Looking for a golf home in Portugal? Try the Eastern Algarve. Less developed than the better known central part, the courses there are among Portugal’s finest and most picturesque
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Celebrities who enjoy a round of golf have helped turn Portugal’s Golden Triangle – which includes the resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta da Lago and Vilamoura – into a world famous tourist destination, but some of Portugal’s most impressive courses can be found further east along the unspoiled Algarve.
It’s a little known fact that the golf course often voted number one in Portugal is situated in the Eastern Algarve, at the Monte Rei Golf and Country Club, near Tavira. It occupies a stunning location, with the Serra do Caldeirão Mountains as a backdrop and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, including the picturesque Ria Formosa natural park, just a few kilometres in front.
Monte Rei’s Jack Nicklaus ‘Signature’ golf course is set amongst the resort’s 1,000-acre site, which includes a selection of low density luxury villa developments. Aside from golf and clubhouse facilities, other on-site amenities at Monte Rei’s O Miradouro Village include a restaurant and bar, swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, spa and beauty salon. Villas for sale at Monte Rei are typically well over €1million, however, a more affordable option could be a property in one of the nearby villages, such as Vila Nova de Cacela or Cacela Velha.
Further East, towards the Spanish border and Guadiana River, are two further golf resorts – Castro Marim Golfe and Country Club and Quinta do Vale. The former boasts 27 holes of golf, surrounded by the Sapal Nature Reserve, which homeowners and visitors can explore by bike or on horseback. Low density developments at Castro Marim include townhouses and villas.
Meanwhile, the 18-hole course at Quinta do Vale was designed by the late Seve Ballesteros and enjoys views over the Guadiana. The resort boasts a range of luxury properties of different architectural styles.
The beaches of the Eastern Algarve are another reason to consider buying a home there. Some, like Praia da Armona, are on islands that form a long lagoon within the Ria Formosa Park and are only accessible by ferryboat from Olhao, which has kept them undeveloped and unspoilt.
Other beaches with the wow factor in the area include Ilha de Tavira, Praia do Barril, Praia Verde and Praia de Monte Gordo. This four bedroom house on a complex near the beach in Monte Gordo is on the market for €295,000 – click on the image for more details.
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