Setúbal Golf Holidays – A Rising Star Near Lisbon

When it comes to golf in Portugal, the Algarve usually takes centre stage, and rightly so. But for travellers looking to mix championship-level golf with rich cultural immersion and quieter coastal charm, Setúbal is quickly becoming one to watch.

Located just 40 minutes south of Lisbon, Setúbal offers a refreshing alternative to more established golf regions. With its combination of scenic layouts, boutique resorts, and authentic Portuguese flavour, it’s no surprise that the area is gaining attention as an emerging destination for Portugal golf holidays in 2025.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a full golf holiday near Lisbon, Setúbal blends accessibility, quality golf, and an experience that goes well beyond the scorecard.

What Makes Setúbal a Standout for Golf Travellers?

It’s not just one course or resort that’s putting Setúbal on the map, it’s the diversity of options, the value, and the sense of discovery that golfers increasingly seek.

Troia Golf

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Troia is a championship-level course set on a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic and the Sado Estuary. It’s visually stunning and technically demanding, a proper test that rewards creative shot-making.

Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club

Set against the backdrop of the Arrábida Mountains, this course is known for its pristine condition and balanced layout. It’s a local favourite and frequently ranked among Portugal’s top inland courses.

Montado Hotel & Golf Resort

A more relaxed option, Montado offers a resort-style experience with a layout known for its unique 18th-hole island green. It’s a popular base for those wanting easy access to both golf and nearby wine estates.

👉 Explore golf courses in the Setúbal region

Golf Near Lisbon Without the Crowds

One of Setúbal’s key advantages is its proximity to Lisbon. A short drive from the capital’s airport lands you in a region that feels worlds away, less touristy, more local, and ideal for those seeking a laid-back golf break in Portugal.

Add to that the region’s wine culture, seafood restaurants, and quiet beaches, and you’ve got more than just a golf trip, you’ve got a full-bodied travel experience.

When to Go, What to Expect

Setúbal shares much of the same climate as Lisbon and the Algarve, with warm, dry conditions from March to October, and fewer crowds outside of peak summer. Spring and autumn are especially appealing for golf, with perfect temperatures and ideal course conditions.

Accommodation options range from rural wine lodges to modern beachfront hotels, often at more competitive prices than in Portugal’s major resorts.

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A Word to the Curious Golfer

Setúbal won’t stay under the radar for long. For golfers who like to stay ahead of the curve, it offers that sweet spot between quality and authenticity, serious courses without the crowds, culture without the cliché.

If you’ve already ticked the Algarve and Cascais off your list, this is where your next Portugal golf holiday should take you.

What’s New on the Water in Albufeira?

Golf may be the main reason you’re heading to the Algarve, but it’s certainly not the only way to enjoy the region. This time of year, the coastline comes alive again with everything that makes spring in Albufeira special: blue skies, warm breezes, and new experiences on and off the water.

Among the highlights? AlgarExperience, a leading watersports and leisure company based in Albufeira Marina, has just rolled out its April 2025 lineup, and it’s packed with scenic cruises, coastal dining, and close encounters with the Algarve’s natural beauty.

From dolphin-watching to hidden beach barbecues, AlgarExperience brings together comfort, flavour, and sea air in ways that pair perfectly with a golf holiday in the Algarve.

Beach Barbecues Are Back – From 3 April

A favourite among visitors and locals alike, the Beach Barbecue experience returns on 3 April. The trip combines a scenic cruise along the Algarve coast, including a stop at the world-famous Benagil caves, with an exclusive barbecue lunch on a secluded beach.

Expect an open bar, curated tasting menu, and a full afternoon of barefoot luxury.

Dolphin Watching and Benagil Caves – Relaunch of the Belize III

After a major upgrade to the Belize III vessel, the popular Dolphins and Benagil Caves tour is back in full swing. It’s a chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat while exploring some of the most iconic rock formations in southern Europe.

It’s not just a boat trip, it’s a chance to see the Algarve from a completely different angle.

New Experience: Benagil & Coast – Aboard the “Unwind” Catamaran

For those after something a little more refined, AlgarExperience has launched a new version of its Benagil and coastal tour, this time aboard the Unwind, a sleek and comfortable catamaran offering a more spacious, relaxed atmosphere.

What sets this experience apart is the onboard tasting menu. Included in every tour (at no extra cost), guests can choose from:

• Sabores do Algarve: A trio of regional sweets with Algarve liqueurs

• Regional Wine Tasting

• Port Wine & Chocolate

• Iced Teas with Almond Biscuits

• Sea & Flavour: Algarve-style tinned seafood tasting

A perfect pairing with a relaxing day off the course.

Planning a Golf Holiday in Albufeira?

Albufeira isn’t just about nightlife, it’s also a base for exploring some of the Algarve’s best golf courses, including Salgados, Pine Cliffs, and the Vilamoura collection just up the road.

If you’re staying in the region this spring or summer, these new experiences from AlgarExperience offer the perfect way to round out your trip with a taste of the sea.

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Spring Golf Holidays Portugal 2025

If you’re eyeing a golf escape this spring, Portugal should be high on your list. With mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and first-class courses from the Algarve to Madeira, the country offers an unbeatable blend of quality play and off-course relaxation.

It’s not just the golf that draws players in, it’s the rhythm of spring in Portugal. Morning rounds followed by fresh seafood lunches. Rolling greens framed by wildflowers. A coastal breeze that challenges your shot selection without spoiling your scorecard.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your game, take on new fairways, or simply unwind under clearer skies, spring golf holidays in Portugal offer a sweet spot, warmer than winter, quieter than summer, and just busy enough to feel lively without being overrun.

Why Spring Is the Ideal Season for Golf in Portugal

Spring (March to May) is one of the most popular and rewarding seasons for golf in Portugal, thanks to its mild weather, longer days, and well-conditioned courses. With average temperatures ranging between 18–23°C in most regions, the season offers ideal conditions for golfers looking to enjoy comfortable rounds without the peak summer heat.

That popularity does come with a caveat: May, in particular, is one of the busiest months on the golfing calendar, so booking tee times and accommodation well in advance is strongly recommended.

Best Regions for a Spring Golf Escape

Algarve

 The Algarve remains Portugal’s undisputed golf capital, and spring shows it at its best. The coastal breeze is manageable, the sun is steady, and the Algarve’s top courses, from Quinta do Lago South to Old Course, are fully open for business.

See our golf holiday packages in the Algarve

Lisbon Coast

A rising star on the golf scene, the Lisbon region offers spring visitors a mix of dramatic coastal layouts (like Oitavos Dunes) and tranquil inland courses (like Ribagolfe). Add cultural day trips and wine tasting into the mix, and it’s a strong option for golfers travelling with non-golfers in tow.

Golf breaks near Lisbon

Madeira

For something truly scenic, Madeira in spring is stunning. The Palheiro and Santo da Serra courses offer elevated views, subtropical surroundings, and cooler conditions, ideal for those wanting to avoid the heat. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s part of the charm.

Play golf in Madeira this spring

Tips for Spring Golf Travel in Portugal

• Book early tee times to take advantage of lighter winds and quieter courses

• Pack layers, you may tee off in the morning chill and finish under a warm afternoon sun

• Consider combining your trip with a local golf tournament or festival, many take place in April and May

• Arrange your transport in advance – whether you prefer a rental car for flexibility or a private transfer to skip the stress, it’s wise to book early during spring’s busy weeks.
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