Quinta do Lago Holidays
Quinta do Lago Holidays – Luxury and action rolled into one
Quinta do Lago may not translate literally as ‘luxury’ in Portuguese, but that’s exactly what you will find at here, one of the most prestigious addresses in the Algarve. Part of the so called Golden Triangle in the Algarve, Quinta do Lago is one of the most luxurious resorts in the region. A holiday in Quinta do Lago is, above all else, a golf holiday, and has four championship courses within five minutes of the resorts, including the famous Ocean Course at Vale do Lobo.
In keeping with it luxury image, Quinta do Lobo also offers an extensive range of diversions, including clay pigeon shooting, tennis, squash, deep water fishing, horse riding, and almost every kind of water sport, also available on the salt-water lake. But there is more than just up-market entertainment on offer. The resort is right beside the Ria Formosa Natural Park, with two nature trails that allow you to enjoy the natural habitat of many rare species of plant and bird life, which has made it a favourite with ‘twitchers’, the nickname for birdwatchers.If you are looking for a luxury holiday full of action and interest, Quinta do Lobo is the place for you.
When to go
Any time of the year is when you should go to Quinta do Logo, because there is so much going on that you will always find something interesting to do – even if it is simply luxuriating at one of the beautiful hotels. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to enjoy the enormous range of sports offered at the resort, especially golf, as high season might prove too hot for a long stroll around the green. On cooler winter days you could spend an intriguing day wandering the historic town of Faro, the region’s capital.
The weather in Quinta do Lago
Long days of blue skies and sunshine during summer, between May to September allow you to live the outside sporty life, although during July and August temperatures can reach 29º in the open so take a big hat if you intend playing golf. Temperatures between 16-18º from November to April are comfortable, but you could expect to have a small amount of rain. In spring the grass on the golf courses will begin to glow after their winter watering, and autumn temperatures of around 25º mean you can still take a dip in the Atlantic.
Getting the best deal
Quinta do Lago is home to some of the most spectacular villas in the Algarve. You may not be able to stay in the homes of the super-rich, but you can still enjoy the sumptuous surroundings by seeking out a deal at one of the excellent hotels. As Quinta do Lago is a major golf-orientated resort, and there for pretty busy all year round you probably won’t get the sort of deal you might expect at a more family-orientated destination, but if you would like a long weekend from late autumn to spring then you should be able to make some pretty good savings, and it’s also when you will see a marked difference in the price of flights, compared to high season. To get the best deal in Quinta do Lago, check below, and keep an eye on our late offers.
Airport and transport need to know
Transfers from Faro airport to Quinta do Lago will take around thirty minutes and cost approximately 30€ (£24) by taxi for four people, although a pre-booked minibus is much more economical for up to eight at around 36€ (£29). From 9pm to 6am and at weekends metered taxis will charge an extra 20%. Check when booking on-line if this applies with your pre-booked vehicle.
Faro is the only international airport on the Algarve, but with services from over twenty airports in the UK and Ireland, particularly during the high season, you shouldn’t have to travel to far for a flight.
The best beaches in Quinta do Lago
A long wooden walkway from Quinta do Lago takes you to its glorious beach, two kilometres of golden sand, whose blue flag tells you that its waters will be pristine. There is no shortage of facilities; cafes, restaurants, sun beds for hire and all kinds of water sports. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. As it is separated from the town you can pretend you are on your own desert island, particularly if you wander right down to the eastern end. An ideal beach for most people, particularly families and couples who don’t want too much noise and activity going on around them.
For a change from island life, a short ride will take you to the beach at Quarteira, one of the longest in the Algarve, so you can spend your day throwing a beach ball around without disturbing anyone. More importantly, anyone else being a bit over-active won’t disturb you. It is perfect for families, as a breakwater calms the seas, making it a safe place for new swimmers to build their confidence and kids to paddle. For the sporty, there are a number of water sports available, and as a break from sunning yourself on the beach or if you fancy a bite or a drink, there are lots of cafes and restaurants that run alongside the palm trees and flowers that decorate the promenade.
Praia do Ancão is another long stretch of peaceful beach, sheltered by dunes.
