Monte Rei vs San Lorenzo: Which Should You Play?
Two of the Algarve's marquee rounds, at opposite ends of the coast and from opposite ends of golf design. Monte Rei is the polished modern number one, a Nicklaus Signature course in the quiet eastern Algarve. San Lorenzo is the classic Quinta do Lago beauty, threading the Ria Formosa lagoons since 1988. Here is the honest head to head, with our verdict up front.
The verdict
If you can only play one, play Monte Rei. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course that opened in 2007 is widely regarded as the number one in Portugal, with flawless conditioning, a sense of space and exclusivity, and a green fee that includes a buggy with on course GPS and the resort's celebrated halfway service. It is the most complete top tier experience in the Algarve, and the eastern setting keeps it quiet.
But San Lorenzo is the more soulful round and the one many golfers love most. The 1988 Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore design inside Quinta do Lago borders the Ria Formosa lagoons, with umbrella pines, water and birdlife framing a course that is beautiful, varied and full of character, with a famous closing stretch by the estuary. It is a touch cheaper and far more central. Play Monte Rei for the polished number one. Play San Lorenzo for classic Algarve beauty. On a longer trip, play both.
Head to head
| Monte Rei, North | San Lorenzo | |
|---|---|---|
| Designer | Jack Nicklaus Signature design | Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore |
| Opened | June 2007 | 1988 |
| Par | Par 72 | Par 72 |
| Location | Eastern Algarve, near Vila Nova de Cacela, about 45 minutes east of Faro | Central Algarve, inside Quinta do Lago near Almancil, about 20 minutes west of Faro |
| Setting | Inland rolling country with mountain views, spacious and secluded | Bordering the Ria Formosa lagoons, umbrella pines, water and birdlife |
| Reputation | Widely ranked the number one course in Portugal | Long held among the best and most beautiful courses in Portugal |
| Green fee, indicative 2026 | Around 175 to 220 euro, shared buggy and practice included | Around 175 to 205 euro high season public rate |
| In a word | Polished, exclusive, immaculate | Scenic, classic, characterful |
Course facts and indicative green fees verified June 2026 from course and operator listings; fees move with season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking. Check tee time availability.
Who should pick which
Pick Monte Rei if
You want the single best and most polished round in Portugal and do not mind the drive east. The Nicklaus design is immaculate, the buggy and practice facilities are in the fee, the famous halfway service is part of the experience, and the eastern Algarve setting keeps the course quiet and exclusive. It is the natural centrepiece round of a luxury Algarve trip.
Pick San Lorenzo if
You want classic Algarve beauty in the heart of the action. San Lorenzo sits inside Quinta do Lago, minutes from Faro and a cluster of other fine courses, its lagoon holes are among the most photographed in Portugal, and it costs a little less than Monte Rei. It is the more central, more soulful round and the easy choice if you are basing yourself around Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo.
Plan your Algarve golf trip
Monte Rei, San Lorenzo or both, wrapped into a wider Algarve week. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling, and one concierge builds the tee times, transfers and base, and costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Monte Rei and San Lorenzo questions
Is Monte Rei or San Lorenzo the better course?
Monte Rei North is widely regarded as the number one course in Portugal, a 2007 Jack Nicklaus Signature design in the quiet eastern Algarve with immaculate conditioning, a buggy and on course service included in the green fee. San Lorenzo, a 1988 Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore design inside Quinta do Lago, is one of the most beautiful and characterful courses in the Algarve, bordering the Ria Formosa lagoons. Monte Rei is the more polished modern experience, San Lorenzo the more classic and scenic. Both are par 72.
How much does it cost to play Monte Rei and San Lorenzo?
Indicative 2026 green fees at Monte Rei North run from around 175 to 220 euro, with a shared buggy and practice facilities included. San Lorenzo sits a little lower, with indicative high season public rates around 175 to 205 euro. Both are among the most expensive rounds in the Algarve and both vary by season, so always confirm current fees directly before booking.
Where are Monte Rei and San Lorenzo?
Both are in the Algarve in southern Portugal but at opposite ends. Monte Rei sits in the quiet eastern Algarve near Vila Nova de Cacela, around 45 minutes east of Faro airport. San Lorenzo is in the central Algarve inside the Quinta do Lago resort near Almancil, around 20 minutes west of Faro, beside the Ria Formosa nature reserve.
Can you play both on one trip?
Yes, and on a longer Algarve trip we would recommend it. They sit about an hour apart, so a week based around the central Algarve can take in San Lorenzo and its Quinta do Lago neighbours, then make the drive east for a day at Monte Rei. We route the tee times and travel so neither round feels rushed.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts and indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.