Nestled within the golden triangle of the Algarve, Quinta do Lago is the epitome of luxury, style, and natural beauty. This upscale resort area seamlessly marries the sun-kissed beaches of the Portuguese coast with verdant golf greens, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Covering around 2,000 acres of prime real estate, this enclave is not just a holiday destination but a lifestyle haven for those seeking the finer things in life.
Priding itself on offering world-class facilities, Quinta do Lago has established its reputation as a golfer’s paradise, boasting some of Europe’s most celebrated courses. But golf is just one facet of this jewel; its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability means guests can indulge in nature trails, birdwatching, and other eco-friendly activities. The serene lakes, aromatic pine forests, and saltwater marshes provide a calming contrast to the lively beach clubs and chic boutiques dotted around the area.
As night falls, Quinta do Lago transforms into a gastronomic hotspot. A culinary journey awaits visitors, with a diverse range of restaurants serving everything from traditional Portuguese seafood dishes to avant-garde international cuisine. It’s not uncommon to rub shoulders with celebrities and sports stars here, a testament to Quinta do Lago’s status as a luxurious retreat for the discerning traveller.
With its harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and lavish comforts, Quinta do Lago offers an unparalleled experience, affirming the Algarve’s reputation as a premier European holiday destination.
Useful Resources for Your Trip to Quinta do Lago
Here’s our top tips and tricks for getting the best deals for your trip to Quinta do Lago.
- Accommodation: Booking.com and Airbnb are the two most comprehensive websites for finding hotels, hostels, apartments, and other types of accommodation in Quinta do Lago.
- Car Rental: Discover Cars and Rental Cars are the two most useful sites for booking local car rental.
- Airport transfers: There are taxis and Ubers at Faro Airport, but you can also pre-book an airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- Tours & Things to Do: Both Get Your Guide and Viator list lots of local tours and activities in Quinta do Lago.
- Luggage Storage: Luggage Hero and Bounce are two great sites for finding places to store your luggage in Portugal. Be sure to read out article on luggage storage options in the Algarve for a full list of options.
- Public Transport: Cp.pt is the main website for trains in Portugal. For longer distance buses, see Rede Expressos. Flixbus.pt often has cheap tickets between cities in Portugal.
- Flights: Skyscanner and Google Flights are the two most useful websites for finding flights to Portugal. The nearest airport to Quinta do Lago is Faro Airport.
What to See & Do
Golfing
Quinta do Lago is renowned for its championship-level golf courses. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the resort boasts some of the best greens in Europe. The three main courses – North, South, and Laranjal – each offer a distinct experience, catering to all skill levels and set against breath-taking Algarvian landscapes.
Visit Ria Formosa Natural Park
Bordering Quinta do Lago, this coastal lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. With its unique ecosystem, the park is home to a myriad of bird species, including the rare purple gallinule. Guided tours, whether on foot or by boat, provide insights into the area’s rich biodiversity.
Watersports on the Lake
The freshwater lake in Quinta do Lago is a hub for watersports. From paddleboarding and windsurfing to canoeing, the lake provides a perfect setting for some aquatic fun.
Dine in Style
Quinta do Lago takes pride in its culinary offerings. The resort is home to a variety of restaurants, each with its unique menu and ambience. From beachfront seafood restaurants to upscale international dining, there’s a plate for every palate.
Beach Days
Relax on the pristine sands of Quinta do Lago beach. Accessible via a wooden footbridge, the beach is a serene spot to sunbathe, take a dip, or enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline.
Equestrian Adventures
For horse enthusiasts, the Quinta do Lago Equestrian Centre offers a chance to ride through the region’s most scenic routes. Whether you’re taking a lesson or embarking on a countryside trek, it’s a unique way to experience the Algarve.
Spa Retreat
Treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of the resort’s luxurious spas. Offering a range of treatments, from massages to facials, it’s the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate.
Tennis
The resort boasts premier tennis facilities, making it an ideal spot for both casual players and those looking to improve their game with professional coaching.
Shopping
The Quinta Shopping complex offers a curated selection of boutiques, catering to those in search of designer labels, unique jewellery, and artisanal goods.
Getting Here
- Flying: The nearest airport to Quinta do Lago is Faro Airport, which is around 25 minutes by car. Taxis and Ubers are available from the airport, and there are plenty of car rental companies there as well.
- Train: There is no train station in Quinta do Lago. However, there is a train station in Almancil, which is just 12 minutes away by car or taxi. For train tickets and timetables, see cp.pt.
- Bus: While VAMUS does offer a bus service to Quinta do Lago, it isn’t frequent and needs to be pre-booked.
- Car: The easiest way to get around the Algarve is by renting a car, which you can easily do at Faro Airport. The drive from Faro Airport takes around 25 minutes and the drive into Faro city centre takes around 30 minutes.