The first of two 18-hole golf courses at the Quinta da Ria Estate is described by many as the most breathtaking and natural golf course in the region.

Quinta da Ria extends along the spectacular Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, with the River Formosa also featuring. Five lakes come into play and there are more than 300 trees, such as olive and carob, which have been planted in order to maintain the typical features of the region. There are views of the mountains and sea, as well as the surrounding vineyards and orange groves.

The first hole, a 475-metre par-five, sets the tone of the course, taking the player down a gentle slope to the first of several undulating greens.

The sister course on the same estate as Quinta da Ria, near the town of Tavira in Eastern Algarve, is the Championship challenge of Quinta de Cima.

The Cima Course uses dog-legs with greens well-protected by sand hazards and lakes, with a testing finish on holes 16, 17 and 18.

A stream with dams and permanent flowing water crosses holes 4, 5, 6 and 13. Since there is no real estate construction on the site, the Cima Course retains a natural feel throughout.

Opened in March 2000, the clubhouse is a renovated church and is a prominent feature on its own when visiting Benamor.

The course offers great views of the mountains to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the South and there are some great holes throughout the 2 loops of nine. The natural undulations make the scoring tricky.

The greens have a reputation for good condition and the course was selected as the Best Maintained Course for 2001 by the Portuguese Golf Federation.

The Monte Rei Golf Club is set in the picturesque hills of the Eastern Algarve, with sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

The first of two 18-hole courses at Monte Rei, the North Course is an attractive and challenging design incorporating water on eleven of the eighteen holes.

To complement Monte Rei's world-class facilities, the Golf Club has developed a unique line-up of services to provide golfers with a memorable experience. Guests enjoy bag drop and valet parking services, check in at the expansive and well-appointed professional's shop, while your personal buggy is prepared, and unlimited use of the practice area.

At Monte Rei, intervals between tee times are considerably longer than standard, allowing added comfort and enjoyment. After your game the clubhouse bars and restaurants serve up Iberian cuisine and fresh local fare.