If you’ve never considered Cascais for your next golf escape, I get it; I hadn’t either. But after three days of championship golf, fresh sea breeze mornings, and hospitality so warm I found myself hugging the restaurant staff, I can safely say this corner of Portugal has worked its way into my heart, and my top travel recommendations.
Day One: Arrivals & Unexpected Impressions
We landed under golden skies and headed straight for Onyria Quinta da Marinha, a resort so serene it instantly washed away any stresses I had. The hospitality hit us from the moment we stepped out of the car, bags whisked away, and we were checked in within minutes. My room overlooked the golf course, every golfer’s dream.
Inside, thoughtful touches made all the difference with local wine, delicate treats, and a toothbrush with my name on it. The art of making you feel at home is often in the little things, and this set the tone for the entire trip.
That evening, we were at the launch of ‘Cascais for Tomorrow’, a truly groundbreaking initiative from the Cascais Tourism Board, which is working with a remarkable company called Breeze, widely described as the first of its kind worldwide. It lets travellers see the environmental cost of their trip from their flights, hotels and meals, and then directly invest in real, local projects like reforestation, dune restoration, wildfire prevention, and more. What’s more, every penny stays in Cascais, funding local environmental efforts managed by Cascais Ambiente.
Day Two: Pines, Dunes, and Dreamy Dining
We kicked off the golf with nine holes at Quinta da Marinha, a Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. The morning air was cool and still, and each buggy was kitted out with cold water, fresh tees, and golf balls. Staff met us on arrival, handled our bags with care, genuine smiles and more of the 5-star service I was becoming accustomed to.
The course winds through umbrella pines and tranquil water features. It’s a course that greets you gently, offering generous fairways with subtle doglegs, ocean views and greens that test your short game without bullying it. I may have had a number of 3-putts, but that’s not uncommon for me. It was such a treat to play this course, and everywhere I looked was simply stunning; it was a great test of golf. After our round, we were met with ice-cold towels to cool us down, which we gladly accepted and made our way to the clubhouse for a good de-brief, drinks and snacks.
Before we knew it, we were on the road to play at the famed Oitavos Dunes, but first, we would head up to their clubhouse restaurant for lunch and let me tell you it was no mere pit stop. At Verbasco, the dishes were delicate and vibrant, lots of beautiful sharing plates and tender grilled white fish for our mains. The wine flowed generously, the laughter of the group intoxicating, and we almost forgot that we needed to play golf afterwards. I was quickly realising just how genuine the people of Cascais are and how happy they are. It was contagious, and I was falling in love with it by the minute.
Now for the golf, Oitavos Dunes is the kind of course that quietly stuns you before you’ve even hit a shot. Hugging the Atlantic coastline, it challenges players with firm, rolling fairways, wispy fescue, and greens that are quick, sloped, and unapologetically tough. Designed by Arthur Hills, the layout flows between windswept dunes and pockets of pine forest, with dramatic elevation changes and horizon-stretching views that make it hard to focus on your yardage.
There’s a raw, untamed beauty to the place. You can smell the sea, hear the waves crash in the distance, and feel the breeze constantly shifting your strategy. One minute you’re threading a drive through tree-lined corridors, the next you’re staring down a green framed by nothing but dunes and sky. It’s the kind of course where every single hole could be a signature hole. There’s drama, there’s nuance, and there’s a constant feeling that you’re playing somewhere truly special.
Oitavos doesn’t just test your golf; it makes you feel it.
Later that evening, we made our way for dinner at Marisco na Praça, and it was a sensory highlight, set against the glimmering marina, the scent of salt and garlic filled the air as fresh prawns sizzled and wine glasses clinked. The sea bass was perfectly charred, the smashed potatoes buttery and comforting, and the almond tart was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. It was the kind of meal where time slowed down, and all that mattered was good food and great company. We had truly gelled together as a little family, sharing in an unforgettable experience.
Day Three: Boats, Birdies & Basslines
We started our final full day on the water with a coastal boat tour. The sun warmed our shoulders as we cruised along the jagged cliffs and whitewashed buildings of Cascais. Sea air mixed with the scent of sunscreen and coffee, and the rhythm of the waves set the mood for a relaxed, joyful morning. We cruised along for the most blissful hour and were sad to dock again. We wanted to stay out longer, but what was to come, no one was prepared for.
Lunch was at Arola, located within Penha Longa Resort. We had saved the best until last, and all the hospitality we had experienced led to this very special place. Here, every bite told a story: silky shrimp salad, veal croquettes, creamy risotto, tender steak and my favourite, patatas bravas. I did steal as many as I could, and I’m not ashamed of it! The staff were unforgettable. Their warmth and attentiveness added heart to the already spectacular surroundings, and it was no surprise we hugged our servers at the end.
The course at Penha Longa is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. gem, set within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and wrapped around the grounds of a 14th-century monastery. It’s where golf meets grandeur. From the first tee, you’re dwarfed by towering forest and steep, dramatic hills that rise and fall like a natural amphitheatre. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best possible way, surrounded by nature, history, and silence broken only by the occasional crack of a well-struck drive.
Ancient aqueducts stretch across fairways, dense woodland frames the narrowest of landing zones, and the terrain constantly shifts underfoot, offering up blind tee shots, elevated greens, and cinematic backdrops at every turn. The holes feel less like parts of a layout and more like chapters in a story.
And then, on the final hole, came a moment I’ll never forget. Our match was tight, and all signs pointed to a win for the other pair. But with 30 yards to the pin, I struck a chip that floated high, landed soft, and rolled gently beside the cup. Cue celebration. I may never hit a shot like it again, but in that moment, I felt like a true pro. Penha Longa, I’ll be back.
That evening, we ventured into the town to a wonderful seafood restaurant called Sr. Manuel, where we were treated to another plethora of amazing dishes, including shrimp, prawns, sirloin pica pau, and so much more. The restaurant had a buzz like no other, with every seat filled inside and outside, laughter and jokes filling the air and wine flowing freely.
On a high, we headed to the Coala Festival. We were absolutely spoiled and hosted in the VVIP area, which, as you can only imagine, was full of exceptional service, views, space to dance and close to the action. Lights flickered across smiling faces, the bass thumped through the night air, and upbeat dance music filled the atmosphere. The crowd was simply electric, singing, dancing, and basking in that unique mix of joy and release that only live music can offer. We stayed until well past midnight, carried by the rhythm and that unmistakable buzz of a summer night.
Verdict
I boarded my 7am flight the next morning with sun-kissed skin and a heart full of gratitude. If you’re planning a trip, do leave extra time at Lisbon airport, as some in our group faced long passport queues. But otherwise, travel was smooth, and TAP delivered an excellent flying experience. TAP Air Portugal has up to 12 daily departures to Lisbon from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester. Prices start at £81 return, including all taxes. For further information, visit TAP’s website.
Cascais truly surprised me in every way. It’s a destination that blends world-class golf with rich culture, spectacular food, and genuine, heartfelt hospitality. From staff placing balls and tees in buggies to courses that test and thrill in equal measure, it’s an unforgettable place for any golfer. They also have an online booking system, aptly called ‘Golf Passport’, which connects all seven golf courses in the region, allowing you to book your rounds in one place.
I went to Cascais expecting a golf trip. I left with something far more lasting: memories of sunrises and sunsets on the fairway, late-night laughter, new friends and that perfect chip that found its way right next to the hole. I will 100% return to this wonderful spot, and next time, I’m staying longer.
