Why Lisbon might just be your smartest golf escape this spring

Still battling unpredictable UK spring weather? You’re not alone. Plenty of avid golfers are already eyeing up golf holidays to Lisbon instead.

While the UK can’t decide what season it is, Lisbon’s already sitting pretty.

And it’s not just a hunch — Glencor Golf Holidays’ bookings for Lisbon spike hard in late spring, with May quickly becoming prime time to tee off.

So, what’s driving this spring shift? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Lisbon has a spring in its step

As we know, a bit of early sun plays a central role here. With the UK hovering around 15°C in May (and, let’s be honest, dropping below that often), Lisbon’s average of 23°C looks very appealing. Just imagine teeing off with the sun beating down and a gentle Atlantic breeze giving your drive an extra nudge.

Course conditions also tend to be better in Europe this time of year. Maintenance work through the slower months has wrapped up, and the summer heat has not yet taken hold. This creates a window where playing conditions feel balanced rather than demanding, with slick greens and lush fairways awaiting.

There is also the obvious financial benefit. Travelling outside peak school holiday periods can bring costs down, particularly for accommodation and tee times. And you won’t be sat next to a screaming kid at the pool.

As Corrie Renton, co-director of Glencor Golf Holidays puts it: “Spring is when Lisbon comes alive. And groups love it.

“The weather is settled, courses are in prime condition, and there is enough availability for bigger groups. It is one of those times of year where everything lines up without much compromise. It’s time to book up.”

It’s time to take your mates to Lisbon

Lisbon holidays work best when you’ve got a big group to share them with. In May, the average booking rises to 3.6 rooms per trip – get your golfing buddies signed up on your WhatsApp group now.

And Lisbon accommodates everyone. It’s nicely walkable with the big attractions close to each other. And there’s plenty of variety beyond the luxurious golf courses to keep large groups engaged.

There will be one who wants to hit the fairways daily, while you’ll have a few that are casual golfers preferring the 19th hole to the first. Find yourself a city that can do both — and Lisbon is exactly that.

The courses themselves are also within easy reach of one another. In the Cascais and Sintra areas, you can pair the likes of Oitavos Dunes, Quinta da Marinha, Penha Longa and Estoril in a single week-long trip without long transfers.

Head slightly north to Praia D’El Rey, West Cliffs and Royal Óbidos for another cluster of standout courses, making it easy to build a varied itinerary without turning it into a logistical nightmare.

Why spring trips are easier on your wallet

Are you finding all the best resorts and preferred tee times are booked up in summer? Spring offers more variety and better value for money.

Better yet, many of these resorts regularly release seasonal packages geared towards shorter breaks, typically bundling accommodation with golf to simplify planning and keep overall costs down.

At Praia D’El Rey Golf Resort, stays combine coastal views with on-site access to one of the region’s standout links-style courses. Quinta da Marinha offers a more relaxed, boutique feel in Cascais with golf right on the doorstep. Penha Longa Resort, set within the Sintra hills, adds a slightly more premium resort experience, pairing two courses with a five-star hotel setting.

For those seeking a more traditional, heritage-led golf break, Hotel Palácio Estoril is your best bet — a five-star golf getaway that combines classic architecture with modern luxury.

More than just golf

One of the reasons Lisbon continues to hold interest is that the trip does not revolve entirely around golf. Off the fairways, the city offers a variety of experiences – take a walk around the older neighbourhoods, have a drink on the waterfront, or head out in the evening, exploring the local vibrant nightlife.

In the city itself, golfers can swap spikes for cobbled streets in neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, where traditional restaurants, rooftop bars, and live Fado music create a very different pace to the day.

The waterfront around Belém has a more open setting, with landmarks, cafés and the well-known pastel de nata spots.

Head west to Cascais for beachfront bars, luxury marinas and laid-back dining. It’s just as easy to keep things simple with a drink overlooking the Atlantic as it is to plan a full evening out.

Having a mix of golf, city, and coastal experiences keeps the trip flexible and exciting rather than overly structured — ideal for groups who may all want to do different activities.

Plan ahead to get the best Lisbon spring break

The trend is clear: late spring, particularly May, is the standout window for Lisbon golf trips, combining ideal playing conditions with strong availability across top resorts.

If you’re thinking about booking, getting in early is your best bet — especially if you’re travelling as a group.

Demand builds quickly, especially for groups, and the best combination of courses, accommodation and tee times are often secured well in advance. A little forward planning can make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

Explore a full range of Lisbon golf holiday options and make your next trip an unforgettable one.