Oitavos Dunes is a rare blend – a true links-style course in Southern Europe. Located in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, just west of Lisbon, it weaves through pine forest, sandy dunes, and open coastal land with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains throughout. Designed by Arthur Hills in 2001, it’s ranked among Europe’s top 100 and feels more like Ireland or Scotland than the Algarve. The course flows naturally over undulating terrain, with minimal earth moved and ecology preserved. Fairways are wide but wind-exposed, greens are firm and contoured, and bunkers sit deep in native sand. The coastal stretch – especially holes 11 through 14 – offers panoramic ocean views and stiff breezes. The par-3 14th plays directly along the shoreline and feels like Pebble Beach in Portugal. This is thinking golf – a place for shaping shots, judging wind, and embracing the elements. Conditioning is excellent, the setting is raw and dramatic, and the course character unforgettable.