Golf / Sports
Golf
The golf courses in the Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura areas of Portugal are recognised as amongst the best in Europe. The majority are 18 hole courses, although some courses have 27 holes.
Quinta do Lago golf courses
Five of the golf courses in Quinta do Lago, (namely Quinta do Lago Laranjal, Quinta do Lago North & South courses, Pinheiros Altos and San Lorenzo golf courses) are only a 5-15 minute drive from the house and all have excellent practice areas).
The Quinta do Lago South Course is a championship golf course that has been used for the Portuguese Open on eight occasions.
For the more serious golfer, The Paul McGinley Golf Academy, (named after this highly respected tour professional and triumphant manager of Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup Team), can be found next to the Quinta do Lago practice ground.
The Quinta do Lago practice ground has recently been re-landscaped and offers beautiful views of the Loule hills in the distance, so when you need to take a short break from your practicing, you can look up and enjoy the scenery. You will find a putting green and practice bunkers alongside the practice range. Just across the road is a popular children’s mini golf area).
Vale do Lobo golf courses
At Vale do Lobo, (only 15/20 minutes drive from Quinta do Lago), you will find the Royal Course and Ocean Course. The Royal Course is a mature golf course originally designed by Sir Henry Cotton and later altered by “Rocky” Roquemore.
Golfers are spoilt for choice and in fact there are several other courses a little further away in the Eastern Algarve beyond Tavira.
Other sports and pastimes
Tennis
Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy is an excellent centre for tennis enthusiasts and is only 10 minutes drive from Quinta Sao Jose. It is one of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal offering 10 all-weather hard tennis courts (2 floodlit), 4 synthetic grass courts, (4 floodlit), swimming pool, restaurant and bar and terrace overlooking the courts. The academy offers both individual and group tennis coaching. (Summer courses usually need to be pre-booked).
Water sports
Water sports such as wind-surfing and sailing can be enjoyed on Quinta do Lago’s inland lake at Lakeside, (only a 5 minute drive from Quinta do Lago beach or 10 minute drive from the house).
Cycling
Keen cyclists wishing to explore the surrounding countryside and hills, or simply wanting to cycle to the beach, estuary or shops, can hire bikes in the nearby town of Almancil. (Almancil is a 10/15 minute drive from the house).
Walking
A walk along the Ria Formosa coastline will take you passed the tidal estuary, fresh water lagoons, salt pans, marshland, golden beaches, dunes, small islands and woodland, all offering views of varied fauna, flora and birdlife. You can access part of this area from the entrance to Quinta do Lago beach.
For those who would prefer to get away from the heat of the coast, a 40/45 minute drive in to the hills above the market town of Loule will take you into more rugged terrain. From there you will be able to enjoy beautiful hillside walks and panoramic views.
Sightseeing & Day trips
Quinta Sao Jose is only a short drive away from good road and motorway links. You may like to visit nearby towns and fishing ports, or venture into the vineyard and wine producing areas of the Algarve and Alentejo regions. Alternatively, you could travel eastwards towards Spain and may even like to visit the beautiful palace and gardens in Seville.
