Terras da Comporta: Portugal’s New Golf Destination
All Square 5min read •
22 Oct
On Portugal’s Alentejo coast, about an hour south of Lisbon, the quiet charm of Comporta has long been a secret known only to those who sought an escape from the bustle of the city. Once dominated by rice fields, umbrella pines and soft sand dunes, the region has evolved into one of Europe’s most refined coastal retreats. At the centre of this transformation lies Terras da Comporta, an ambitious development where golf, nature and understated luxury coexist in perfect harmony.
Terras da Comporta was envisioned as much more than a pair of golf courses. Developed by Vanguard Properties, the project reimagines the idea of a golf community — blending high-end real estate, preserved landscapes and world-class sporting facilities into one carefully balanced ecosystem. The master plan includes two distinct areas: the Dunas site, which covers over 1,000 hectares in Grândola, and the Torre site, a 365-hectare expanse in Alcácer do Sal. Together, they represent the next chapter in Portugal’s evolution as a premier golf destination, offering 36 holes of extraordinary diversity surrounded by nature that feels untouched by time.
The Dunas Course – A Modern Links Amid Coastal Wilderness
The first course to open, Dunas, is the creation of acclaimed Scottish architect David McLay-Kidd, whose signature designs include Bandon Dunes and Machrihanish Dunes. Opened in October 2023, Dunas immediately captured the attention of the golfing world. It was built across a vast expanse of natural sandy terrain that gives the course a genuine links-like feel, unusual for southern Europe. McLay-Kidd’s philosophy was to let the land lead the design, not the other way around. Fairways meander between dunes and clusters of native vegetation, while sandy waste areas, rippling contours and natural undulations add both beauty and challenge.
Playing Dunas is a study in restraint and imagination. Rather than punishing wayward shots, the wide fairways invite creativity, rewarding those who can shape their shots and adapt to ever-changing wind conditions. Six sets of tees per hole allow the course to stretch beyond 7,200 yards for professionals while remaining playable for casual golfers. The light and textures of the landscape transform throughout the day, and walking the course feels like a journey through the raw beauty of Portugal’s coast.
The facilities are already of the highest standard, with a 310-metre driving range, dedicated practice areas and a beautifully designed clubhouse. What makes Dunas exceptional, however, is not only its design but also its ethos. Sustainability is woven into every decision, from irrigation systems powered by treated wastewater to the careful selection of drought-resistant grasses. Within months of opening, the course began appearing on lists of Europe’s best new golf courses, praised for its natural flow and understated elegance. Many consider it among the most important golf projects built in Europe in recent decades.
The Torre Course – Precision, Strategy and Serenity
If Dunas represents openness, freedom and the drama of sand, the Torre Course offers a more introspective experience. Designed by Sergio Garcia with support from the NCM Network team, Torre opened in the summer of 2025 and complements its sibling course beautifully. Where Dunas sweeps through broad dunes, Torre winds its way through pine forests and rolling sandy clearings, evoking a sense of intimacy and strategy.
Garcia drew inspiration from courses like Real Club Valderrama, focusing on precision, smart positioning and cerebral play. Each hole is crafted to make golfers think rather than overpower the course. Subtle doglegs, elevated greens and strategically placed bunkers create a rhythm that demands concentration. The terrain, though still sandy, feels more sheltered, and the routing moves with a quiet confidence through the trees. While Dunas invites the imagination, Torre tests discipline and accuracy.
Stretching to about 6,650 metres from the back tees, Torre plays firm and fast underfoot, with sandy soils ensuring excellent drainage year-round. The first-phase facilities, including the clubhouse and driving range, are gradually coming online, yet the playing experience itself is already drawing acclaim for its sophistication. Golf writers describe it as a thinking player’s course — a layout that rewards intellect as much as athleticism. Together, Torre and Dunas form a perfectly balanced pair: one open and dramatic, the other strategic and intimate.
A Destination of Substance and Style
What makes Terras da Comporta so compelling is not only the golf but the context that surrounds it. The location offers remarkable convenience — just over an hour’s drive from Lisbon Airport — yet it feels worlds away from the bustle of the city. The landscape remains largely untouched, framed by rice paddies, pine groves and the tranquil waters of the Sado Estuary. Golfers can easily combine a morning round with an afternoon on the beach or a leisurely meal in one of Comporta’s chic seaside restaurants.
The resort’s ambition is evident in its details. Everything from the turf to the architectural design reflects a desire to create something enduring — a place where the natural environment and human design are in harmony. While the accommodation and broader infrastructure are still developing, the golfing experience itself is already world-class, offering visitors a chance to play two distinctly different courses in one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions.
The Essence of Terras da Comporta
Ultimately, Terras da Comporta represents the future of golf in Portugal. Dunas brings the grandeur of a modern links course sculpted out of coastal dunes, while Torre introduces a more strategic, refined test that will appeal to purists. Together, they elevate Comporta from a quiet coastal retreat into a destination worthy of global attention.
Here, the rhythm of the waves and the scent of pine blend with the sound of a well-struck iron. The experience is both luxurious and authentic — golf that feels connected to the land rather than built upon it. For players seeking something new yet timeless, Terras da Comporta – Dunas & Torre offers exactly that: a pairing that captures the essence of modern golf while honouring the beauty of Portugal’s Atlantic coast.
