Aroeira Challenge
Donald Steel designed Aroeira Challenge, the second course at the Aroeira resort south of Lisbon, opening it in 2000 to European Tour standards. A par 72 of about 6,367 meters threading through umbrella pines and around six lakes, it is a tournament tested test just 25 minutes from the capital.
Photo: Aroeira resort via Google.
The verdict
The Aroeira resort sits in a forest of umbrella pines on the Costa da Caparica, a short hop south of Lisbon over the bridge, and it gives the capital a genuine two course golf base. The original Pines Classic is the better known of the pair, but the younger Challenge course, opened in 2000 and now styled PGA Aroeira No.2, is a serious layout in its own right. Donald Steel designed it to European Tour recommendations, and it has gone on to host professional events.
What makes the Challenge worth a round is the water. Steel routed many of the holes around six lakes, so where the Pines course tests you with trees, this one adds the nerve of a forced carry and the penalty of a wet miss, particularly across the closing stretch. For a travelling golfer it is a well priced, well conditioned partner course to build a Lisbon golf trip around. Always confirm rates and tee times directly before you plan around it.
Aroeira Challenge at a glance
- Opened
- 2000
- Designer
- Donald Steel
- Type
- Wooded parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,367 m
- Green fee
- €69 to €81 (2025)
Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026 from PGA Aroeira and leading course databases. Donald Steel designed the course, which opened in 2000 to European Tour standards; it plays as a par 72 of about 6,367 meters, roughly 6,967 yards. Indicative 2025 public green fees were about 69 euros in summer and winter and about 81 euros in the spring and autumn high seasons. Always confirm current green fees and tee times directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Steel set the Challenge course through the same handsome umbrella pines as its older sibling, but gave it a different defense. Six lakes come into play across the round, and water is at its most insistent over the back nine, where carries and lay ups demand a clear head and an honest assessment of how far you really hit it. The fairways wind and tumble through the trees, and a wayward drive leaves an awkward recovery from the pine straw.
The greens are well guarded and true, and because the course was built to European Tour recommendations it asks the same questions of strategy and ball control that the professionals faced when the tour came to town. It is not overly long, which keeps it enjoyable for the holiday golfer, yet there is enough water and shaping to keep the better player honest.
Played as a pair with the Pines Classic, Aroeira gives a Lisbon trip two contrasting forest courses on one site, the trees on one and the water on the other, with a short transfer back to the city at the end of the day.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course open to visitors; book a tee time in advance, particularly in the spring and autumn high seasons |
| Green fee | Indicative 2025: about 69 euros in summer and winter, about 81 euros in the spring and autumn high seasons |
| Booking | Reserve through the resort or your trip planner; twilight and buggy rates are often available |
| On the day | Buggies are popular through the pines; bring extra balls for the holes routed around the lakes |
| Getting there | On the Costa da Caparica at Charneca de Caparica, about 25 minutes south of Lisbon over the bridge |
| Best months | March to May and September to November for warm, settled golf weather around Lisbon |
Access and rate details verified June 2026; policies and pricing change, so always confirm directly with the resort or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The Aroeira resort has its own lodging set among the pines beside the two courses, the simplest base for a golf focused stay where you can roll from bed to the first tee. It suits a group that wants to play both Aroeira courses without a daily transfer.
Many visitors prefer to stay in Lisbon itself, 25 minutes north over the bridge, pairing the golf with one of Europe's most characterful cities and its food, wine and nightlife. From a Lisbon base, Aroeira slots neatly alongside Penha Longa, Oitavos and the other courses of the Lisbon coast for a varied week.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Aroeira.
Build a Lisbon golf trip
We book the Aroeira tee times, pair them with the best of the Lisbon coast and arrange the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Aroeira Challenge questions
Who designed Aroeira Challenge and when did it open?
Aroeira Challenge, formerly Aroeira II, was designed by Donald Steel and opened in 2000. It was built to European Tour standards and is now known as PGA Aroeira No.2.
What is the par and length of Aroeira Challenge?
Aroeira Challenge is a par 72 of about 6,367 meters, roughly 6,967 yards, routed through umbrella pines with water in play on several holes.
How much does it cost to play Aroeira Challenge?
Indicative 2025 public green fees were about 69 euros in summer and winter and about 81 euros in the spring and autumn high seasons. Always confirm current rates and tee times directly before booking.
Where is Aroeira Challenge?
Aroeira Challenge is on the Costa da Caparica at Charneca de Caparica, just south of Lisbon and about 25 minutes from the city over the bridge.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.