There’s a new kid on the block in Portugal in a relatively undiscovered coastal area which is quietly yet steadily cementing its place as the number one destination for quality golf in a glorious unspoiled coastal setting.
Emerging within the vast pine and oak forest and rolling sand dunes of this pristine coastline around the sleepy rice growing village of Comporta, Terras da Comporta is becoming the unrivalled luxury tourist destination in the country.
The resort, found just over an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, has villas for sale and a top class hotel which will soon be complemented by additional accommodation with building well underway. It will need it, because it now features two top class courses which are among the best in Europe. Torre, which has just opened and ready for play, and its elder sister Dunas are now making a name for themselves and beginning to attract players from all over Europe and the US.
Both courses are owned and operated by Vanguard Properties, which has spent a great deal of time, effort and money to ensure its creations are the very best and match the quality of its real estate.
Torre Golf Course at Terras da Comporta
Being given the task of creating a second course at a resort that already has arguably the best in Portugal must have been a daunting challenge.
But Sergio Garcia is used to pressure and with his Torre course he has pulled off a stroke of genius.
And that’s not bad for his first design project where he has been given overall responsibly.
He was well aware that its sister – Dunas – had been received as one of the finest new courses in Continental Europe and knew that while it had to be of a similar standard, it also needed to be distinctively different.
There are obvious similarities – they are after all only 10 minutes apart and occupy the same coastal forest with identical sandy soil. It looks equally natural and it gives the impression it has been there for years, while there is still some obvious bedding in to do.
The greens are smaller here. There are fewer strategic options, yet it is still target based, so golfers have to plot their way around and execute precise shots to score well.
From a visual perspective, the talking points lie on the 1st and 9th holes, both have fairway trees although they shouldn’t unduly interfere with play. The first is a short par 4, with a dogleg left around a large dune hiding in sight of the green from the tee. The trees in question here are a small stand of pines seemingly very close to the front of the green. A good drive will ensure a short iron approach, so the ball can be flighted high above the trouble.
Conversely the 9th – arguably the best on the course – offers a different challenge. A lone tall pine stands at the entrance to the fairway; it looks majestic from the elevated tee, yet it should not hinder a well struck drive. The main problem on this great hole is yet to come. Long hitters might fancy taking on the green in two, but it’s long and difficult. Mere mortals will choose to lay up, but will need to pick their line very carefully as a small hidden bunker lays to the left. Thereafter it’s an iron to the small green which has the customary borrows found throughout.
Sergio also favours a short par 3 and believes every course should have one. His is found at the 5th – and the hole is beautifully framed by bunkers and the background sandy mounds. Finding the green here might not be so difficult, but the putt over a snaking surface will test players of all abilities.
*The clubhouse and pro shop are under construction and there weren’t any on-course toilets as of November 2025. Temporary facilities were available at sign-in.
The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta
Course architect David McLay-Kidd’s first design in mainland Europe opened in 2023 and is maturing into a real classic.
Visually stunning in every respect, from the huge practice area which mimics one of the holes, to the new clubhouse that overlooks the course, and to the vast array of sandy waste areas that pepper the land, it is a jaw-dropping masterpiece.
It measures 7,268 yards from its back tees but in-keeping with modern design has a range of teeing options to suit players of all standards. No matter which plates are selected there are further options to consider as the overall design provides alternative shot strategies on each hole. Better players may be tempted by the tiger lines which flirt with the waste bunkers yet take greenside bunkers out of play. Players of more modest ability may choose a less perilous line from the tee, knowing that they might have to lay up on par fours.
McLay-Kidd believes it’s a true links course in-keeping with some of the finest but it isn’t typical links in appearance. While the ocean is only a short distance away, you can’t see the sea from anywhere on the course. Fairways are very wide and the rough is virtually non-existent. Instead, the vast sandy waste bunkers line almost every hole providing the primary hazard.
This course is stunning and an absolute joy to play. Some tweaking is going on to discover the best grass seed mixture to suit the climate but it’s difficult to find fault and it really is a must-play.
What is Terras da Comporta?
The overall development known as Terras da Comporta is made up of two large, luxury developments of properties, bars, restaurants and offers a variety of activities. Quinta da Comporta, the development’s Wellness Boutique Resort is stunning. Nearby, the Comporta village is still an authentic rice producing area where paddy fields create a landscape virtually unique within Portugal. It’s a nature lover’s paradise where storks and pink flamingos live, cheek and jowl with farmers and international jet setters.
How Good is Terras da Comporta?
The new Torre Course complements its elder sister perfectly making this an absolute must play destination. Being new, current prices are as low as they will get and a relative bargain. Accommodation is available at the exclusive Quinta da Comporta, in Comporta village, and at the nearby resort, Troia. See our travel partner Golfbreaks for latest deals.
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Andy Waple is Golfshake’s Travel Editor and an experienced journalist with decades of experience reviewing golf destinations worldwide. A member of Hallamshire Golf Club in Sheffield, he has a deep appreciation for courses across the UK, Ireland, and abroad. Andy provides detailed insights into equipment, apparel and travel experiences with his favourite destinations including South Africa, the Dominican Republic and Portugal. His knowledge of international golf travel brings valuable insights for golfers planning trips in search of memorable courses and quality travel experiences.
