walking distance to Tavira, 4 double bedrooms, 5 bath or shower rooms (3 en-suite), sleeps 8, air-conditioning/heating, 10m x 5m salt-water pool, covered terrace, BBQ, roof terrace, views of sea and hills

There are five golf courses in the Eastern Algarve, within fifteen minutes to half an hour by car from the villa, and more courses just over the border in Spain. There are many more courses to the west of Faro.

(All descriptions taken from each course's website)

Benamor

Benamor is about 10 minutes drive from the villa, and is an excellent course, with wonderful views over the rolling hills. It has a driving range.

Quinta da Ria

Quinta da Ria is about 15 minutes drive from the villa. This spectacular 18 hole golf course is in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and spreads along a gently undulating piece of prime land down to the Ria Formosa itself, with a stunning view of the sea.

More than 300 trees, such as olive and carob trees have been transplanted in order to maintain the ancient border of the course and the typical features of the region's landscape.

It is a par 72, comprising two loops of 9 holes with each loop having 2 par 5's, five par 4's and two par 3's. The total length is 6016 metres. Five lakes were strategically built around the course, near greens 5, 10 and 14. Hole 16, a par 5, is played between the two biggest lakes. The green of the par 3 17th also brings one the lakes into play and also has an island where local bird-life nests. Besides the beauty the lakes bring to the course, they are also used as water reservoirs for irrigation and are nourished by a stream, in play on some holes. The greens, smoothly undulating, are well protected by bunkers. Greens, tees and fairways are seeded with Bent Crenshaw and the rough with Poa Pretensis with Fescuas.

From any point on the course, one can see both the mountains and the sea. The surrounding orange groves and vineyards contribute to make the landscape of the course even more beautiful.

Quinta de Cima

Quinta da Cima

voted the best golf course in Portugal by

THE ‘PEUGEOT EUROPEAN GOLF GUIDE 2004-05

This is a sister course to the Quinta da Ria, and they share a clubhouse. It is about 15 minutes from the villa. The views of the sea and the mountains are a delight. Century-old olive and carob trees and the typical orange groves provide a truly secluded feel to this wonderful course.

Two generously proportioned driving ranges provide magnificent views of the mountains as well as the ocean. On the second driving range, designed for practice with irons only, is the Robinson Golf Academy.

Castro Marim

This is narrow course on hilly terrain with fine views (buggies recommended). It is about 25 minutes from the villa, near to the Spanish border.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the River Guadiana, the development also borders Portugal's second most important and largest nature reserve.

Monte Rei

Golf Section Image

This course is about 20 minutes drive from the villa.

The Monte Rei Golf Club is set in the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with sweeping views of the Serra do Caldeirão mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

As at 2009, the first of two unique championship 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses at Monte Rei is already open for play in the north, whilst the second, in the south is at an advanced stage of design.

The northern course, which opened in 2007 features five lakes, surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, rich with indigenous trees and plants.

There is a Golf Academy and an excellent driving range and extensive practice facilities. In addition, there is a magnificent Clubhouse, which has a fine dining restaurant and provides a focal point for the development.

Quinta do Vale

A challenging layout, in a unique natural environment”.

The 18 hole golf course was specially designed by the world famous player Severiano Ballesteros, considered European Player of the Century, who now owns Trajectory, S.L., the company responsible for the project.

The Quinta do Vale golf course has been designed to attract golfers of every level and will be a strong candidate for hosting important international championships.

Covering an area of 75 hectares, the course is fully integrated into the surrounding natural landscape.

There are some excellent courses just over the border in Spain which can be accessed via the motorway:

Isla Canella – Spain

This course is close to the border town of Ayamonte. The course is kept in good condition and provides challenging but enjoyable golf with easy walking. The course is renowned for its good greens and has excellent club house facilities.

Islantilla – Spain

Overlooking the resort of Isla Antilla, the golf course in places runs parallel with the sea, making it interesting, challenging and very scenic. This 27 hole complex is 35 minutes drive from Tavira. Some of the holes are hilly, others undulating and the wind plays a key part on these courses. We would recommend buggies on this course. The clubhouse and its facilities are first class.