Quinta do Lago is the most established five-star golf resort in the Algarve. The resort is home to two primary golf courses, the North and South, both considered to be some of the best courses in Portugal. Perfectly manicured conditions, framed by love grass and pine straw, make for a striking visual, too.
But it’s not just about the golf here. Guests at Quinta do Lago can look forward to exceptional courses, hotels, restaurants, a spa, a private beach, a fitness center, and even an independent shopping mall.
The North course at Quinta do Lago was redesigned in 2014 by Beau Welling and former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley. Over €9m was invested in the development, resulting in a stunning layout that contrasts perfectly with the famed South course.
While not as long as the South course, the layout can play quite tight, creating a strategic test even for low handicaps. The recently refurbished South course is a bigger championship layout, demanding longer carries combined with more elevation change. Widely regarded as the tougher test, this course has hosted the Portugal Open on eight occasions.
Quinta do Lago is one of Europe’s most prestigious private golf resorts thanks to a rich heritage and a unique location. The resort was founded in 1971 by Polish-Brazilian developer André Jordan, who first spotted the then-undeveloped estate and recognised it as something extraordinary. Its design and cultural history are quite fascinating: the first facilities opened between 1972 and 1974, beginning with the reconstruction of the old farmhouse into the legendary Casa Velha restaurant, followed by William Mitchell’s original 27-hole golf layout.
It first hosted the Portuguese Open in 1976, but the lack of permanent structures meant that much of the club’s operations were run out of military tents. Since those earlier days, Quinta do Lago has transformed into a sophisticated golfing hub, with plenty of luxury afforded to members and guests, and now operates as a Portugal golf holiday destination of genuine international standing.
Often referred to as the crown jewel of the resort, the South Course has hosted the Portuguese Open eight times since 1976. Designed by William Mitchell, the course also underwent a multi-million euro renovation and is built around two anti-clockwise loops. The front nine encourages players to draw off the tee, whereas the back nine leans towards a fade. This course demands players be precise and careful to avoid cleverly placed hazards.
Standout holes include the 15th, a par-3 that requires a nerve-racking shot across a lake, and hole 16, a scenic dogleg left where recent tree clearing brings a new view into the backdrop behind the green.
Redesigned by architect Beau Welling in collaboration with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley, the North Course rewards precision over power. The layout closely resembles a classic sandbelt style, ambling through pines, with undulating greens and low-cut Bermuda grass that allows for great recovery shots.
Standout holes include the 12th, a par-4 that doglegs tightly around a three-acre lake and presents a strong test of approach accuracy, and hole 14, a par-3 with an elevated tee that is highly vulnerable to crosswinds but offers some lovely scenic views. The course features four sets of tees on every hole, making it highly accessible for players of all skill levels.
Opened in 2009 and designed by Jorge Santana da Silva, the Laranjal is a distinctive parkland layout located in the Ludo Valley, which was originally an orange orchard. One unique characteristic is the course configuration, which features an unusual combination of five par-5s, eight par-4s, and five par-3s. Compared to the other courses at Quinta do Lago, there are narrower fairways, fast putting surfaces, and a refreshing orchard landscape full of cork oaks and orange trees.
A standout hole is the 11th, a par-4 bounded by a lake to the right and a large beach bunker running along the entire left side, presenting an intimidating tee shot that also requires an exacting approach. The course is widely praised for being playable year-round thanks to Bermuda grass fairways and five integrated lakes.
Non-members can book tee times directly through the resort, though morning slots are reserved for members. Booking several weeks in advance is highly recommended, particularly during the peak spring and autumn months. Green fees range from $140 to $260 depending on proximity to peak season. All players are required to wear traditional golf attire and proper golf shoes with soft spikes.
Quinta do Lago is located in the central Algarve, approximately 20 minutes from Faro International Airport (FAO), the primary international gateway to southern Portugal. The resort towns of Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura are 10 to 20 minutes by car. Most visitors use car rentals or private transfers. For those considering whether the Algarve or Lisbon area is the right base for a wider Portugal golf holiday, the Algarve vs Lisbon comparison sets out the key differences clearly.
Among the ample options for dinner on the resort, we recommend Gigi’s restaurant on the beach. Cross a wooden bridge, over the Ria Formosa inlet nature reserve, and enjoy amazing fresh fish at one of the best restaurants in Portugal.
Quinta do Lago offers four primary accommodation options, the 4-star Wyndham provides spacious and very well-appointed one and two-bedroom suites, the ideal base for a longer stay.
Opposite the main Quinta do Lago clubhouse, which serves the North and South coues is Hotel Quinta do Lago, a 5* property, ideally located in the center of the resort. With walking access to the golf center, including a large driving range, the Paul McGinley Academy, and the TaylorMade performance center.
Sitting on the outskirts of the resort is the Conrad Algarve Hotel, a 5* deluxe property, offering a signature spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant, ‘Gusto’ by Heinz Beck. Set among a beautiful protected coastal lagoon, the resort also includes a private blue flag beach, ‘Praia da Quinta do Lago’. rated one of the best in Europe.
The Algarve is the coastal region of southern Portugal, best known for its beautiful, dramatic Atlantic coastline and year-round climate.
Courses make the most of postcard views of beaches, cliffs, coves, and crystal-clear water, creating unforgettable golfing moments.
Quinta do Lago is based in the Algarve, a well-connected region that can facilitate standalone golf experiences or turn into a broader Algarve golf tour or wider Portugal golf vacation. Here are some of the top nearby courses we recommend:
Please fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.
"*" indicates required fields
Quinta do Lago; Quinta do Lago North; Quinta do Lago South; Laranjal
Quinta do Lago, 8135-162 Almancil, Algarve, Portugal
South Course opened 1970s; North Course and Laranjal developed subsequently
Upscale Algarve resort operating year round with daily tee times across multiple courses.
South Course – 18 holes, par 72; parkland course through umbrella pines and lakes near the Ria Formosa; extensively renovated in 2020.
North Course – 18 holes, par 72; mixture of parkland and wooded holes revamped by Beau Welling with input from Paul McGinley.
Laranjal – 18 holes, par 72; newer course set in an orange grove valley with water hazards and sculpted terrain.
Luxury villas and hotels, restaurants, beach club, sports campus and full practice facilities close to Faro airport.
Courses, particularly the South, are frequently ranked among Portugal’s best; Quinta do Lago is regarded as one of Europe’s top golf resorts.
Vale do Lobo courses, Vilamoura’s Victoria and Old Course, San Lorenzo and other Central Algarve layouts.
Green fees at Quinta do Lago start from as low as €60 on the Laranjal, but these vary depending on the season, all Green fees are included in a Premier Golf package and are clearly itemized.
The best time of year to visit Quinta do Lago for golfing is spring and fall, however, this area is great for year-round golfing, with the only consideration being that Summer can get very hot in Portugal.
The most major golf tournament hosted at the Quinta do Lago is the Open de Portugal.
You can book a golf tour in Quinta do Lago with Premier Golf and the team will be happy to offer any advice or suggestions that can help make your trip as enjoyable as possible.
