Quinta do Lago in southern Portugal, set by the Ria Formosa Natural Park, offers luxurious living in a beautiful setting. Award-winning golf resort, playground to the rich and famous, a favourite with celebrities and a summer haven with endless beaches, Quinta do Lago is quite unique, offering well-being and family moments in a setting that is naturally private.
Located just 20 minutes from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is more than just a point on a map. It’s a lifestyle and a dream. Founder André Jordan sat on a hillside one sunny day, by an old stone farmhouse and envisaged a place where pristine golf courses and beautiful residences overlooked the ocean, where trails explored the natural beauty of the Ria Formosa, where life could be lived in sunshine, comfort and privacy. And so it came to be… by 1972 the initial phase of Quinta do Lago was up and running.
After five decades, Quinta do Lago has become the epitome of luxury living in a natural setting, complete with three exceptional golf courses, multiple awards as a top golf destination, excellent restaurants, premium sports facilities at The Campus and beautiful, valuable property. Interestingly, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, Casa Velha, is located at the very spot where André Jordan first dreamt of this wonderful place, and the patio’s olive trees pay tribute to its humble beginnings as a farmhouse.
If you’re wondering what to see and do in Quinta do Lago, the Ria Formosa Natural Park is a must-visit attraction located right on its doorstep. This stunning area offers a plethora of paths and trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts to explore. You can even join one of the Bike Shed’s Social Spins or take a Segway tour to discover the natural beauty of the region. Additionally, you can embark on a boat trip from Faro or Olhão and explore the unique lagoons, saltpans, sandbanks and islands of this fascinating area.
Take a stroll across the long wooden bridge that connects Quinta do Lago to the beach and the ocean, passing by the famous Gigi’s restaurant, which is one of the iconic landmarks in Quinta. You can enjoy the breathtaking ocean views while walking along the oceanside boardwalk that runs across the resort, starting from Praia do Garrão located just to the west of Quinta do Lago. If you’re in the mood for a beach day, the fine golden sands of Quinta’s beach are a great place to unwind and relax.
Keep an eye out for celebrities as Quinta do Lago is a popular destination among the rich and famous. During their off-season, sports stars flock to the resort for some rest and relaxation, while international teams make use of the top-notch facilities available at The Campus. It’s not uncommon to spot famous personalities like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, or Cristiano Ronaldo in the area during the summer season. Frequent visitors to the resort include renowned golfers such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Additionally, celebrities like Niall Horan, Ronan Keating, and Madonna can often be spotted in the region.
Celebrate a wedding
Quinta do Lago is an ideal destination for weddings, providing a variety of venues with stunning views and excellent service. The dedicated events and wedding planning team is available to handle all the details, making the big day truly magical.
Golfing
As a prestigious golf destination, Quinta do Lago was voted Europe’s Best Golf Destination in 2015 and 2016. The North, South, and Laranjal courses are world-renowned, while the Paul McGinley Academy, Driving Range, and TaylorMade Performance Centre offer excellent training facilities.
Mini Golf
Test your skills on the mini golf course at Quinta do Lago, which features miniature replicas of some of the world’s most iconic golf holes.
Tennis and Padel
The Campus offers top-notch sports facilities, including tennis and padel courts, coaching, training and tournaments suitable for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
Join a Social Bike Ride
Enjoy the beauty of the Ria Formosa trails by joining a Social Spin hosted by The Bike Shed at The Campus. It’s a great way for families and visitors to add some activity to their stay.
Explore Family-Friendly Activities
Quinta do Lago is always buzzing with exciting events and activities for families, with seasonal programs for Easter, Christmas and New Year, as well as summer parties with live music at The Shack, beach parties at KoKo beach and Picnics at the Park.
Sports Training for Everyone
At The Campus, you’ll find top-notch sports facilities and training programs to suit all levels, from international professional teams to novice enthusiasts. Choose from various sports packages, fitness classes and personalised training sessions.
Shopping
Explore Quinta do Lago’s shopping scene at Quinta Shopping, a small shopping mall with eateries and a Farmers Market on the first Sunday of every month. Alternatively, head to the Mar Shopping centre just outside Faro, which houses IKEA.
Art
Discover contemporary art exhibitions at Art Catto in the nearby town of Loulé. They also have pop-up galleries at the Conrad Algarve hotel.
Faro
While in the area, make sure to visit Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Enjoy a Free Walking Tour through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the chapel of bones, the museum and the Ria Formosa.
Restaurants
Indulge in Quinta do Lago’s dining experiences at Bovino, a steak house with an impressive decor and delicious food, perfect for summer dining on the terrace. For a romantic and chic fine dining experience, try Casa Velha, while Casa do Lago offers beautiful lake views and seafood specialties. It is also a popular wedding venue. You’re also near to UMAMI, a modern Japanese restaurant boasting fine Asian cuisine, creative cocktails and stunning views of the lake and ocean. The Shack is a laid-back spot by the beach and lake where you can enjoy good times and great parties. KoKo is a family-friendly café and restaurant with views of the driving range, while Pure offers healthy and fresh food made daily. Gigi’s is an iconic beachside restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood, recently renovated in 2022, with a newly added Gigi’s Bar perfect for after-beach drinks on the super terrace.
At Quinta Shopping, you can find The Cheeky Pup, a gastro bar and Irish bar with a lovely deck for outdoor dining. And if you’re willing to explore, there are countless additional restaurants throughout the area, from Quinta do Lago to Almancil and Vale do Lobo, offering a diverse range of cuisines from traditional Portuguese to Mediterranean and Thai.
Getting Around
Quinta do Lago doesn’t have a centralised transport hub, but there are several areas with amenities, such as near KoKo and the Driving Range, by the lake where you’ll find Casa do Lago and the Shack, or around The Campus and Dano’s. Most people get around by car, but you can also explore the area on foot or by bike. Taxis are also available, including Uber, or you can rent a car for your stay. Public transportation is not a convenient option. Some distances may be too far to walk in the summer heat, but you’ll find parking at Quinta Shopping (with summer parking fees), by The Shack, and near the beach bridge.
Supermarkets
For your grocery needs, head to Pingo Doce, a Portuguese chain, located at Bougainvillea Plaza near Quinta Shopping. You’ll find a selection of fresh produce, wines, deli items, and other essentials. There’s also a larger Pingo Doce in nearby Almancil and Apolonia Supermarket, which carries international brands and products.
ATMs and Banks
Cash points are available at Quinta Shopping and near KoKo. You’ll find a selection of banks in Almancil.
Medical Services
For medical attention, a private practice called The Family Medical Centre is situated at Vilar do Golfe. Almancil has a Centro de Saúde (Health Centre) run by the National Health Service. You’ll also find a pharmacy at Quinta Shopping and several pharmacies in Almancil.