Portugal: A Paradise for Golf and Steak

Portugal is a destination that captures the imagination. With its sun-drenched coastline, historic cities, and welcoming culture, it’s a traveler's dream. For those who appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly manicured fairway and a flawlessly cooked steak—Portugal offers an experience that is second to none. This is where world-class golf meets exceptional culinary tradition.

This guide will take you on a tour of Portugal’s premier golf courses and the incredible steak restaurants located nearby. We’ll explore what makes each course a must-play, where to find the most succulent steak, and how to plan your trip for the ultimate golf and dining getaway. Get ready to perfect your swing and satisfy your appetite in one of Europe’s most beautiful settings.

Why Portugal for a Golf and Dining Trip?

Portugal consistently ranks among the world's top golf destinations, and for good reason. The country boasts over 90 courses, many designed by legendary architects and set against stunning backdrops of the Atlantic Ocean and rolling hills. The Algarve region, in particular, is a golfer's paradise, offering a high concentration of championship-level courses.

Beyond the greens, Portugal has a rich culinary heritage. While famous for its fresh seafood, the country also has a deep appreciation for high-quality meat. Portuguese beef is renowned for its flavor, and the nation's steakhouses, or churrascarias, masterfully blend local traditions with international techniques. This combination of spectacular golf and outstanding food makes for an unforgettable holiday.

The Algarve: Europe’s Premier Golf Haven

The Algarve region on Portugal's southern coast is the heart of its golf scene. With a mild climate year-round, it’s the perfect place for your adventure. Here are some top courses and the steakhouses you must visit after your round.

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club

The Course: Widely regarded as the best golf course in Portugal, Monte Rei is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that offers an unparalleled experience. Each hole is a masterpiece, carved into the dramatic landscape of the eastern Algarve. The course is known for its immaculate conditioning, challenging layout, and exceptional service. Playing here feels like a PGA Tour event, with water hazards, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens demanding your best game.

The Steak: After conquering the course, head to Butchers in nearby Tavira. This stylish restaurant is a meat lover’s dream, offering a selection of premium cuts from around the world, including tender Portuguese Mertolenga beef. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the menu, and the open kitchen adds a touch of theater to your dining experience. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to celebrate a day of great golf.

Vale do Lobo (Royal and Ocean Courses)

The Courses: Vale do Lobo is one of the original resorts in the Algarve and features two outstanding 18-hole courses. The Royal Course is famous for its iconic 16th hole, a dramatic cliff-top par-3 that has become one of the most photographed holes in golf. The Ocean Course runs alongside the beach, offering breathtaking sea views. Both courses provide a challenging and memorable round.

The Steak: Just a short drive away in the heart of Vale do Lobo’s Praça, you’ll find Parrilla Natural. This Uruguayan steakhouse is set in a stunning garden, creating a magical atmosphere for an evening meal. They specialize in cooking prime cuts over a wood-fired grill, which imparts a delicious smoky flavor. The Bife de Chorizo (sirloin) is a standout, and their extensive wine list features excellent pairings from Portugal and South America.

Ready to experience the Algarve? Browse top-rated hotels and resorts in Vale do Lobo on Expedia.

The Lisbon Coast: Culture, History, and Championship Golf

While the Algarve gets most of the attention, the area around Portugal's capital city offers its own incredible golf and dining experiences.

Oitavos Dunes

The Course: Located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Oitavos Dunes is a stunning links-style course that ranks among the top 100 in the world. Designed by Arthur Hills, it blends seamlessly into the natural dunes and pine forests, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course is known for its challenging, windswept conditions and fast greens, providing a true test for golfers of all skill levels.

The Steak: After your round, make your way to Restaurante Rubro in the chic coastal town of Cascais. This restaurant offers a modern take on the traditional Portuguese steakhouse. It’s famous for its high-quality cuts of meat, which you can see aging in their display case. The Entrecôte is a local favorite, grilled to perfection and served with a side of delicious homemade fries. The lively atmosphere and proximity to the sea make it an ideal spot to unwind.

Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort

The Course: Situated north of Lisbon, Praia D'El Rey is a spectacular course that combines lush parkland holes with rugged seaside links. The front nine winds through pine trees, while the back nine opens up to dramatic ocean views along the coast. The course is both beautiful and challenging, requiring creative shot-making to navigate the natural terrain.

The Steak: In the nearby medieval town of Óbidos, you’ll find Tasca Torta. While not a dedicated steakhouse, this charming, rustic restaurant serves one of the best steaks in the region. Their Naco na Pedra (steak on a stone) is a must-try experience. You receive a sizzling hot stone and a prime cut of raw beef, allowing you to cook each slice to your exact preference right at your table. It’s an interactive and delicious way to end your day.

Plan your cultural and golfing escape by searching for flights to Lisbon (LIS) on Expedia.

Planning Your Portugal Golf and Steak Tour

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Portugal for golf are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the courses are less crowded than in the peak summer season. The winter is also a great option for the Algarve, which enjoys mild weather year-round.

Approximate Costs

• Green Fees: Expect to pay between €100 and €250 per round at top-tier courses like Monte Rei or Vale do Lobo. Less famous but still excellent courses can be played for under €100.

• Accommodations: A mid-range hotel will cost around €80-€150 per night, while luxury resorts can be €250 or more.

• Dining: A high-quality steak dinner with wine will typically cost between €40 and €80 per person.

• Flights: Round-trip flights from major US cities can range from $600 to $1,200, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

Booking Your Trip

To simplify planning, consider booking a golf package that includes accommodations, tee times, and sometimes even transportation. This can often provide better value and save you the hassle of coordinating everything yourself.

• Book Accommodations: Compare hotels, resorts, and rental properties across Portugal on Expedia.

• Secure Tee Times: Book your tee times well in advance, especially for popular courses during peak season. Most courses have online booking systems on their websites.

Portugal offers an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It’s a place where the passion for golf is matched only by the passion for good food. The combination of challenging courses, stunning scenery, and unforgettable meals creates the perfect recipe for a dream vacation. So pack your clubs, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover the magic of golf and steak in Portugal.