The Ultimate Golf & Nature Escape South of Lisbon: explore Aroeira, Sesimbra, Comporta and Tróia
- clairebambino
- Nov 12
- 5 min read
There are few places in Europe where golf, nature and refined living blend as seamlessly as along Lisbon's southern coast, stretching from the pine-framed fairways of Aroeira to the pristine sands of Comporta and the sun-drenched peninsula of Tróia. This region has quietly become a paradise for golfers who seek more than just a great round. Here, each swing is accompanied by ocean breezes, the scent of pine, and a sense of pure escape.
Only 30 minutes from the Portuguese capital, the PGA Aroeira Golf combines classic design and contemporary play. With the rebranding done in 2024, Aroeira became PGA National Portugal. It has the Exclusive PGA Branded Property Partner status for all Portugal - strictly limited to only one PGA National per country.
PGA Aroeira No. 1 (18 holes, Par 72): a masterpiece from Frank Pennink, the course opened in 1972 and was quickly christened ‘the Wentworth* of Lisbon’ by visiting players. (*The Wentworth Golf Club is a prestigious private golf club located near London, known as the headquarters of the PGA European Tour). The course is a gripping challenge for even the most experienced golfers, demanding accuracy off the tee if you are to earn a low score. Surrounded by towering pine trees, Aroeira No. 1 rewards those who think before they shoot, and a variety of tee options ensure that players of all abilities can enjoy the course.
PGA Aroeira No. 2 (18 holes, Par 72): the architect Donald Steel took advantage of the magnificent setting and laid out a course capable of hosting tournaments of the very highest level. Players who tee off from the back should expect a tough test that lives long in the memory. This tour of spectacular woodland challenges players to navigate five vast lakes, deviously placed fairway bunkers and a gallery of undulating greens.
Just 20 minutes further south, framed by the Serra da Arrábida, lies Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club (18 holes, Par 72), a Rocky Roquemore design opened in 1994.
The Quinta do Peru Golf Course is a visual and strategic masterpiece set amidst lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers. Its layout is both a testament to natural beauty and a delight for golfers, featuring well-placed bunkers and fast, true-rolling greens. Its perfect mix of natural beauty and technical challenges attracts both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.
From PGA Aroeira No. 1 & No. 2 and Quinta do Peru, you can easily reach Sesimbra, a picturesque seaside town, famous for its fresh seafood, historic castle and the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Espichel.
Stay by the sea at the Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel 5*. Boasting a stunning beachfront location just steps from the inviting sands of Praia da Califórnia, this hotel presents 84 expansive guest rooms and 8 suites, each boasting a balcony with a direct sea view. Whether it's unwinding in the warmly lit surroundings of the indoor pool or taking in stunning ocean views as you soak up the sun in the outdoor infinity pool, this hotel offers many ways to make a splash.
Comporta, the new name on every golfer’s lips, feels like a world away, yet is an easy 70-minute drive from Quinta do Peru. Set amid endless dunes, pine forests, and rice fields, it is home to Terras da Comporta.
The Dunas Course (18 holes, Par 71): designed by David McLay-Kidd and opened in 2023, this course of 6,646 meters is situated in a secluded coastal setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. Created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain this course provides a world-class golfing experience.
The Torre Course (18 holes, Par 72): only 10 minutes from Dunas, the Torre Golf Course (6,650 metres) designed by Sergio Garcia, recently opened in October 2025. The course offers a challenging but enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. With its fine fairways, carefully designed greens and views over the surrounding scenery, the Torre Golf Course is an excellent place to relax and practice sport.
Stay nearby at the Pestana Comporta Village Residences 4*, a peaceful, sophisticated, and cosy getaway close to the beach. Located in the picturesque village of Comporta and only five minutes from the beach, Pestana Comporta Village Residences is ideal for relaxing and slowing down. The 75 villas are privately owned and feature different decor, in a sophisticated but relaxed tone, which combines with an architecture that favours relaxation and privacy, in harmony with the outdoor spaces and the surrounding nature.
Across the estuary (30 min by car from Comporta, 25 minutes crossing by ferry boat from Setúbal) lies Tróia. In the heart of the peninsula, you’ll find one of Portugal’s most engaging and challenging golf courses :
The legendary Tróia Golf (18 holes, Par 72) stretches 6,317 metres along the beach, with magnificent views over the sea. Regardless of your handicap, the Robert Trent Jones Sr. course is ideal for improving your technique and for expecting the best performance and the best results. Robert Trent Jones Senior selected hole 3 of Troia’s golf course as one of the best he has ever designed, and included it in his list of ideal 18-hole courses.
After a round, stay at the Pestana Tróia Eco Resort 4*, an oasis of 360 villas and apartments by the sea surrounded by nature’s perfection. This is the ideal place for anyone looking for a comfortable space to relax, go for long walks, cycle and to experience everything a nature reserve has to offer. With an area of 120 hectares, the resort is fenced off and provides three exclusive accesses to the beach. Here you can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, paddle tennis courts and sports facilities. This place also guarantees all guests easy access to sightseeing tours of the Sado Estuary, horse riding in Comporta, various restaurants and the Tróia Casino.
This region’s appeal extends far beyond golf. From Lisbon’s cultural treasures and gastronomy to Comporta’s untouched beaches and Tróia’s marine wildlife, every stop reveals a different side of Portugal’s soul. Off the course, you'll discover:
Sesimbra and Cabo Espichel: explore the medieval quay, the castle and cliff-top dinosaur footprints at the wild promontory.
Serra da Arrábida Natural Park: limestone mountains plunging into turquoise waters; perfect for hiking or kayaking.
Comporta Village and Sado Estuary: watch wild dolphins, explore rice fields, enjoy horseback rides at sunset and dine on the freshest seafood.
Tróia Marina: chic restaurants, beach clubs, and coastal boat tours.
Setúbal Wine Region: sample Moscatel wines from local estates.
Distances at a glance 🚘
Lisbon → Aroeira: 30 min
Aroeira → Sesimbra: 35 min
Sesimbra → Quinta do Peru: 30 min
Quinta do Peru → Comporta: 70 min
Comporta → Tróia: 20 min
Setúbal* → Tróia: 25 min
*⛴ Ferry boat (for cars and passengers): the most scenic and fastest way to cross the Sado Estuary, with departures every 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the season. During the crossing, passengers often spot dolphins from the Sado Estuary, with the Arrábida mountains forming a spectacular backdrop.
From Aroeira’s timeless greens to Comporta’s visionary dunes and Tróia’s Atlantic legend, Lisbon's southern coast is more than a golf destination, it’s an experience. Here, world-class courses, elegant hotels, and natural beauty flow together seamlessly.
