Oporto Golf Club, Espinho

At 128 years old, this is the oldest club on the Iberian Peninsula and harks back to golf in a bygone age (plus fours optional). The clubhouse is Victorian in feel and the short track — it clocks in at 5,640 yards — was designed long before the age of technologically advanced clubs and balls. It’s traditional links in style, with the first four holes running along the shoreline, which makes a relatively simple introduction to the course, before a sharp dogleg seventh marks the start of significantly tougher holes. The final four all feature all-too-accessible water, meaning few match play rounds end in ties here.

oportogolfclub.com, green fees from £44

Vidago Palace Golf Club, Vidago

Originally built as a summer residence for King Manuel II, the last Portuguese monarch, this estate has been a hotel for over 100 years. A recent £44m refurbishment saw the golf course remodelled to include 12 new fairways that brought it up to championship length. An ancient well is still visible from the sixth green and other historical features, such as the stone-walled tee boxes add to its character. It’s a course that rewards long, straight play.

vidagopalace.com, green fees from £56

Amarante Golf Club, Amarante

Set in Quinta da Deveza and near the beautiful town of Amarante, this set of 18 undulates through the vine-planted banks of the River Tâmega. With elevation an average of 600m above sea level, vertiginous fairways are common, varying from huge, sweeping launches into the valleys, or blind shots uphill. The first hole is arguably the best example: a 520-yard slope down into the valleys where, on a sun-baked day, players can see runs in excess of 100 yards. Definitely one for the long hitters to chance their arm.

golfedeamarante.com, green fees from £53