The course is part of the Quinta da Ria Resort, which is also home to the Quinta da Cima golf course.
The Algarve is a golfers’ paradise. While many people arriving at the airport make a beeline for Albufeira and the many attractions to the west, some of the best venues to play are in an easterly direction, including Quinta da Ria.
However, the Quinta da Ria course is considered by many to be the pick of the two courses, and while you should play both, it's easy to see why people love this course so much.
Opened for play in 2002, Rocky Roquemore and measures designed this par-72 course to just over 6,500 yards from the back tee. While this may not be the longest in the Algarve and flat throughout, the wind can cause enough trouble without the need for anything else.
That’s not to say the course comes without its own hazards and there are five lakes scattered between the 18 holes, in addition to numerous bunkers. The greens are large and fast, meaning good approach shots are required if you want to have a good chance of making a birdie or par.
The par-3, 5th hole is one of the best, with a choice of two tee boxes and a tee shot over water to a well-protected green. The green is one of the shallowest on the course, so anything but a precise shot on this hole will result in problems.
The par-4, 10th hole is another cracking hole at Quinta de Ria, and without of bounds down the left and lake guarding the green, you will need to hit a great drive and an accurate second shot to reach the putting surface safely.
An excellent course, with plenty of challenges but also a chance to score low in calm conditions.
Location:
Having landed at Faro International Airport, the journey is stress-free, as you have just 30 minutes of travelling before reaching the golf course.
Start on the N125-10 and get on the main N125 road and you will be at the course before you know it. However, despite being close to the airport, Quinta da Ria is in the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, full of various landscapes, plants, and wildlife.
The perfect setting for an excellent golfing experience.
When arriving in Faro, you face the difficult choice of which direction to travel to play golf. The problem is not where to find the courses. It is which of the many courses do you want to play?
As part of the Resort, players can book accommodation at the golf club and enjoy the wealth of facilities. These include rooms at the Robinson Club Quinta de Ria Hotel plus access to the driving range, practice greens, bunker area and chipping and pitching zones.
You can also play on the par-3 Academy Course, which is great for developing your golf skills.
Nearby courses include Monte rei Golf Club and Castro Marim.
