Why it matters
Quinta do Lago is one of the original Algarve resorts (1974) and the South Course is its premier 18. The routing winds through pines and around lagoons on the edge of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. It has hosted the Portuguese Open multiple times and is the resort's tournament-quality test. The other Quinta courses (North, Laranjal) are softer, more visitor-friendly second-day plays.
How to play it
Cart standard. 25 minutes from Faro airport (FAO). The resort is dense with villas, restaurants, and other courses — the natural stay for a full Algarve week. Pair with San Lorenzo (next door) and Vilamoura Old (20 minutes west) for a central-Algarve trio.