Monte Rei Golf North
Monte Rei North is the most acclaimed course in the Algarve and, for many critics, the finest in all of Portugal. A Jack Nicklaus Signature design opened in 2007, it sits in glorious countryside near Tavira, framed by the Serra do Caldeirao mountains, and it is run with a five star, members club feel that keeps the course quiet and immaculate.
Photo: Monte Rei Golf & Country Club via Google.
2026 closure: the Monte Rei North Course is closed from 13 April to 14 September 2026 for a major renovation, including new greens, rebuilt bunkers and an upgraded irrigation system. The resort villas, restaurants, spa and other facilities stay open during the works. Confirm reopening dates directly before planning a round.
The verdict
Monte Rei opened in 2007 as a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, the centerpiece of an ambitious resort in the unspoiled countryside of the eastern Algarve. Nicklaus routed it through rolling, wooded terrain with the Serra do Caldeirao as a backdrop, building wide, beautifully shaped fairways, deep, sculpted bunkers and large, receptive greens, the hallmarks of his best work.
What sets Monte Rei apart as much as the design is the experience: limited groups each day, a shared buggy and a basket of extras included, valet service and a genuine sense of space and calm. It is the most expensive round in the Algarve and one of the most rewarding, a true bucket list course for an eastern Algarve trip. Note the 2026 renovation closure above, then see our best of Portugal ranking and the golf in Portugal guide.
Monte Rei North at a glance
- Course opened
- 2007
- Designer
- Jack Nicklaus
- Type
- Parkland, resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- Over 7,000 yds
- Green fee
- Top tier
Designer, year and par verified June 2026 from the resort, GolfPass and Top 100 sources; the 2026 closure verified from Monte Rei and Algarve golf reporting. Monte Rei North, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, opened in 2007 near Tavira, a par 72 of more than 7,000 yards. It is closed from 13 April to 14 September 2026 for renovation. Green fees are at the top of the Algarve market as an indicative 2026 guide, from around 175 euros and higher in peak season, with a shared buggy and extras included. Rates vary by season; always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Nicklaus gave Monte Rei the room to breathe, the holes flowing through the natural contours of the land with generous landing areas off the tee and the challenge concentrated around the greens, where his trademark bunkering and subtle contouring demand a precise, well judged approach. The conditioning has long been the best in the region, the fairways and greens kept to a tournament standard.
The par 3s are a highlight, each with its own character and a green ringed by sand and run offs, and the par 5s tempt the bold player to take on the corners. Water features on several holes, framing approaches and forcing a decision, while the mountain backdrop and the quiet of the eastern Algarve give every round a sense of occasion.
The renovation under way in 2026 is rebuilding greens and bunkers and modernizing the irrigation, work designed to preserve the course's character and make it more resilient. When it reopens it should be better than ever, the standout round of any eastern Algarve golf trip.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2026 closure | North Course closed 13 April to 14 September 2026 for renovation; resort facilities remain open |
| Access | Open to visiting golfers and resort guests outside the closure; limited groups each day keep it quiet |
| Green fee | Top of the Algarve market, an indicative 2026 guide from around 175 euros, shared buggy and extras included |
| Booking | Reserve well ahead through the resort or your trip planner; valet parking and practice facilities included |
| On the day | Walkable parkland with buggy included; mind the water and the run offs around the greens; standard golf dress code with collared shirts |
| Getting there | In the countryside near Tavira in the eastern Algarve, about 50 km and forty five minutes from Faro airport |
Fees, access and the 2026 closure verified June 2026; the indicative green fees reflect 2026 pricing and vary by season, so always confirm the current rate, reopening dates and tee availability directly before booking. Book a tee time through our trip desk.
Where to stay nearby
The natural base is Monte Rei's own resort, with luxury villas and apartments set in the grounds, restaurants, a spa and a shuttle to the course, all of which stay open through the 2026 renovation. The historic town of Tavira, with its old quarter and riverfront, is a short drive away and makes a charming alternative base.
For a fuller eastern Algarve trip, pair Monte Rei with the Henry Cotton parkland of Benamor Golf outside Tavira, and the linked layouts of Quinta da Ria and Quinta de Cima.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Monte Rei.
Build an Algarve golf trip
We track the reopening at Monte Rei, book the tee times when the North Course returns and build the rest of an eastern Algarve golf week around your golf. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Monte Rei North questions
Who designed Monte Rei North and when did it open?
Monte Rei North is a Jack Nicklaus Signature course that opened in June 2007 near Tavira in the eastern Algarve. It is widely rated among the very best courses in Portugal.
Is Monte Rei North open in 2026?
No, not for the whole season. The North Course is closed from 13 April to 14 September 2026 for a major renovation that includes new greens, rebuilt bunkers and an upgraded irrigation system. The resort, villas, restaurants and spa remain open during the works.
What are green fees at Monte Rei North?
Green fees are at the top of the Algarve market, an indicative 2026 guide from around 175 euros and higher in peak season, with a shared buggy and a generous package of extras included. Always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
What is the par and length at Monte Rei North?
It is a par 72 measuring more than 7,000 yards from the championship tees, with limited groups each day to keep the course quiet and pristine, set against the Serra do Caldeirao mountains.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, year and par verified June 2026; the 2026 renovation closure verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.