Quinta do Lago holidays

Holidays to Quinta do Lago are all the rage for families and golfers, thanks to sandy beaches and world-class greens.

Sun, sand and seafood

Quinta do Lago sits on the Algarve’s famous coastline, and its main beach unravels for three kilometres. It’s got the Blue Flag stamp of approval, and is backed by a line of sand dunes, giving it a real away-from-it-all feel. Plus, the waves tend to be gentle, making it a popular pick for families. A spot by the coast means the seafood scene in the area’s one to write home about, too. A local must-try dish is Cataplana de Marisco – a Portuguese fish stew with a base of garlic, sautéed onions, tomatoes, olive oil and fresh parsley. On the topic of seafood, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, especially if you hop in a taxi to Faro. It takes about 25 minutes to get there.

Practise your swing

If one thing puts Quinta do Lago on the map, it’s golf. The resort’s known for having three 18-hole championship courses, and one of them has even hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, so you know they’ve got it down to a tee – pardon the pun. Plus, anyone can get involved – whether you’re an experienced driver stepping up to the plate or a total beginner who needs a few lessons to build your confidence, you’ll find a place to practise your swing. There’s even minigolf on the cards, if that’s more your cup of tea.

At one with nature

The resort is nudged right up to Ria Formosa Natural Park, meaning almost 70 square miles of flora and fauna right on your doorstep. The park’s packed with lagoons, mudflats and salt marshes, and there’s a network of walking trails running through it. If you’re into birdwatching, keep your eyes peeled for the likes of purple swamphens, greater flamingos and spoonbills. And while we’re talking about animals, it’s also home to everything from chameleons and pond turtles to otters and fiddler crabs. As you can tell, nature lovers have struck gold here.