Oeiras introduces Portugal’s first municipal golf course in the Cabanas Golf area, just 20 km from Lisbon. Approved by the city council this month, the project reactivates the previously closed course on two newly acquired lots, spanning 43 hectares. The objective is not just to reopen but to transform it into a public facility supporting community golfing, education, and recreation.
Until now, Portugal’s golf landscape has been dominated by private resorts and exclusive member clubs, especially across the Algarve and Lisbon regions. With this project, Oeiras breaks new ground by offering a municipal option designed to promote accessibility without compromising on course quality. For travelling golfers, this opens the door to a more affordable and relaxed golfing experience near the capital, ideal for those who want to mix urban exploration with a few rounds on the green. The new facility is expected to attract not only local players and students but also international visitors looking for something beyond the typical resort circuit.
Construction is expected to be completed by late August 2025, with the facility branded the Municipal Golf Academy in Barcarena. It will serve schools, universities, local clubs, and the wider community. This marks a significant shift for golf travellers seeking holiday options, offering easily accessible, public-course play just a short drive from Lisbon.
A Boost for Accessible Golf Holidays
This new municipal setup brings true convenience for golf travellers:
Close to Lisbon but outside crowded resort zones, it’s perfect for holidaymakers wanting easy access, yet a quieter experience. Golfers can pair a few rounds at Cabanas with stays in Lisbon or nearby coastal resorts for a balanced mix of city and leisure. The public nature of the course promises affordable green fees, a welcome change from private resort costs.
Community and Sustainable Focus
The agreement calls for the land to remain municipally owned, though managed by a dedicated operator. This hybrid model ensures robust investment, professional oversight, and accountability. The facility is also set to include green spaces and leisure areas accessible to everyone, not just golfers.
By embedding the course in local programming, schools, university partnerships, club use, Oeiras is positioning golf as a communal sport, not a luxury activity.
What This Means for Portugal Golf Holidays
For travellers based in Lisbon or those planning coastal escapes, this addition raises the bar for holiday planning:
Stay in a Lisbon villa, play a municipal course nearby, then head south to the Algarve for a full holiday experience. The course’s reopening in August coincides with late-summer travel, offering a fresh attraction for travellers seeking variety. Combining public-course rounds with nearby resort stays offers a layered experience without the usual peak-season pricing.
