Things to do
Algarve Weather
Paradise Found
Even as Quinta do Lago has grown over the years care has been made to ensure that any development in or near the resort compliments the abundance of natural beauty in the region.
The centrepiece of all this scenic splendour is the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. Formed in the 18th century by a great oceanic earthquake, today Ria Formosa is a continually changing landscape of saltwater marshes, exceptional greenery and freshwater lagoons. There is so much to discover and so many ways to discover it either by yourself or through biking, walking or floating tours.
Discover wildlife and activities on your doorstep before retreating to your villa in your own private garden and heated pool. We also have a number of villas in Quinta do Lago that offer shared pools, entertainment and a wide range of activities for all the family.
When the sun begins to set, holidaymakers can unwind with traditional Portuguese cuisine, indulging in delicious freshly caught seafood and tropical cocktails. Quinta do Lago has a host of family-friendly restaurants such as Bovino, known for its exquisite steaks, sports bars such as Dano’s, and The Shack – a lakeside bar that boasts live music every week.
Named ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ for two consecutive years, you can spend a day or two out on these famous fairways – club in hand – or watch the pros tee-off at major events like the Portuguese Open. There is also a mini-golf course for the young and young at heart!
Beaches
Beaches close to Quinta do Lago
From the park a picturesque bridge across the estuary takes you to the resorts own beach Praia Quinta do Lago. The boardwalk is wide and sturdy making the beach accessible to wheelchair users and families with small children. If you get the chance make the journey at sunset for a view you will never forget.
Marking the start of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Praia do Ancão can also be accessed by wooden boardwalks which have been built to protect the delicate sand dune landscape. Home to various exclusive lounging areas Praia do Ancão is an exceptionally clean and well-kept beach with high end dining venues like 2 Passos and The Bold Octopus.
Located just across the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Praia do Barrill is an unusual beach around 4-5km from the resort. In addition to its sea, sand and facilities the beach’s highlight is the miniature train that runs from the Pedras d’El Rei resort. It runs every 2 minutes or so and tickets are just a few Euros. A fun ride for kids and adults alike. Praia do Barrill is also quieter than the beaches on Quinta do Lago’s doorstep so you can relax in plenty of space, even at the height of summer.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Quinta do Lago
When the sun begins to set, holidaymakers can unwind with traditional Portuguese cuisine, indulging in delicious freshly caught seafood and tropical cocktails. Quinta do Lago has a host of family-friendly restaurants such as Bovino, known for its exquisite steaks, sports bars such as Dano’s, and The Shack – a lakeside bar that boasts live music every week.
If you enjoy eating and drinking in the quiet seclusion of your villa, fresh fish, meat, local produce and wine is always available, in addition to the other foodstuffs you are likely to need. If you fancy popping out for a meal or meeting up for a drink, Quinta do Lago has you covered. There are a bunch of family friendly venues with an excellent range of local and international gourmet cuisine easily accessible. If you don't want to go further afield you can find what you are looking for without leaving the resort.
Down on the coast you can eat with the sand between your toes at Gigi’s on Praia Quinta do Lago or Parilla on the Beach on the nearby Praia do Ancão. Scenery fans can eat, drink and enjoy the views of Ria Formosa at The Shack Bar and Grill, Casa do Lago or 2 Passos. If you are looking for a sing song with a local band and are up for the craic the Irish pub Cheeky Pup is a lively location at the heart of Quinta do Lago.
Bars
Bars in Quinta do Lago
For any visitor to Quinta Shopping Plaza the Melting Pot is well worth a visit. Open all day it’s a great place to refuel after a day of bargain hunting. However if retail therapy is not your thing it is the ideal spot to duck out and watch the game while other members of your party shop ‘til they drop’.
As an example of the variety you can find here, Quinta do Lago is home to both the meat lovers’ mecca Bovino and Pure Boutique Café and Juice Bar which is celebrated for extensive vegetarian and vegan menus. Similarly you can see the contrast in dining options between the breezy eat in/take away relaxed dining at Koko with the more formal sit down fine dining experience at the excellently reviewed As Velas.
Then there is T Clube, one of the most famous nightclubs in the Algarve. At this single venue you can have pre diner drinks at the Piano Bar, eat at the restaurant, enjoy open air after diner drinks in their picturesque Lounge Garden then finish the night at a sophisticated nightclub.
The presence of the odd celebrity adds to the glamour of these vibrant hot spots, but if you want more, the clubs and casinos of Vilamoura, Quarteira and Albufeira are easily accessible by car.
Golf
Golf courses in and around Quinta do Lago
Named ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ for two consecutive years, you can spend a day or two out on these famous fairways – club in hand – or watch the pros tee-off at major events like the Portuguese Open. There is also a mini-golf course for the young and young at heart!
Forming part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park with some holes overlooking the ocean, San Lorenzo is rich in challenging golf, wildlife and magnificent views. Quinta do Lago North, formerly known as the Ria Formosa Course, and South are another couple of 18-hole courses that could easily double up as beauty spots where you can play incredible golf.
The 27 hole Pinheiros Altos comprises three sets of 9 holes, ‘The Pines’, ‘The Corks’ and ‘The Lakes’. All three are equally attractive but have very different characteristics and hazards, as their names suggest. Then there is newest kid on the block at Quinta do Lago Laranjal. Named after the orange groves that it weaves through the course Laranjal has a fast growing reputation as a worthy place to play.
If this roster of courses doesn’t do it for you, being the Algarve, there are other championship golf courses an easy drive away in Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura.
Family Attractions
Family attractions in and around Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago has plenty of family friendly things to do either a short journey away or on the resort’s doorstep. Within Quinta do Lago itself, at the Quinta do Lago lake, Artur Watersports Academy manages a non-motorized water sports centre. Suitable for all the family the inflatable obstacle course is hit with kids of all ages.
Located near the main Quinta do Lago driving range the Mini golf course is a fantastic source of family fun.
For those looking for structured supervised fun the Little C Palace in the Conrad Hilton is open to local residents and holidaymakers. Designed by children, for children, the Little C Palace is suitable for kids aged three to twelve and has a variety of age-appropriate activities like fancy dress parties, face painting and gymnastics sessions.
The wide variety of classes and workshops available at The Campus, Algarve Tennis & Fitness Centre and Active Q Gym will keep older kids occupied for hours at a time. If you are looking to get your teens out of your hair for longer Pinetrees Riding Centre and Algarve Bike Holidays provides a range of tours and lessons that can take all day.
Just 5 minutes away from the beaches of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo is another nearby family day out, Karting Almancil. As well as high octane racing they have bungee trampolines, buggy safaris and motor boating for 3 to 6 year olds on their own miniature lake.
If prefer your fun a little more free form, AquaShow Park is a huge water park in a superb central location for all guests staying in Vilamoura, Vale de Lobo, Albufeira and Quinta do Lago.
Staying Active
Wellness facilities in Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago is the ideal place for those who want to get physical and there is always plenty to do. Renowned for its stunning beaches and the picturesque woodland lakes, with its dedicated water sports centre Artur Watersports Academy, there is ample opportunity for activities such as water skiing, sailing and windsurfing.
Back on dry land, The Campus, Algarve Tennis & Fitness Centre and Active Q Gym offer multisport complexes with state of the art facilities where you can work out, take classes and work on your general health and wellness. For a more tailored wellness retreat Hotel Quinta do Lago Spa provides you with all the natural healing treatments you could need.
Outdoor types can explore the beaches and forests around Quinta do Lago under their own steam, on bike or on the back of magnificent steed. Algarve Bike Holidays provides a range of daily tours taking in Silves, Monchique, Ria Formosa and the Albufeira country and coast. If you prefer to see the Algarve from horseback the Pinetrees Riding Centre offers tuition and tailor-made rides across the region.
Of all sports the Algarve is perhaps best known for its suburb golf facilities and Quinta do Lago is probably the largest golf resort in Europe. Pinheiros Altos, San Lorenzo, Laranjal, Quinta do Lago North and South courses are right on your doorstep and there are other championship golf courses an easy drive away in Albufeira, Vale do Lobo, Carvoerio and Vilamoura.
Tours in Quinta and around the Algarve
Tours in Quinta do Lago and around the Algarve
There are a number of numerous tours you can go on which will allow you to to explore the Algarve for all ages and tastes.
Shopping
Shopping and Culture in Quinta do Lago
Quinta Shopping Plaza lies at the entrance to the resort and is easily reachable by both foot and car from any of the villas lying within. A large commercial area adorned by many high-end stores, restaurants and bars, the setting is beautiful and very well maintained. However Quinta Shopping isn’t sheltered, so it’s not the best shopping option on rainy days, luckily there are not many of those in the Algarve.
If you are looking for up market items, Quinta Shopping is the ideal place for you. You will find a variety of designer brands and other luxurious items including accessories, makeup, exclusive home interiors and more.
Next to Quinta Shopping is the delightful shopping precinct Bougainvillea Plaza. This complex contains everything you will need to make your holiday easier. Amongst its facilities are a bank, supermarket and a newsagent.
However, there is more to Bougainvillea Plaza than just somewhere to pick up a pint of milk and the paper. The place is also home to a selection of smart pavement cafés, restaurants and the famous T Clube an upmarket lounge style nightclub that is a favourite with Portuguese celebrities.
Villa Rentals
Quinta do Lago Villas
The villas of Quinta do Lago are as architecturally varied as they are exclusive, giving a marvellously diverse feel to the landscape. Villas with secluded gardens and pools have been developed on large plots, giving you a sense of freedom and space that is lacking in less thoughtfully planned resorts. Valverde is a very smart development of luxury villas and apartments, situated alongside Quinta do Lago and Pinheiros Altos and all accommodation is within easy reach of the plaza, shops and the tennis and golf facilities.
All of our Quinta Do Lago villas are well appointed and individually furnished to a high standard. Visitors' testimonials speak of their satisfaction with the accommodation on their return and are eager to re-book. The whole resort is protected by 24-hour security patrols, so that you and your family can really relax and enjoy yourselves.
Quinta do Lago Map
Lifestyle Choice Villas
Maybeone of our lifestyle choice villas will help.
