kidd course south of Lisbon?

 

Currently we are thinking of staying in Lisbon a couple of days upon arrival and just exploring the city (this will be our first time there). Then we will drive north to play Prai Del Rey and West Cliffs, after which we will drive southward down the coast. Along the way play Comporta Dunes (if it is open) and possibly Troia, before settling in the Algarve where we will play Palarmes, Amendoeira, and potentially Vilamoura.

 

Do you see any issues with this draft itinerary?

[hammergolf]

Looks like a GREAT itinerary. Lisbon is amazing, and frankly one of my top favorite cities in Europe. (Looking to buy a property there to retire) On your way up to The Silver coast make sure to stop in Sintra for a few hours and see Peña Palace, it is incredible. While in Lisbon go to Belem for a couple hours to see the monastery and get some Pastais de Belem, and of course take a tour on the 28 tram. I don’t think Comporta is open yet but don’t quote me on that. Driving in Portugal is very easy, but you do get hammered with tolls so be aware of that. Golf wise sounds like you have picked out some of the best and you’ve got a great plan. If you have any other questions, let me know.

[Divot_Forensicist]

8 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Looks like a GREAT itinerary. Lisbon is amazing, and frankly one of my top favorite cities in Europe. (Looking to buy a property there to retire) On your way up to The Silver coast make sure to stop in Sintra for a few hours and see Peña Palace, it is incredible. While in Lisbon go to Belem for a couple hours to see the monastery and get some Pastais de Belem, and of course take a tour on the 28 tram. I don’t think Comporta is open yet but don’t quote me on that. Driving in Portugal is very easy, but you do get hammered with tolls so be aware of that. Golf wise sounds like you have picked out some of the best and you’ve got a great plan. If you have any other questions, let me know.

 

Thank you! Excellent advice that I will bear in mind.

 

Funny that you mention your intent to buy property there for retirement; my wife and I are strongly considering the same (based on our reading) and this trip is a scouting venture toward this possible end. It is also why playing golf is an essential component since we both intend to play a lot of golf when we retire. Thank you, again, for sharing your experience and insight.

[hammergolf]

12 minutes ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

 

Thank you! Excellent advice that I will bear in mind.

 

Funny that you mention your intent to buy property there for retirement; my wife and I are strongly considering the same (based on our reading) and this trip is a scouting venture toward this possible end. It is also why playing golf is an essential component since we both intend to play a lot of golf when we retire. Thank you, again, for sharing your experience and insight.

I think you will really enjoy Portugal. People are great and it’s a beautiful country.

[hammergolf]

1 hour ago, Divot_Forensicist said:

 

Thank you! Excellent advice that I will bear in mind.

 

Funny that you mention your intent to buy property there for retirement; my wife and I are strongly considering the same (based on our reading) and this trip is a scouting venture toward this possible end. It is also why playing golf is an essential component since we both intend to play a lot of golf when we retire. Thank you, again, for sharing your experience and insight.

Here’s a view from a condo in the Algarve (Olhos de Aqua) that I looked at buying 4 years ago for €200k. Still kicking myself for not buying it!