Tavira

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Monte Rei – Luxury Golf at Its Finest

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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.

Benamor Golf – Relaxed Rounds near Tavira

GolfPosted on

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.

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 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.