Situated in the Eastern Algarve region, Quinta da Ria Resort is a well-known golf destination.
There are two spectacular golf courses, Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima, both 18-hole golf courses with unforgettable scenery located almost side by side in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Just over half an hour from Faro International Airport, Quinta da Ria resort is well worth a trip.
Ria Course: Designed by the architect Rocky Roquemore in 2002, the Ria course has already been described by visiting golfers as the most breath-taking golf course in the region. This 18-hole golf course offers amazing views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beach of Cacela Velha, which recently has been recognised amongst one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The idea of the architect was to create a challenging golf course yet maintain the original natural landscape with thousands of ancient olive and carob trees. Five lakes dotted within flat terrain will catch-out any errant golfer!! The course is a par 72 of 6,000 meters (approx. 6,600 yards). One of the most iconic points at Quinta da Ria is the 17th hole which has a small island on the lake, now a sanctuary of endangered rare birds.
Quinta de Cima Course: Quinta de Cima also designed by Rock Roquemore is the Championship Course. A par 72 of nearly 6,600 meters (approx. 7,200 yards) it offers different and very unique characteristics, wide fairways, deep bunkers and several lake and streams which calls for a good deal of precision golf.
The water hazards and the long fairways make a premium of club selection, challenging even the most skilful players. The opening par-5 is a gentle start to the round, but don’t be fooled, the course gets tougher as the round progresses, with doglegs to the right and left and undulating greens which are well protected by large bunkers and lakes. There are also several natural streams running through the course that will also increase its difficulty. Throughout the course you will find many ancient carob and olive trees, which adds a certain character to the layout.
One heck of a course!!
