Cascais, a charming seaside town located just 30 minutes west of Lisbon, is becoming a popular destination for golfers looking for a more serene holiday experience. With excellent golf resorts and stunning seafood restaurants, Cascais offers a relaxing escape from the busy streets of Lisbon. While the Algarve coast has long been a popular destination for British golfers, Portugal’s western coastline is catching up with top-class golf courses and five-star hospitality.
Nick Bayly, Golf News Editor, highlights the appeal of Cascais for golfers looking for a more authentic Portuguese experience. Located along the Estoril coast, Cascais offers a charming yacht-filled marina, buzzing restaurants, and a seaside holiday vibe reminiscent of the French Riviera. With cooling breezes from the Atlantic Sea, Cascais provides a welcome escape from the city heat. The town has seen significant growth with investments in property, hotels, marinas, and leisure facilities, including excellent golf courses.
Cascais Golf Passport, a digital platform created by seven golf clubs in the region, offers significant savings on green fees and allows golfers to book tee times online. With rates for five rounds during low and high seasons, the Cascais Golf Passport offers a cost-effective way to enjoy multiple courses. Golfers can play at Quinta da Marinha, Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, Belas, Estoril, Pestana, and Lisbon Sports Club as part of the passport scheme.
Onyira Quinta da Marinha Resort, a five-star hotel overlooking the Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole course, serves as an ideal base for a golf break in Cascais. The hotel offers spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and three excellent restaurants. Quinta da Marinha Golf Course, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, features generous fairways, water hazards, and stunning views over the seas. The re-routed course offers an enjoyable experience for both holiday golfers and professionals.
Oitavos Dunes, a course combining links and woodland golf, provides a dramatic setting with views of the Sintra Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The course presents challenges with precision shots over the opening holes and opportunities to open up on the back nine. With an out-and-back design, Oitavos Dunes offers a unique golfing experience with varying landscapes and wind conditions. The course is part of a larger hotel and resort complex, providing golfers with access to luxurious amenities.
Penha Longa offers 27 holes of championship golf set against a backdrop of beautiful countryside and coastal views. Home to a five-star Ritz-Carlton Resort, Penha Longa features a challenging Atlantic North Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course requires bold drives, courageous approaches, and artful putting on fast greens. The Atlantic South Course offers a less challenging option with a historical pathway winding through the estate. The Ritz-Carlton hotel boasts luxurious amenities and a Michelin-starred restaurant, LAB by Sergio Arola.
Belas, set in the Carregueira Mountains, offers a demanding 6,700-yard championship course with fantastic views of surrounding hills and valleys. The Rocky Roquemore-designed course features gently mounded fairways, large bunkers, significant rises and falls, and streams and lakes to navigate. The layout includes a variety of holes, such as attractive par threes and a challenging closing stretch. Belas is one of the seven courses included in the Cascais Golf Passport scheme, offering golfers a diverse range of playing experiences.
In addition to golf, Cascais offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including exploring the seaside town, taking a guided tour of Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais, cycling along the coast, and visiting natural attractions like Boca do Inferno. The town is full of cafes, restaurants, and independent boutiques, providing opportunities to immerse in the local culture. Seafood dominates the menu in Cascais, with restaurants like Mar do Inferno offering a variety of fresh and delicious seafood dishes. For more information on activities and events in Cascais, visitors can visit www.visitcascais.com.
Travelling to Cascais is made convenient with TAP offering long-haul routes to over 90 destinations across three continents. UK travellers can access TAP flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester, with a flying time of approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. For more information or to purchase tickets with TAP, visit flytap.com. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or looking for a relaxing seaside getaway, Cascais offers a mix of luxury accommodation, world-class golf courses, and authentic Portuguese experiences for all types of travellers.
