Enter Now: The Algarve, Portugal

Description

European Excursion  ~Portugal~
Monte Rei • Quinta de Cima • Quinta de Ria
Hotel Pousada Convento • Tavira, Algarve
October 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2025 (five-night event)

Anchoring the south of Portugal, the Algarve region is famous for its cliff-backed beaches, mouthwatering seafood and picturesque villages. It’s also a remarkably easy-going region, with a welcoming vibe for every kind of traveler. Algarve golf is so impressive that visitors are attracted from all over the world.

The area boasts a spectacular coastline with incredible views spanning its sandy beaches, stunning cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. More than 70 per cent of the Algarve coastline is protected nature reserves, which play host to large numbers of migrating birds, including flamingos, in spring and autumn.

A gem in this Portuguese golfing Utopia is the famed Jack Nicklaus signature course, Monte Rei. Rated by Golf Digest as the No.1 golf course in Portugal and No.27 in the world, the course conditioning is immaculate. Its layout is set against the backdrop of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the course blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Wide, forgiving fairways weave through mature trees and valleys, creating a unique test on every hole alongside spectacular vistas.

While playing a round on the Quinta de Cima course, everyone must take a moment to appreciate the landscape, dotted with centuries-old olive and carob trees. These natural markers, alongside the thoughtfully designed layout, offer not just a test of skill but a celebration of the region’s rich heritage. Cima features welcoming fairways, thoughtfully positioned bunkers, and greens that require careful aim.

The sister course of Quita da Cima is Quinta de Ria, in the very heart of the Natural Reserve of  Ria Formosa. This beautiful tract spreads through more than 650 thousand square meters and is a relatively flat course, with only slightly undulating greens. A challenging but most satisfying course, Quinta da Ria has been frequently referred to as the “most breathtaking golf course in the region.”

Built on both sides of the winding Rio Gilão, Tavira is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve. Its architecturally interesting Old Town is packed with white-washed mansions, churches, charming squares, delicious restaurants, and shops with locally-crafted items, that make this off-the-beaten-track destination a perfect escape from the region’s more touristy towns and resorts.

Hotel Pousada Convento is in a perfect location for exploring the charms of the Old Town and the nearby beach.  A short walk from the town center, the hotel is a beautifully-restored 16th century convent. The spacious and well-furnished rooms, central garden, and Renaissance cloisters all are a part of its top ratings on every travel website.  The hotel restaurant features traditional regional cuisine and a wide range of Portuguese wines, along with a beautiful daily breakfast.

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