If you’re looking for one of the most exclusive golf experiences in Portugal, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club delivers in every way. Located in the hills near Vila Nova de Cacela, about 15 minutes from Tavira, Monte Rei is home to a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that consistently ranks among the best in Europe.

From the moment you arrive, Monte Rei feels different. The service is five-star, the setting is peaceful and expansive, and the course itself is pristine. The par-72 layout winds through rolling terrain with dramatic elevation changes, carefully placed bunkers, and immaculately maintained greens and fairways. Every hole is framed like a painting—with distant mountain views or glimpses of the sea.

Monte Rei isn’t just beautiful—it’s also a serious test of golf. With no two holes alike, players need to think strategically on every shot. But even if your score doesn’t shine, the experience of playing in such a refined and quiet setting is reward enough.

After your round, make time for a meal at Vistas Rui Silvestre, the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant. With stunning views across the countryside and Atlantic, the menu offers a refined take on Portuguese cuisine, blending local ingredients with international flair. For a more casual bite, the Grill and Veranda restaurants also offer excellent service and quality in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re there for golf or gastronomy, Monte Rei is a destination to remember.

Just a few minutes from Tavira, Benamor Golf is a welcoming 18-hole course nestled between the sea and the hills. Designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton, this par-71 layout offers a charming mix of gentle fairways, olive trees, and distant views of the Atlantic. It’s a course that appeals to all levels—from beginners to seasoned golfers looking for a laid-back round.

Benamor is known for its friendly atmosphere and walkable design. The course isn’t overly long, but it still provides strategic challenges with its doglegs, water hazards, and small, sloping greens. Accuracy is more important than power here, and local breezes can add an extra layer of difficulty.

The clubhouse is warm and relaxed, with a restaurant offering regional dishes and a terrace overlooking the 18th green. There’s also a driving range, short game area, and pro shop—making it easy to warm up or take a lesson.

For golfers based in Tavira or nearby, Benamor is a great local option: well-maintained, scenic, and never too crowded. It’s especially popular with winter visitors and expat residents who return again and again for its charm and playability.

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

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.