With an average of 290 days of sunshine a year and warm weather year-round, Lisbon is a popular choice for golfers looking to tee off under the sun, especially as winter temperatures approach the UK. Here Visit Lisboa highlights what makes the city so unique for those looking to plan their next golfing break.
Choice for all
Lisbon offers over 20 courses for every skill level with each ranging in size, location and difficulty and this makes the Portuguese capital perfect for beginners, amateurs, seasoned players and professionals alike. The superb choice comes with a variety of price points and affordable fees in a mild climate ideal for a day on the greens no matter the season. Additionally, Lisbon is easily accessible from the UK with key airports running direct flights daily.
Many of Lisbon’s courses welcome large-scale golfing events and attract the golfing elite year-round. Some courses were designed by custodians of the game such as Spanish legend Severiano Ballesteros, British former golfer Donald Steel, and renowned American golf course architect Arthur Hills.
Idyllic setting
Lisbon’s Atlantic Coast location and stunning landscape of hilly terrain mean that breathtaking views play a key role in making the destination a top choice for golfers. A golfing vacation in the city pairs perfectly with nature exploration beyond the green. Highlights near the courses include the Arrábida Nature Park, the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and the Tagus Nature Reserve.
Vitamin sea
With average highs of 28 degrees in summer, 15 degrees in winter and an array of beautiful golden Atlantic beaches, Lisbon is perfect for golfers wanting to relax under the sun. Nearby options include Costa da Caparica with miles of golden sands and the coastal town of Cascais with a lively atmosphere, inviting cafes and picturesque views. Golfers looking for an additional adventure fix should make time for a visit to Ericeira (Europe’s first World Surf Reserve), which offers exhilarating water sports opportunities.
Cultural attractions off the course
Lisbon’s golf courses are just a short drive from the heart of the city centre and many are also easily reachable by public transport. The capital is filled with museums, galleries, attractions and World Heritage architecture offering plenty to entice golfers to take a break from the greens for a day of sightseeing and cultural exploration. The city centre also provides an array of delicious cuisine, reaffirmed by the destination being awarded Best Culinary City Destination in Europe at the 2024 World Culinary Awards.
For golfers looking to make the most of their visit, the Lisboa Card is a fantastic tool as it enables free travel by bus, metro, tram and funicular, plus CP train lines to Sintra and Cascais. The card also unlocks free entrance to 51 museums, monuments and UNESCO World Heritage sites and discounts on tours, shopping and nightlife. There are 24, 48 and 72 hr options available, https://shop.visitlisboa.com/products/lisboa-card.