The perfect secluded golf break has never been closer. Only an hour’s drive from Lisbon, Portugal, lies TROIA, the laid-back beach retreat offering sun-soaked boho vibes interspersed with top golfing in pristine natural surroundings.
The ideal destination to unwind away from the world whilst partaking in a round or two of golf, TROIA’s award winning, championship course was designed by renowned American golf architect Robert Trent Jones Senior. Widely considered one of the finest in Portugal, the course blends seamlessly into the natural landscape whilst offering magnificent sweeping sea views.
TROIA is reached by a short and picturesque ferry ride across the river Sado from Setúbal. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Arrábida mountain range, both golfers and non-golfers alike will be thrilled by the beauty of the TROIA GOLF Championship Course, an 18-hole and 72 parcourse that stretches 6,317 metres along the beach. The course was elected in 2011 by Rolex as one of the best golf courses in the world, and is listed in The Rolex World’s Top 1,000 Golf Courses guide. In 2017, TROIA GOLF was voted the #2 Golf Course in Portugal and #17 in Continental Europe, by Golf World.
Easily accessible from the UK with numerous daily flights into Lisbon, TROIA is an ideal destination for a short golf getaway for friends or couples, as well as for longer extended breaks. The idyllic setting of the course coupled with its expert design as well as a wide offering of non-golfing activities, means that both the most competent golfers and casual players can equally enjoy their time at TROIA.
Arriving guests will discover crystal clear waters and an 18km sandy beach, one of the most extensive in Portugal, on one side, and pine forest on the other. This unspoiled area creates a peaceful backdrop for a challenging and diverse round of golf, with the course offering a spectacular array of world-class holes in a stunning seaside environment combined with lush greenery.
However, the action on course is anything but serene, as the stunning natural environment allows for a strong test of ability regarded as one of the most fascinating golf challenges in Portugal. The interesting and diverse holes present a challenge for players of all ages and skill levels, requiring the ability to play a multitude of shots. Robert Trent Jones Senior selected hole 3 of Troia’s golf course as one of the best he has ever designed, and included it in his list of ideal 18-hole courses. Hole 3 is a par 4 that fits impeccably into the landscape, making the most of the stunning sea views afforded by the destination. Hole 18 is also notable for its beauty and challenge, a par 5 with an elevated green protected by three front bunkers. The greens are small with naturally shaped defensive bunkers and hummocks, while the fairways are narrow, surrounded by sandy dunes and pine trees, providing a test for more experienced golfers whilst remaining enjoyable for more modest players.
There are numerous top-class onsite facilities for guests to polish and perfect their technique before hitting the course, including a driving range, two putting greens and chipping green. Overlooking the 18th hole is TROIA’s Clubhouse where players can unwind after their game. The Clubhouse was built during the refurbishment of the TROIA GOLF Championship Course in 2008. With a double-height glass entrance and large windows facing south and west, the building, designed by architect João Paciência has a welcoming and relaxed ambience that captures TROIA’s laidback mood.
The bar and restaurant serve exquisite food and drink and the large balcony overlooking both the course and the pretty lake, is the perfect place take in the glorious landscape as the sun sets on a day of golfing and enjoying quality time with loved ones. The changing rooms are located on the north-facing side and connect to the lower floor where the caddy master is, and open directly to the course.
With Portugal’s warming year-round climate, golf in TROIA can become a year round affair, whilst there are plenty of non-golfing opportunities for a rest day, or for any non-golfers in the group. Activities on offer include exploring the nearby ancient Roman Ruins, uncovering the area’s rich ecosystem and varied biodiversity through a range of guided walking, hiking or cycling trails, making use of the extensive sporting facilities including tennis and paddle courts, or simply reclining and enjoying a quiet golden beach.
TROIA also features a number of on-site amenities including a variety of restaurants serving locally-sourced produce and menus, the bustling TROIA Marina with regularly departing boat trips to spot the local bottlenose dolphins, one of very few dolphin colonies in the whole of Europe to have an estuary as its home, and the TROIA Beach Club which offers a chilled spot to unwind as well as offerings such as sunrise yoga over the summer months. Younger visitors will enjoy the Kids Club, providing a variety of art and craft workshops and sporting activities. In keeping with the laid-back atmosphere, there are a number of accommodation options including a range of beach villas and family-friendly townhouses. The properties have been designed to fit perfectly into their beachside surrounding, drawing inspiration from a laid-back lifestyle whilst being modern and fully equipped, providing the upmost privacy and the perfect ‘home from home’ retreat.
Green Fees at TROIA start from 102 Euros for 18 holes / 78 Euros for 9 holes. Stay and play: A family-friendly townhouse starts from 370 Euros per night, based on a family of four sharing.
Address: 7570-789 Grândola, Portugal
