Quinta do Lago – Ten Great Things Why People Want to Live Here

Why Quinta do Lago is a Great Place to Live

There are so many reasons we think you’ll love living in Quinta do Lago that we had a hard time deciding the top ten. Nonetheless, we eventually finalised it and hope you’re as excited as we are about this incredible place! 

With Faro airport, less than 30 minutes drive away, and the endless array of beautiful sandy beaches in the stunning corner of the Algarve’s ‘golden triangle’ these are some of the things we think new residents will love about the divine Quinta do Lago resort.

1. The Security and Piece of Mind

Bearing in mind Quinta do Lago is one of the most exclusive and expensive luxury resorts in Europe. 

Thus, has welcomed many wealthy and famous people as its residents. As you can imagine security is an important factor for both the people who live there and visitors alike.

You will find the whole area is patrolled by security guards day and night. Security cameras are always on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

Having said that, it is all performed discreetly and the presence of the guards gives a great sense of security and they are all very friendly. 

2. The Healthy Lifestyle

With a multitude of different health and wellness centres to choose from, the Quinta do Lago resort boasts a level in keeping with the locality, so if it’s the ultimate relaxation you’re after, then you have chosen the right place to live! 

Let’s start the recommendation with one of the very few six-star hotels in the world “The Conrad Algarve”. You will be amazed at the beauty of this hotel, both the interior and exterior. It is not just a hotel it is the most wonderful place to spend the day. 

The hotel including the spa, pools bars and restaurants are open to non-guests so why not treat yourself or a loved one to a day to remember? It really is the most spectacular place!

We’re also particularly fond of the Hotel Quinta do Lago and its devotion to relaxation. Decked out with a Turkish bath, four stunning massage rooms, a heated indoor pool (with counter-current), a sauna, and a gymnasium – we think you may not want to leave this decadent slice of heaven. Open to hotel guests and non-residents it really is the best spa in town!

3. The Wonderful Restaurants

Quinta do Lago offers a variety of dining options in its high-quality restaurants, to ensure the perfect culinary experience! 

With a huge range of restaurants, the resort really caters for the local Mediterranean experience with an incredible range of fresh locally caught seafood alongside sourdough pizzas, nourishing salads and exquisite desserts with many that overlook the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. 

If you’re already in the area, try visiting the Bovino steakhouse, Dano’s on the Campus, Koko by the golf range or The Shack on the lake for a delectable experience.

If Michelin-star restaurants are to your liking you have a choice of two! Both Restaurante Casa Velha near the lake and Gusto found in the aforementioned Conrad Algarve Hotel can boast the exclusive star. 

4. Three Incredible Golf Courses

Quinta do Lago boasts three world-class golf facilities and has been at the forefront of international golf since the early days. 

Today, the resort’s three 18-hole courses are among the region’s (and arguably, Europe’s) best and play host to the Portuguese Open, (part of the PGA European Tour), in 2001.

These world-renowned courses – the North, South and Laranjal – hold regular tournaments and competitions, and enjoy incredible ocean views, their own clubhouse, golf academy and ever-popular restaurants serving incredible cuisine.  

It’s a perfect way to spend some time on one of the endlessly sunny Algarve days!

5. The São Lourenço Hiking Trails for Wonderful Scenic Activities

The São Lourenço trail offers one of the best ways to explore the protected Ria Formosa natural park with its salt marshes and wetlands. With various paths to choose from and many bird hides positioned in the perfect positions to view the wildlife closeup.

The lush green pine forests provide ample shade from the sun and the serene lagoons provide shelter for a variety of sea life most notably, endangered species of seahorses.

The Ludo trail is also located nearby and offers stunning views of the lagoons where you’ll often see groups of pink flamingos making their way across the lakes. Birds such as the Avocet, Grebe, Kingfisher and Cormorants can also be seen basking in the serene atmosphere.

6. The Cosmopolitan Café and Coffee Culture

If it’s a continental European breakfast or a full English breakfast you’re after, you’re in the right place! The Quinta do Lago community is well-known for its wonderful array of cafes. 

If coffee with a view is your thing, then we’d recommend trying either The Shack or Casa do Lago both with serene outdoor seating areas overlooking the Quinta do Lago Lake, we can’t guarantee you’ll want to move anywhere else afterwards!

If you prefer to sit and people watch then any of the cafes in the Quinta do Lago shopping centre is the place for you. You never know who you might see passing by!

For the best English breakfast try Koko or the Quinta do Lago Golf Club just across the road. 

7. Splashing fun Water Sports 

There’s no better way to cool down from the Algarve sun than with a fun day of water sports. Arthurs Water Sports Academy found on the Quinta dl Lago are connoisseurs of anything water and sports. 

You can learn how to sail or windsurf on Quinta do Lago’s manmade lake, under the expert guidance of one of the instructors. Alternatively, why not enjoy the calming tranquillity of the lake on a kayak or better still get the kids to do all the work on a pedalo? 

If you are looking for a more adrenaline rush experience, make your way to the beach and take to the waves of the Atlantic on a jet ski. Other fun activities include paragliding, water skiing and the crazy banana boats.

For those who enjoy cruising through natural beauty, you can also take eco-tours along the Ria Formosa. Taking a kayak or canoe and paddle along the winding estuaries of this stunning nature reserve. Going at your own pace and taking in the wonderful scenery this park offers.

8. The Great Social Life

There are many ex-pats already living in the area and the community is ever-growing. The difference in lifestyle leans toward making friends very easily. 

You find plenty of groups with varied interests such as walking, art or simply meeting up for a chat. There are several Facebook communities to keep up with what is going on and with so many great meeting points you will be spoilt for choice.

Add that to the thousands of holidaymakers who frequent the place throughout the year and you will never be short of friends!

9. Such Wonderful Beaches

What can we say that has not already been said, the beaches in this area are amongst the best in the Algarve. With long stretches of golden sand and gentle crystal clear waves washing along the beautiful shoreline it really is a beach lovers paradise. 

The beaches can get a little busy during the summer months, but from September through to May you can take an early morning stroll for miles without hardly seeing anyone but the fishermen and a few other walkers.

If you are into fishing then the beach is a great place to cast out and while away the day waiting for your line to pull tight with the weight of your supper. Just to let you know a 400 lb+ tuna fish was landed by rod a line in Quarteira just a few km down the beach! 

10. Boutique Shopping in a Sensational Setting

The heart of Quinta do Lago has to be Quinta Shopping, a delightful enclosed area with boutique shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. A great place to shop for top-end clothing and jewellery. 

It also makes for a great night out with the varied selection of bars and restaurants. Recommended is Tonys Italian & pizza for food and The Melting Pot or Cheeky Pup for drinks.

The shopping centre also boasts a supermarket for daily supplies. However, there are also various large supermarkets within easy driving distance including a Tesco reseller for any English goodies you are missing!

To Conclude with Top Advice

Having been lucky enough to live in Quinta do Lago for over five years I could go on and on about this spectacular place to live and the lifestyle that is on offer.

Unfortunately, a top ten needs to end at number ten! Perhaps in another article, I will talk about the points I have missed in this one.

If you are interested in buying a property in the Quinta do Lago area we would urge you to act quickly, in our opinion the prices in this luxury and selective area are the highest rising in the Algarve. With so little real estate and so many people wanting to live here, we can only imagine this continuing for the foreseeable future.

Should you want to discuss options and register your interest in the Quinta do Lago area feel free to contact us, help and advice are always on hand.