Located on the Alentejo coast south of Lisbon, the course was designed by renowned architect David McLay-Kidd and has attracted significant international attention since opening. The layout is set among pine forests and sand dunes close to the Atlantic coastline and has been praised for blending naturally into the surrounding landscape.

The latest Golf Digest ranking places Dunas ahead of several long-established Portuguese courses, many of them located in the Algarve, which has traditionally dominated the country’s golf tourism sector.

Industry figures say the recognition reflects a broader evolution within Portuguese golf, with newer developments increasingly drawing international players seeking more environmentally integrated and architecturally distinctive courses.

Portugal continues to rank among Europe’s most popular golf tourism destinations, attracting visitors from the UK, Ireland, Germany and the United States. The country’s mild climate, coastal landscapes and expanding luxury resort market have all contributed to its growing appeal among golfers.

The recognition is also expected to boost interest in the wider Comporta region, which has increasingly positioned itself as a luxury lifestyle and tourism destination in recent years.

Golf tourism remains an important contributor to Portugal’s economy, particularly in regions such as the Algarve and Alentejo, where international visitors play a significant role in supporting hotels, restaurants and resort developments.