3 Nights, 2 Rounds
Quinta da Ria is a cracking resort course set inside the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park, with holes that run right down towards the lagoon and shoreline. Designed by Rocky Roquemore, who also drew up sister course Quinta de Cima, it's very much a "think-your-way-round" layout rather than a grip-it-and-rip-it job.
Expect umbrella pines, cork trees and plenty of natural wetlands, plus big, open estuary views once you get closer to the water. It feels properly 'Algarve', but with a calmer, nature-first setting than some of the busier resort strips.
The routing makes good use of gentle elevation changes and doglegs, then opens out as you head towards the channels. When the wind gets up it can change club selection by more than you'd think, especially on the more exposed holes, so accuracy and sensible targets matter more than length.
The par 3s are the ones you'll remember, with several asking you to take on water or play into the breeze with the park as a backdrop. The closing stretch also gives you a couple of proper risk-reward decisions, which is always a good way to finish a holiday round.
Conditioning is usually very strong, particularly the fairway presentation and green surfaces, and the course is friendly enough for mid-handicappers as long as you keep it in play.
Who is this for?
Golfers wanting a high-quality Algarve resort course with genuine scenery and a strategic test.
Who is it best for?
Mid to low handicappers and anyone who enjoys plotting their way round in coastal wind.
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
We’ve got it all covered!
We have included everything that you need for a perfect golf trip.
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 3 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 4 Rounds
5 Nights, 4 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
4 Nights, 3 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
4 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
5 Nights, 3 Rounds
5 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 5 Rounds
5 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 4 Rounds
7 Nights, 5 Rounds
With the sea on one side, and the mountains towering on the other, Quinta da Ria's setting is awesome, and the golf course lives up to its billing too. The 6,579 yard layout is built around the five man-made lakes that are the focal point of the landscape, which also provide the course's irrigation.
More than 300 trees have been planted around the course, and there is a restriction on construction, ensuring that the integrity of the environment remains intact. The signature holes are undoubtedly the 16th and 17th, which are carved through the lakes, and can either make or break your round.
These outstanding holes and the stunning surroundings help to explain why Quinta da Ria has become a mainstay of a golf holiday around the Eastern area of the sunny Algarve.
Andy
✓31 Oct 2026
We arrived an hour before our scheduled tee time only to be told that our tee was actually ten minutes later than scheduled and the driving range was closed for maintenance. There was a competition in the morning g which meant tee times were backing up so our start was delayed even further and the round was extremely slow. Although unrelated to the golf course we were disappointed with the Clubs for Hire clubs we received. I was told I would have a full set of Calloways but only received eleven clubs which were Srixons. Similarly my wife only received ten clubs in her bag. Not ideal.
Gregg
✓29 Oct 2026
Nice playable course, not too long or challenging so good for an easier round on a bigger trip. Need Marshalls out to speed up pace of play, we were stuck behind some hackers who held us up and refused to let us play through. Lunch was v nice in the clubhouse.
Kay
✓26 Oct 2026
Only complaint is the food/drink truck did not appear until we were on the 18.
Michael
✓25 Oct 2026
Excellent course but fairways were in poor condition that spoilt the course, otherwise enjoyable.
Richard
✓23 Oct 2026
A good course with excellent views.
Paul
✓21 Oct 2026
Course was in good condition and had a few interesting holes. Very slow play and a problem when having to interweave with players from the front nine. Five hours ten minutes.
Craig
✓20 Oct 2026
The two courses shared the same facilities with Cima, however we started at 8.10am tee time. Cafe not open and cart refreshments didn't start until 10am
Christine
✓17 Oct 2026
Beautiful course, lots of water. Good condition. Would like to play it again, lovely views of the beach.
Grant
✓13 Oct 2026
We had a couple of little issues but the overall experience was ok. They operate a 2 tee start and they have 2 courses so the place was rammed. They were struggling to turn the buggies over in time which was a concern but to be fair we got ours fine in the end so no complaints. The issue of it being too buys came up when a group got confused about which tee they were starting from, they were on the 10th but tee'd off on the 1st. The starter tried to sort it but let half the group carry on which backed up the course and made it a 5 hour+ round. That took the edge of the experience.
John
✓13 Oct 2026
Bit damp this year , but good course and not too difficult
