Quinta da Ria
Quinta da Ria is one of the most scenic rounds on the eastern Algarve, a Rocky Roquemore par 72 of about 6,053 metres that opened in 2002 above the Ria Formosa lagoon near Vila Nova de Cacela. Wide rolling fairways, five lakes and long views over the sandbar islands to the Atlantic make it a favorite of the quieter eastern coast, paired naturally with its sister course Quinta de Cima and nearby Monte Rei.
Photo: Quinta da Ria via Google.
The verdict
Quinta da Ria is the prettier of the two courses at the resort of the same name, and one of the genuine highlights of the eastern Algarve. Rocky Roquemore laid it out above the Ria Formosa lagoon near Vila Nova de Cacela, and it opened in 2002 as a par 72 of about 6,053 metres. Wide, rolling fairways, five lakes and stands of umbrella pine lead the eye out over the sandbar islands of the lagoon to the Atlantic, and several holes play right along that view.
It is a resort course that punches above its billing, more scenic and more memorable than its modest fame suggests. The eastern Algarve is quieter and less developed than the busy stretch around Vilamoura, and Quinta da Ria suits that pace, an unhurried, beautiful round best paired with its sister Quinta de Cima and the marquee Monte Rei a short drive away. Confirm the season green fee directly before you book.
Quinta da Ria at a glance
- Opened
- 2002
- Designer
- Rocky Roquemore
- Type
- Resort parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,053 m
- Green fee
- From about €100
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the resort and leading course databases. Rocky Roquemore designed Quinta da Ria, which opened in 2002 as a par 72 of about 6,053 metres with five lakes and sweeping views over the Ria Formosa. Published green fees start from around €100, with higher rates in the spring and autumn high season (indicative, 2026); always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Quinta da Ria is built for enjoyment, with wide rolling fairways that give the average golfer room to swing and enough strategic bunkering and water to make the better player think. The land falls gently toward the lagoon, and Roquemore used that movement to frame greens that sit beautifully in the landscape.
The signature stretch runs along the edge of the Ria Formosa, where holes open to views of the sandbar islands and the Atlantic beyond, and the breeze off the sea becomes a real factor in club selection. The greens are true and quick, originally grown on bent grass, and reward the player who keeps the ball below the hole.
It closes in the same relaxed, scenic spirit, a course to savor rather than to grind out. Play it as part of a two course day with its sister Quinta de Cima, and you have one of the most rewarding and least crowded golf experiences on the whole Algarve.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; visitors and resort guests welcome to book tee times year round |
| Green fee | From about €100, higher in the spring and autumn high season; twilight and two course rates available (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Book online or through the golf desk; combine with sister course Quinta de Cima for a two course day |
| On the day | Buggies widely used; resort dress code; practice facilities on site |
| Getting there | Vila Nova de Cacela on the eastern Algarve, about 50 minutes from Faro Airport on the A22 |
| Best months | February to May and September to November for warm, settled Algarve golf |
Access and rates verified June 2026; resort pricing changes by season, so always confirm directly with the golf desk or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Golfers in this corner of the Algarve stay at the resort itself or in nearby Tavira and Cabanas, a quieter, more traditional stretch of coast than the busy resorts to the west, full of lagoon views, seafood and easy beach days. A base here puts the eastern courses minutes away.
For a golf focused trip, the eastern Algarve pairs Quinta da Ria and its sister Quinta de Cima with the headline Monte Rei and the cliffside Castro Marim, making a strong three or four day itinerary near the Spanish border. It is an ideal region to build an unhurried trip around.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Quinta da Ria.
Build an eastern Algarve golf trip
We arrange the Quinta da Ria tee times, pair them with Monte Rei and the eastern Algarve courses, and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Quinta da Ria questions
Who designed Quinta da Ria?
Quinta da Ria was designed by Rocky Roquemore and opened in 2002 on the eastern Algarve near Vila Nova de Cacela.
What is the par and length of Quinta da Ria?
It is a par 72 of about 6,053 metres, with wide rolling fairways, five lakes and sweeping views over the Ria Formosa lagoon.
How much is a green fee at Quinta da Ria?
Published green fees start from around €100 and rise in the spring and autumn high season (indicative, 2026). Always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
Where is Quinta da Ria?
Quinta da Ria is at Vila Nova de Cacela on the eastern Algarve, about 50 minutes from Faro Airport on the A22.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.