Stay up to date with all the latest news, special offers and events in Quinta do Lago - Subscribe to our newsletter.

menu

menu

Sign in | Sign up
My Wishlist

THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL

Europe's southern gem

Quinta do Lago is located at Europe’s most south-western tip, in the Portuguese region of the Algarve. From the warm Mediterranean climate to the beautiful beaches and exceptional golf courses, this southern gem is the ideal setting to enjoy life. Whether you're looking for a family holiday in Portugal or a second home in a luxury resort, Quinta do Lago is the ultimate destination for lifestyle.

SET AMONGST NATURE

Quinta do Lago has the privilege of being located in the protected coastal lagoon of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This incredibly special place is home to a vast array of wildlife, migrating birds, fauna and flora, and its walking trails offer an immersive escape into nature. In all, the Ria Formosa is a 60 km stretch, running along the Algarve’s leeward coast. Its complex ecosystem sustains thriving habitats for wildlife, particularly birdlife. There are more than 300 bird species and 30,000 sightings throughout the year, including rare and protected species such as the purple swamphen and flamingos. If you’re lucky, you might also sport chameleons, terrapins and otters around the Ria Formosa. Walk over the sparkling waters of the lagoon as you cross the Quinta do Lago wooden bridge to reach the tall sand dunes and golden beach. Or, to really explore this magical land, rent a bike with the Bike Shed or contact our Clube da Quinta team to arrange a guided tour with a marine biologist.

a moorish past

Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, has much to remind us of its Moorish past, with a Muslim heritage leaving marks right through its cultural identity. An Arab presence in Portugal of more than half a millennium (712-1249) could never be lost forever, despite efforts to eradicate any signs of it in the aftermath of the Christian Re-conquest.

Architecture and art, the Portuguese language and place names, even the local cuisine, all reveal Moorish influences, clearly adding to the region’s cultural interest. The imposing walls and towers of the castle of the city of Silves, once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, provide a powerful reminder, as do the mesh of alleys and narrow streets and ‘cubic’, flat-roofed houses in some of the region’s city centres (Olhão). Look up and you’ll see the ornate chimney pots decorating the region’s rooftops, said to mimic minarets.

For more information on local attractions and possible tours, please contact our Clube da Quinta team.

LOULÉ MARKET

Dating from 1908, Loulé Market provides one of the municipalities architectural highlights, as much of interest to local shoppers as tourists from afar. Designed by Alfredo Costa Campos, the market boasts a revivalist Art Nouveau style of Arab inspiration (Neo-Arabic), four pavilions and four entrances, while its scale was supposed to reflect the prosperity of the municipality.
The city’s iconic meeting place for over a hundred years, the market underwent serious renovation work during the first decade of the 21st century, protecting its historic and cultural value and modernising its facilities, to reopen in 2007. Today it is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions; its unique red domes the symbol of the city. Saturday morning markets are a frenzy of local colour, revealing an enticing blend of fresh produce and traditional regional products.
For more information on local attractions and possible tours, please contact our Clube da Quinta team.
 

contact us

 

GASTRONOMY

 

Revealing a love of seafood, local produce and clear Mediterranean influences, the cuisine of the Algarve is as delicious as it is varied. Split into two distinct different areas, culinary traditions are materialised in fish and shellfish dishes in coastal districts, while chicken, pork and game feature in inland dishes. Staple ingredients in an Algarve kitchen include olive oil, garlic, onion, tomatoes, peppers, parsley and coriander, leading to simple yet surprisingly flavoursome creations.

On the coast, freshly grilled fish, such as sardines, mackerel or seabream, are joined by elaborate shellfish concoctions, such as the famed cataplana, a dish of fish and shellfish cooked in a sealed copper pan of the same name, or simpler risotto style dishes featuring clams, for example. The kitchen teams in Quinta do Lago’s restaurants are passionate about serving the best of the region’s gastronomy. The Magnolia Hotel restaurant is a relaxed and colourful space to sample some of the best-loves dishes in the Algarve, while Casa do Lago’s delightful seafood menu boasts the freshest catches from the Ria Formosa and Atlantic Ocean right outside.

The produce of fertile orchards and groves has led to wealth of sweet treats featuring almonds, figs, carobs and citrus fruit. Medronho, an eye-widening spirit made from the fruit of the strawberry tree, is joined by the wonderful wines produced in the Algarve, recently enjoying growing international renown. As is flor de sal, the gourmet sea salt produced in coastal saltpans, praised by leading chefs for its ability to waken flavours in food. Interestingly, the talented mixologists at Bovino Steakhouse are a font of knowledge when it comes to the Algarve’s special ingredients, whipping up delicious cocktails with surprising Algarve flavours.

 

discover more

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

 

From the natural wonders of the Ria Formosa along the Algarve’s southern coast, to Alentejo’s traditional villages, the wild western Atlantic coast and the stunning climbs of the Natural Park of Arrábida, Portugal offers unbeatable opportunities for exploration, exhilaration and adventure. With the Bike Shed at The Campus, guided group rides are a fantastic way to experience the landscapes of the Algarve and beyond. With routes designed for all ages and levels, you can enjoy an afternoon discovering the ecosystem of the protected coastal lagoon inside Quinta do Lago, or take it up a level and head out on a day excursion to tackle the Algarve’s highest point, Foia. For a true adventure, cycling holidays offer the chance to see the very best of Portugal’s dramatic landscapes, visiting medieval and historic towns, experiencing local culture and making friends along the way. Accommodation, bike rental and training can all be arranged.

 

Discover more

on the doorstep of quinta do lago

All these wonders and more can be found on the doorstep of our luxury resort. Our dedicated teams and services are here to ensure you get the most out of each and every day you spend with us. Contact us today to start planning your next adventure.

clube da quinta

The Quinta do Lago Clube da Quinta team is dedicated to providing an exceptional, personalised service to guests and residents of Quinta do Lago. With expert planning and a range of benefits and privileges, no request is ever too small or too big.

read more

THE campus

A state-of-the-art performance and innovation environment enjoyed by athletes, teams and sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The Campus premier multi-sports hub welcomes you to enjoy a lifestyle of health, fitness and wellness.

read more

RESTAURANTS

Across the resort, 13 amazing restaurants await, each offering a unique and sublime dining experience for every occasion or mood, and with the freshest local produce from our own Q Farm, local Portuguese markets, Ria Formosa and Atlantic ocean.

read more