Oitavos Dunes – Where nature shapes luxury

Between the Atlantic Ocean and the pine forest of Quinta da Marinha stretches one of the most fascinating golf courses in Europe. Oitavos Dunes is more than just a course: it is an ode to the Portuguese landscape, to family heritage and to the art of playing in communion with the wind and light.
The story begins in 1922, when Carlos Montez Champalimaud discovered this prime stretch of Atlantic coastline. Decades later, according to the vision of his grandson, Miguel Champalimaud, a world-class development was born, combining sport, wellness and nature in perfect harmony. Oitavos Dunes emerged out of this singular spirit - a masterpiece by the renowned American architect Arthur Hills, who succeeded in respecting the natural character of the landscape and the untamed beauty of the Cascais dunes.
The course unfurls between wind-sculpted dunes, stone pine groves and open horizons over the ocean. Every hole represents a subtle dialogue between man and nature, between technique and contemplation. Hills designed Oitavos Dunes as a genuine links course - a rarity outside the British Isles -, where the terrain dictates the pace and the sea sets the pace.

Oitavos Dunes is more than just a course: it is an ode to the Portuguese landscape, to family heritage and to the art of playing in communion with the wind and light.

With 18 holes and a par of 71, Oitavos Dunes is now recognised as one of the 100 best golf courses in the world (Golf Magazine, 2017/2018) and is also included in the list of the 100 best golf resorts in the world (2024/2025). Since 2015, it has enjoyed the status of Platinum Club® of the World, a distinction reserved for the international elite.
At Oitavos Dunes, every round is an experience for the senses. The sound of the waves, the scent of pine trees and the clear light of Cascais create an almost meditative atmosphere. The broad fairways inspire bold play, but the Atlantic wind – a constant presence – demands respect and strategy. Here, golf is all about the art of balancing strength, precision and serenity.

Hills designed Oitavos Dunes as a genuine links course - a rarity outside the British Isles -, where the terrain dictates the pace and the sea sets the pace.

The Clubhouse is the perfect extension of the course. Surrounded by pine trees and the vast expanse of the dunes, it offers an atmosphere of unpretentious comfort and contemporary elegance. The cuisine, with its emphasis on fresh local produce, combines creativity with authenticity. Fresh fish and shellfish, Portuguese olive oils and wines form the bedrock of a cuisine inspired by the proximity of the sea, where each dish reflects the same spirit that drives the course: sophisticated simplicity.
Just a few minutes from the centre of Cascais, Oitavos Dunes shares the town’s Atlantic and cosmopolitan charm. Among golden beaches, historic fortresses and cafés with views of the sea, Cascais is a destination that combines history, culture and hospitality. Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, it offers the perfect balance between exclusivity and accessibility.

With 18 holes and a par of 71, Oitavos Dunes is now recognised as one of the 100 best golf courses in the world [...] and it enjoys the status of Platinum Club® of the World, a distinction reserved for the international elite.

For anyone wishing to prolong the experience, there is a wide range of high-quality accommodation options: Onyria Marinha Boutique Hotel, Sheraton Cascais Resort, Fortaleza do Guincho, Hotel Baía or Palácio Estoril Hotel – all within easy reach and all with the same spirit of understated elegance.

Sustainability and legacy
More than just a golf course, Oitavos Dunes is a declaration of respect for the environment. It was the first European course to achieve Audubon International’s Gold Signature Sanctuary certification, a distinction that recognises the preservation of local flora and fauna, of the dunes and of the coastal ecosystem. Every detail of the course reflects this philosophy of sustainability and blending into the landscape.
For anyone looking for unique experiences, Oitavos Dunes represents the perfect fusion of luxury and nature, of refinement and authenticity. It is a destination that is played, but above all else felt – a communion between the rhythm of the sea and the silence of the dunes.
Oitavos Dunes – where the Atlantic shapes every hole and elegance is expressed through light, space and silence.

Text: Editorial Team 
Photos: Oitavos Dunes Golf