Praia D’El Rey Golf Course is one of the standout golfing experiences on Portugal’s Silver Coast, combining dramatic Atlantic views with pine-lined parkland and rolling coastal dunes. Located near Óbidos, around an hour north of Lisbon, it is a course we would happily build an entire golf holiday around, particularly when combined with the other excellent layouts along this increasingly popular stretch of the Portuguese coast.

Designed by American golf architect Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 1997, Praia D’El Rey is an 18-hole, par-73 championship course stretching to around 7,100 yards from the back tees. What makes it particularly memorable is the contrast between its different sections. Some holes weave through established pine woodland with a more traditional parkland feel, before the course opens towards the Atlantic and becomes much more like classic seaside golf.

The coastal section is where Praia D’El Rey really comes alive. Undulating dunes, deep bunkers and sweeping views across the Atlantic towards the Berlengas Islands create some brilliant-looking golf holes, while the wind can completely change the challenge from one round to the next. When the breeze picks up, controlling trajectory and choosing the right club becomes far more important than simply looking at the yardage.

We particularly like that the course constantly makes you think. Fairways can be generous in places, but finding the correct position is important because the sloping greens and well-placed bunkers can make approaches difficult from the wrong angle. The 12th brings the Atlantic firmly into view, while the coastal stretch around the 14th can be especially demanding when the wind is blowing. The long 17th, stretching to around 570 metres from the back, gives you one final major challenge before heading towards the clubhouse.

Practice facilities are excellent, with a 300-metre driving range featuring 36 bays, including covered positions, alongside putting and short-game areas. Lessons are available through the golf academy, making Praia D’El Rey equally suitable for golfers wanting to sharpen their game during their stay.

The clubhouse provides a restaurant, bar and Golf Shop, while Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort and other accommodation options sit directly within the wider resort. West Cliffs Golf Links is also nearby, making it easy to create an outstanding multi-course itinerary without spending hours travelling between rounds.

For golfers looking for beautiful scenery, varied course design and proper Atlantic golf, Praia D’El Rey is an easy course for us to recommend. Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include Praia D’El Rey within a tailor-made Silver Coast golf holiday, combining accommodation, tee times and the best courses around Óbidos.