Setúbal Could Be Portugal’s Next Golf Hotspot

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.

👉 Browse golf holidays in Portugal

👉 Book your Golf Transfers and Car Hire in Portugal

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.

Rolex Joins The Dunas Course at Comporta

Rolex Backs Comporta’s Dunas Course

The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta, now partnered with Rolex, is already one of Portugal’s most talked-about new golf developments. In March 2025, the course officially announced a partnership with Rolex, joining a select group of golf destinations around the world associated with the iconic Swiss watchmaker.

Set along Portugal’s unspoiled west coast, the Dunas Course has quietly built a reputation for its natural design and strategic character. But this new partnership signals something more: a shift from under-the-radar favourite to international flagship.

Rolex doesn’t attach its name lightly. The brand is known for backing venues with history, ambition, and staying power. So when it aligns with a relatively new course like Dunas, it raises a clear question: is Comporta on the verge of becoming Portugal’s next great golfing destination?

For Portuguese golf, this isn’t just a name-drop, it’s a statement of intent. Comporta is no longer up-and-coming. It has arrived.

rolex watch at dunas da comporta golf course

What Sets the Dunas Course Apart

Designed by David McLay Kidd, the Dunas Course has made waves for its minimalist approach, routing through natural dunes just south of Lisbon. Unlike many modern layouts, it resists over-shaping or over-polishing. This is a course built for the purist: firm, fast, and visually striking without being flashy.

Its character has already earned comparisons to top-tier links destinations. Now, with Rolex backing, that reputation is likely to expand even further.

👉 Explore Portugal’s top golf courses

A New Era for Comporta

While the Algarve and Lisbon Coast have long dominated Portugal’s golf tourism, Comporta’s quieter, more refined appeal is carving out a niche of its own. The region has drawn attention from travellers looking for privacy, luxury, and understated beauty. With Rolex now part of the picture, the Dunas Course may well become a flagship for this new model of Portuguese golf travel.

This isn’t just a boost for a single property, it could shift perception of the entire west coast as a high-end golf destination.

Tradition Meets Innovation

The Dunas–Rolex partnership also speaks to a deeper alignment in values. Rolex is synonymous with tradition, precision, and longevity. The Dunas Course, though new, was built with those same principles in mind: a focus on timeless design, strategic play, and long-term environmental harmony.

It’s a pairing that feels less like marketing, and more like philosophy.

Raising the Bar for National Golf Identity

Portugal has long been viewed as a great place to play golf, but this partnership suggests it’s also becoming a great place to shape golf. Courses like Dunas, with international appeal and world-class design, help raise the country’s profile beyond just sunshine and affordability.

It’s about time Portugal was seen not only as a host, but as a benchmark.

👉 Discover more about golf in Portugal

👉 Book your Transfers and Car Hire when playing Golf in Portugal

Source: https://golfbusinessnews.com/

Golf, Growth & Great Times: Swinging into New Connections at AGTC in Vietnam

We’re back from the 11th edition of the Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) in Da Nang, Vietnam, and once again, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) did not disappoint. From April 2nd to 4th, our CEO & Founder, Carlos Ferreira, and our Director of Sales & Marketing, Jorge Diogo, represented Tee Times Golf Holidays at one of the most important gatherings in the golf tourism world.

AGTC isn’t just about business—it’s about reconnecting with old friends, meeting new partners, and sharing our love for golf with people from across the globe. With more than 450 delegates from 33 countries taking action at the 5-star Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center, this year’s event buzzed with ideas, energy, and many exciting future opportunities.

AGTC in Vietnam: A Perfect Location

Da Nang proved to be the perfect host city. Surrounded by breathtaking golf courses—like the award-winning Ba Na Hills Golf Club and the stunning Hoiana Shores—the setting was a reminder of just how much the Asia-Pacific region has to offer. Between pre-scheduled meetings with 150+ tour operators and the AGTC Golf Tournament, there was no shortage of action, both on and off the green.

For over 30 years, we’ve been helping golfers worldwide enjoy unforgettable trips across Portugal, Spain, and beyond. At Tee Times Golf Holidays, we offer top green fees, tailor-made packages, and expert local support that make planning a golf getaway easy and enjoyable.

Events like AGTC help us keep raising the bar. They allow us to share what we do best while staying close to the people and trends shaping the future of golf tourism. Thanks to IAGTO and the incredible city of Da Nang for hosting such a memorable event. We’re already looking forward to the next one!