Quinta do Vale

Quinta do Vale is an 18-hole, par-72 golf course in Castro Marim in the Eastern Algarve, close to the Guadiana River and the Spanish border. Designed by Severiano Ballesteros, the course opened in October 2008 and follows an unusual layout of six par-3s, six par-4s and six par-5s.

Ballesteros designed Quinta do Vale to provide an enjoyable but strategically demanding round for golfers of different abilities. Generous fairways are combined with doglegs, bunkering and prominent water hazards, rewarding good course management and careful club selection rather than relying on length alone.

The character of the course changes noticeably during the round. The front nine occupies lower ground and incorporates a number of natural lagoons, bringing water into play on several holes. The back nine climbs onto more elevated terrain, opening up views across the surrounding valley, the Guadiana River and towards neighbouring Spain.

Quinta do Vale measures up to 6,216 metres and has Bermuda 419 tees and fairways, Bentgrass L93 greens and rough incorporating fescue and ryegrass.

Practice facilities are particularly extensive. Alongside a large two-sided driving range, golfers have access to putting, chipping and pitching areas, practice bunkers and a nine-hole Academy Course used for short-game practice and instruction.

The clubhouse sits within the resort overlooking the course, with a terrace restaurant offering views across 15 holes, including the 18th, and towards the Guadiana River. Golfers can also hire clubs, buggies, manual trolleys and electric trolleys from the course.