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Taste Tavira

Quinta de Cima – Championship Golf Returns Fall 2025

GolfPosted on

Nestled beside its sister course, Quinta da Ria, Quinta de Cima is renowned as one of the Algarve’s premier championship layouts. Designed by Rocky Roquemore, this par-72 course stretches over 6,586 meters, featuring wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and a meandering creek that challenges players across several holes.

In 2025, Quinta de Cima underwent significant maintenance, including the replanting of its fairways with new grass varieties to enhance playability and aesthetics. The course was closed for maintenance from May 26 to September 14, 2025, during which the academy course and short game areas were also closed. The driving range and practice putting greens remained open during this period.

As the course reopens in mid-September 2025, golfers can look forward to improved playing conditions that preserve the course’s natural beauty. The landscape, adorned with centuries-old olive and carob trees, remains untouched by real estate development, offering a pure golfing experience amidst the serene backdrop of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Quinta de Cima has previously hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the PGA EuroPro Tour and the European Seniors Tour Qualifying School. With its blend of challenging design and natural charm, the course is set to welcome golfers back for an exceptional playing experience autumn 2025

Quinta da Ria – Golf with a View over the Ria Formosa

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If you’re looking for a round of golf with unforgettable views, Quinta da Ria Golf Course is hard to beat. Located just a short drive from Tavira, this 18-hole course lies within the Ria Formosa Natural Park and offers a scenic mix of coastal landscapes, freshwater lakes, and orange groves.

Designed by the well-known architect Rocky Roquemore, Quinta da Ria is a par-72 course that combines challenging holes with panoramic backdrops. Several fairways run right alongside the sea, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic and the barrier islands. The greens are fast and well-kept, and there’s a strong breeze on many days to keep even experienced players on their toes.

Facilities include a modern clubhouse, a driving range, putting greens, and a short game area. There’s also a restaurant with a terrace, where you can relax after your game and enjoy fresh Algarvian cuisine while watching the sun set over the course.

Whether you’re a regular golfer or a vacationer looking for a memorable experience, Quinta da Ria delivers both natural beauty and technical enjoyment in equal measure. It’s no wonder it’s consistently ranked among the top courses in the Algarve.

Praia de Monte Gordo – Where Tourism Meets Tradition

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Praia de Monte Gordo is one of the most accessible and vibrant beaches in the Eastern Algarve. Backed by a long line of hotels and holiday apartments, this beach is ideal for travelers who enjoy comfort, convenience, and a lively atmosphere. It’s especially popular with Portuguese and Spanish tourists, and the town buzzes with activity during the summer months.

Despite its tourist appeal, Monte Gordo still holds onto its traditional fishing roots . Along one end of the beach, you’ll find the artisanal fishing fleet , with brightly painted wooden boats resting on the sand and fishermen bringing in their morning catch. It’s a rare glimpse into the Algarve’s coastal heritage—one that continues to thrive even alongside the modern beach scene.

The beach itself is wide, clean, and perfect for long walks, sunbathing, or swimming in the warm, shallow waters. The sea here is among the warmest in Portugal, and the gentle waves make it safe for all ages. Facilities are excellent, with lifeguards, sunbed rentals, and beach cafés lining the promenade.

Monte Gordo also offers plenty off the sand: a pedestrian promenade for evening strolls, traditional seafood restaurants, and even a casino for those looking to try their luck. It’s a beach that offers the best of both worlds—relaxation by the sea and a touch of authentic Algarve culture , all within walking distance.

Praia de Manta Rota – Spacious Sands and Family Comfort

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Praia de Manta Rota is a broad, sandy beach located just 15 km east of Tavira. It’s a popular spot for Portuguese families and travelers who appreciate space, easy access, and calm waters. Unlike many beaches in the Ria Formosa area, you don’t need a boat to get here—just park close by and stroll directly onto the sand.

One of the unique features of this area is its wooden boardwalk, which stretches across the dunes and connects the beach to the village and the nearby Mata Nacional da Conceição pine forest. This gentle, level path is perfect for morning walks or sunset strolls, and it’s fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs—making it easier for families with young children or visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the scenery comfortably. The route crosses a protected ecological zone, where you may even spot wild chameleons if you walk quietly and look closely among the bushes and low trees.

The beach itself is vast and flat, with plenty of space even in high season. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent, and there are lifeguards on duty in summer. The sea is calm and relatively warm, making it a favorite for relaxed swims and safe paddling.

You’ll find beach cafés and fresh seafood restaurants nearby, along with useful facilities like toilets and showers. Praia de Manta Rota is a great choice if you want a simple but beautiful beach day—with soft sand, shallow waters, and a quiet touch of nature just behind the dunes.