Quinta do Lago Resort Information
QUINTA DO LAGO is an exclusive residential and recreational estate set in 800 hectares of pine forest and lake at the southern tip of Portugal. The resort enjoys a superb location, bordered on its south eastern boundaries by the Ria Formosa Natural Park. The park is one of 23 protected areas in Portugal. This tidal inlet is the UNESCO protected home of migratory birds and a wetland of world importance. It is one of the last unspoilt coastal zones in Europe. The owners of Quinta do Lago have worked closely with the park authorities, not only to protect the landscape and the wealth of flora and fauna that endow the region but to integrate a high quality of tourism development, without upsetting the delicate ecological balance.
The region is also abundant in marine life and fosters a rich ecosystem for the propagation of migrant and resident birds, some rare and threatened. Quinta do Lago has created two nature trails, which have been designed to enhance awareness of the environment value of the area. Since its creation in 1972, the development concept of Quinta do Lago has been one of low density. Even when fully developed, the constructed area will occupy only eight per cent of the entire estate. This is guaranteed by regional planning control and ensures maximum privacy for the property owners and protection of the environment.
Social life in Quinta do Lago can be as active and varied as you choose. The golf clubs and four magnificent courses are a focal point though there is a wide range of other sporting and leisure activities such as tennis, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing on the lake, sailing, fishing, horse riding and beach combing.
Quinta do Lago has its own shopping centre, Quinta Shopping, an attractive area of 10,000 square metres modelled on the concept of London's Covent Garden. Forty shops include some of the top brand names and offer a wide range of products and services. Shopping facilities and choice of merchandise in the Algarve have seen a tremendous increase in the last few years. In the Almancil area there are supermarkets, sophisticated interior design studios, antique and furniture shops, garden centres, fashion boutiques, shoe shops and high class jewellers. Portugal has a rich tradition of handicraft and folk art, many cottage industries producing individual handmade goods, which should not be overlooked whilst trying to find something original. Portugal is also famous for its pottery and hand painted tiles, Portuguese crystal, porcelain, Arraiolos carpets and lacemaking.
Eating out in Quinta do Lago and the surrounding area is a true pleasure. There are many restaurants offering an excellent range of cuisine to suit all tastes and when the dining is over a vibrant nightlife awaits in the resort's nightclubs.
Quinta do Lago is 15 minutes drive from Faro International Airport, two hours from Lisbon and two hours from Seville in Spain. There are daily international flights direct to Faro from most major European cities.