Quinta da Ria sits inside the protected Ria Formosa Natural Park on the eastern Algarve, so you're never far from lagoons, salt marshes and that big coastal sky. Designed by Rocky Roquemore (the same man behind sister course Quinta de Cima), it's a resort course that feels properly tied into its surroundings rather than dropped on top of them.
The front nine threads through umbrella pines and cork oaks, with generous fairways that still ask you to pick a side if you want the best angle in. Turn for home and it opens up towards the shoreline, with water and breeze becoming more of a factor as you get closer to the estuary. When the wind is up, club selection on approaches can be a proper talking point.
If you like a hole you'll remember on the flight home, the par-3 17th is the one, a carry across water to a green framed by dunes and marshland. It's the kind of shot that stays with you.
Condition tends to be very strong, with greens that typically roll true and rough that's penal without being silly. It's enjoyable for mid-handicappers who like plotting their way round, but higher handicaps will still have plenty of fun if they play within themselves and soak up the scenery.
If you're in the area, it pairs brilliantly with Quinta de Cima for a Roquemore one-two.
Who is this for? Golfers who want scenic Algarve golf in a protected coastal setting, with enough strategy to keep you interested.
Who is it best for? Mid-handicappers and mixed-ability groups pairing Quinta da Ria with Quinta de Cima for two contrasting rounds.
