Oitavos Dunes

The 213 yard 11th gives a good measure of Oitavos Dunes. It is the longest of five par threes, with bunkers flanking the green, yet the ground game remains available for a shot that lands short and runs in. That choice is central to this par 71, 6,526 yard course, where Arthur Hills routed holes through existing dunes and pines beside the Atlantic rather than forcing the land into a conventional parkland shape. The 5th usually plays into the prevailing wind and the exposed 8th can feel very different from one round to the next. At the 161 yard 14th, a low flight over the deep front bunker is often the sensible answer when the breeze is up.

Atlantic views appear regularly, with the Sintra Mountains and Cabo da Roca also part of the horizon, but the course demands attention underfoot as much as above. The 3rd is tucked among pine trees and asks for a precise tee shot past three deep bunkers at the front of the green. Fairways, dunes and native vegetation give the round a properly coastal feel, while the club’s Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary status reflects the care taken with the setting. Before teeing off, there is a substantial practice area with dedicated pitching and chipping space. Club, shoe, trolley and buggy hire are available, and a caddie can be arranged in advance.

After the round, the light-filled steel and glass clubhouse looks across fairways, umbrella pines and the sea. The U-shaped bar serves drinks and familiar golf dishes from 11am until the course closes, while the restaurant leans towards Portuguese food, with fish, meat, salads, pasta and tapas alongside local wine. Bags are taken care of on arrival and the changing rooms have lockers and fresh towels. Longevity Senses Cascais Boutique Hotel and Clinic is 0.6 miles away, with 39 rooms, a restaurant, bar terrace and 21 treatment rooms. Cascais and Guincho beach are close by, while Lisbon Airport is around 20 minutes away.