Quinta do Lago, the Home of Nature, Luxury and Leisure

Boasting one of the most desirable postcodes in Portugal, residing alongside Almancil and Vale do Lobo as part of the Algarve’s illustrious ‘Golden Triangle’; the exclusive resort of Quinta do Lago is a darling of the rich and famous… and it’s easy to see why. The estate of nearly 2,000 acres is set amidst vast pine woodlands and glorious white sand beaches, with borders along the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Combine this with the plethora of fine-dining establishments, vibrant nightlife and the wealth of leisure activities that frequent the resort, and you can begin to see why Quinta do Lago has emerged as one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations.

Days at the Beach and One of Portugal’s 7 Natural Wonders

Quinta do Lago is renowned for its secluded section of seafront, accessible only by a picturesque wooden bridge… but before you’ve even made it to the beach you are subjected to an example of the Algarve’s unique natural beauty.

Beneath the extensive wooden crossing, you can see the tidal lagoon of the Ria Formosa as it’s thwarted on its quest to the Atlantic by unscalable sandbanks; creating a clash of landscapes between the golden stretch of coast and the rugged refinement of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve – unveiling one of Quinta do Lago’s many take-your-breath-away sceneries.

Once you reach the oceanfront, the blue flag awarded beach area of Quinta do Lago discloses 3km of alluring white sand and rolling sand dunes, providing the ultimate spot to relax as you take in the views over the blue expanse of the Atlantic and the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The spaciousness of the beach also makes for a great place to enjoy games with the family… and you’ll find a wide-range of watersports available here. Once you’ve built up an appetite, the beach is also home to a number of the regions most revered restaurants and cafes, all serving an appetising array of cuisine and refreshments.

The UNESCO protected site of Ria Formosa unearths a labyrinth of lagoons, salt-marshes and islands – which are home to a diverse congregation of wildlife. Birdwatchers in particular are overjoyed by the surplus of 30,000 birds that migrate here annually; as pink flamingos, kingfishers and blue magpies add to the already colourful environs of the nature reserve.

18 hectares of the Ria Formosa are situated directly within the vicinity of Quinta do Lago, which you can explore through two dedicated nature trails. The Quinta do Lago Trail – marked by orange paint – stretches for 2.3km, revealing the varied array of plant life found in the two distinct ecosystems of woodland and salt marshes. The São Lourenço Trail – marked by blue paint – takes you along 3.2km of the various wetlands of Ria Formosa, comprising salt marshland and freshwater lakes.

The extensive landscapes of Ria Formosa also divulge some of the areas rich history, with remains of Roman and pre-Roman settlements located amidst the varying landscapes of the nature reserve.

Leisurely Days on the Water and a Superb Selection of Sports

It’s no secret that some of the best golf in Europe can be found in Quinta do Lago, with the resort a frequent host to the Portuguese Open… however, away from the sprawling greens of the regions many golf courses there is a wealth of alternative leisure activity waiting to be discovered.

There’s no better way to cool down from the Algarve sun than with a prescription of watersports… and the Lago Watersports Center are connoisseurs of anything water and sports. Learn how to sail or windsurf on Quinta do Lago’s manmade lake, under the guidance of one of their expert instructors; or alternatively enjoy the calming ambiance of the water via kayak or pedalo. If you require a more adrenaline fuelled experience, head to the beach and ride the waves of the Atlantic on water skis, jet skis or banana boats.

The Lago Watersports Center also provide eco tours through the Ria Formosa, where you can kayak or canoe along the winding estuaries of the nature reserve, taking in the natural beauty at your own pace. Or for a more educational insight into the varying ecosystems, opt for the boat tour, where a knowledgeable guide will talk you through the undulating landscapes and its inhabitants.

Away from the water, the region is also home to a number of state-of-the-art sporting amenities, featuring horse riding, tennis, squash and clay pigeon shooting… and if you can’t get enough of the water, catch the likes of hammerhead, blue and mako sharks as you embark on a deep water fishing expedition.

Nightlife in Quinta do Lago

Once you’ve had your fill of Algarvian cuisine, washed down with a few cocktails to get the night started… it’s time to hit the dancefloor.

Located within the vicinity of Quinta Shopping, Melting Pot is designed in the style of a traditional English pub with its decadent oak panelled interior; and their exterior houses an elegant patio area where you can watch the world go by. Stocking numerous international beers, with live music twice a week, Melting Pot is never lacking in the dynamic environment that has made it a favourite watering-hole of locals and tourists alike.

De Barra – also located in Quinta Shopping – instils a touch of Irish charm into the cosmopolitan glamour of Quinta do Lago, and is the place to see and be seen. Installed with an open fire, and in possession of an extensive outside terrace, the Irish bar is habitable at any time of the year – but it is in the summer months when the venue really comes to life. De Barra’s is also the place to go for your fix of any sporting action, with their numerous screens showing a range of live sports throughout the year.

T Clube are one of the dedicated nightclub venues in the region, delivering a number of ways in which to see in the evening. Unwind with a variety of opulent cocktails in the sophisticated ambiance of their piano bar, dance the night away in their disco clube… or for those long Algarvian summer nights, head to the aesthetic surroundings of their famous garden terrace.