Quinta do Lago holidays

How to reach Quinta do Lago

Flight time: There are no direct flights to Quinta do Lago. Flights to Faro Airport take approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from London.

Transfer time: Quinta do Lago is just 20 minutes from Faro Airport by car or taxi. Public transport options are limited, but you can reach Quinta do Lago by taking a bus to Almancil and a taxi from there, which takes about 45 minutes in total.

Price: A taxi from Faro Airport to Quinta do Lago costs around €20–€30. If you’re using a combination of bus and taxi, expect to pay about €10–€15 per person. Private transfers usually cost around €40.

Best time to visit Quinta do Lago

If you want to avoid the heat and crowds of summer, you might prefer to take your Quinta do Lago holidays during late spring or early autumn; winter can also be lovely for a quieter time on the golf course.

March to May: One of the best times of year to visit is spring, when the weather is warm (average temperatures climb from 18°C to 23°C) but not too hot, and the summer crowds are yet to arrive.

June to August: In July and especially August (the Portuguese holiday month), the resort is at its busiest–meaning crowded beaches among other things–and prices reach their peak. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day, with barely a drop of rain and a solid 12 hours of sunshine daily.

September to October: Another fantastic time to visit. The weather remains warm – with temperatures in the mid-20s and plenty of sunshine – the sea is still very pleasant for swimming and you’ll find fewer tourists clogging up the narrow streets.

November to February: Although it’s winter, the weather remains very mild, averaging 10°C to 16°C with occasional rain showers (30–80mm per month). A good time to enjoy Quinta do Lago’s world-class golf courses, especially with cheaper tee times.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is spoken all along the coast.

• Local habits and customs: Do respect the traditional siesta hours between 1 pm and 3 pm when smaller shops might close; otherwise, dining is a leisurely affair and often starts late, around 8 or 9 pm. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping, which is not really a Portuguese custom; that said, in a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to find and most establishments accept major credit cards. For smaller purchases in markets or cafés, having some cash handy is a good idea.

• Getting around: Quinta do Lago is easily explored on foot, but if you need it, car hire is available at Faro Airport and costs around €40–€50 per day. For short trips, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Bolt are reliable. Public buses connect to nearby towns, with fares starting at €2.50.

• Electricity and plug types: Portugal uses the standard continental 220 volts and UK travellers will need a two-pin adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Portugal is in Western European Time (WET), the same as GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed, so clocks move forward by an hour in summer.

Best things to do in Quinta do Lago

The vast, luxury holiday resort of Quinta do Lago, with its own golf courses and sports complex, attracts plenty of well-heeled visitors.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Vale do Lobo cliffs: Take a walk along the cliff paths in nearby Vale de Lobo for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic sandstone formations that define this coastline. Sunrise or sunset walks are particularly magical.

• San Lorenzo golf course: You don’t need to be playing golf to enjoy the superb vantage point the clubhouse offers of the Ria Formosa. Grab a drink and soak up the views.

Parks and gardens

• Quinta do Lago beach gardens: The beachfront is dotted with beautifully landscaped areas – a rare peaceful retreat in this busy resort.

Historical monuments

• Igreja de São Lourenço: Built in the early 18th century, the church of São Lourenço is famed for its superb tiled interior depicting the life and martyrdom of St Laurence.

Day trips in the area

• Loulé: An important centre of commerce and still best known for its markets, the most interesting streets, a grid of whitewashed cobbled lanes, lie between the remains of its Moorish castle and the 13th-century Gothic Igreja Matriz, with its palm-lined gardens in front.

• Faro: Capital of the entire region, Faro boasts attractive mosaic-paved pedestrianised streets and marina-side gardens, while its university contributes to a nightlife scene at its most animated during term time.

• Albufeira: The old centre is a highly picturesque medley of whitewashed houses atop low sandstone cliffs facing a fantastic town beach. Around the town’s marina, a collection of brightly coloured, Lego-like modern shops, bars and apartments are clustered around in-your-face yachts and speedboats.

Activities for families in Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities to keep kids and parents happy.

• Theme parks: Aquashow makes for the best fun day out on the coast. As well as a theme park area with various rides and regular shows (sea lions, parrots and reptiles), the big attraction is the water park zone which includes a panoply of slides, chutes and pools, including the terrifying vertical White Falls and a descent down a helter-skelter in the dark.

• Karting: A short drive away, Almancil Karting is perfect for slightly older children and teens – and parents of course.

• Interactive museums: The Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve in nearby Faro allows kids to get stuck into all kinds of hands-on exhibits pertaining to marine life and science.

Free things to do in Quinta do Lago

While Quinta do Lago is known for its high-end facilities including accommodation and restaurants, there are plenty of free – or at least very cheap – activities that you can partake in.

• Beaches: Most day visitors head straight for the resort’s gorgeous beach, the Praia do Anção, reached over a wooden bridge from the car park at the end of the main Avenida André Jorge. Chill out and don’t even think about spending a euro.

• Outdoor concerts: In summer, Quinta do Lago often hosts free open-air events and live music performances at The Campus.

• Markets: Explore the local markets in nearby Almancil and Quarteira, which you can visit without any obligation to make a purchase.

Nature and outdoor activities in Quinta do Lago

The unspoilt landscapes around Quinta do Lago make it a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Horse riding: There’s superb family riding hereabouts, with Pinetrees Riding Centre one of the region’s better stables. They provide expert tuition for riders, whether novices or advanced, on quiet horses and ponies or more well-schooled Lusitanos.

• Golf: Quinta do Lago is synonymous with world-class golf, with its three championship courses offering challenging play and stunning backdrops. Non-golfers can still enjoy the manicured beauty of the courses and their accompanying facilities.

• Hiking and cycling trails: Quinta do Lago is crisscrossed with scenic trails, with The Ludo Trail being particularly popular.

• Wildlife watching: The Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected lagoon system, is teeming with wildlife; you’ll quite likely spot flamingos, herons and even the elusive chameleon.

Beaches to enjoy on Quinta do Lago holidays

Quinta do Lago holidays are all about combining luxury with the natural beauty of the Algarve’s stunning coastline. With pristine golden sands and crystal-clear waters, the beaches here offer a tranquil escape that’s perfect for relaxation and exploration.

• Quinta do Lago Beach

  The main beach of Quinta do Lago is a serene stretch of golden sand bordered by the sparkling Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve on the other. Accessible via a scenic wooden boardwalk, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely stroll. The nearby beach clubs provide exclusive spots to relax in style with delicious food and drinks.

• Praia do Ancão

  Located nearby, Praia do Ancão offers a quieter atmosphere with the same beautiful scenery. This beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful day by the sea. Its calm waters are great for swimming, while its soft sand makes it a lovely spot for a picnic.

• Praia de Vale do Lobo

  A short drive from Quinta do Lago, Praia de Vale do Lobo combines natural beauty with a lively atmosphere. The striking red cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, while beachside restaurants and bars create a vibrant yet relaxing setting.

• Ria Formosa Lagoon

  While not a traditional beach, the Ria Formosa Lagoon offers a unique coastal experience. Perfect for nature lovers, this area is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the stunning wetlands.

Whether you’re lounging on Quinta do Lago Beach, exploring the quieter Praia do Ancão, or taking in the vibrant charm of Praia de Vale do Lobo, the beaches around Quinta do Lago provide the perfect complement to your Algarve holiday.

Local dishes in Quinta do Lago

One of the best things about holidays to Quinta do Lago is the culinary experience. The resort and surrounding area serve up a delicious mix of Portuguese classics and international flavours, with fresh seafood and local wines taking centre stage.

Some typical dishes

• Bacalhau: Pretty much the national dish, this dried, salted cod reputedly has 365 different ways of being prepared: the best for first-timers to try are bacalhau á bras (fried with egg, onions and potatoes) and bacalhau com natas (baked in cream).

• Grilled chicken: Almost a second national dish, this is usually enlivened by the addition of peppery piri-piri sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sardinhas assadas: Providing one of the country’s most appetising smells, this summertime staple of grilled sardines is served simply with olive oil, garlic and lemon.

• Arroz de polvo: Octopus rice, a local favourite, combines tender octopus with a rich, tomato-based sauce.

Meat dishes

• Porco à alentejana: A delicious fusion of pork and clams cooked with paprika and white wine, served with fried potatoes or bread.

• Espetada: Skewered and grilled meat, often served with garlic butter, fresh bread and a glass of local wine.

Sweets and desserts

Dom Rodrigo is a blend of shredded egg yolks, sugar and almonds wrapped in foil, while another favourite is bolo de figo, a dense, fig-based cake spiced with cinnamon and fennel. For something lighter, try tarte de alfarroba, a carob tart with a slightly chocolatey flavour.

Local drinks

• Aguardente: The best-known Algarve firewaters are brandy mel, made from honey and the fruit of the strawberry tree and which tastes a bit like schnapps; and amêndoa amarga, made from almonds.

• Vinho verde: Portugal’s excellent wines distinguish not only between tinto (red), branco (white) and rosé, but between verde (“green”, meaning young, acidic and slightly sparkling) and maduro (“mature”).

• White port and tonic: A refreshing twist on the classic fortified wine, mixed with tonic water and served over ice.