Quinta da Ria

Quinta da Ria occupies coastal terrain in Vila Nova de Cacela, along the eastern Algarve near the Spanish border. Designed by Rocky Roquemore and opened in 1992, the course sits within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected lagoon system that shapes much of the routing and visual character. The layout divides into two distinct sections: the front nine plays through inland pine forest and rolling terrain, while the back nine moves closer to the salt marshes and tidal flats of the lagoon, where water and wetland vegetation become prominent features.

The transition between nines marks a clear shift in playing conditions and scenery. Holes on the lagoon side present wider views across the marshlands toward the Atlantic, with wind often a significant factor. The natural environment imposes routing constraints that Roquemore incorporated into the design, creating holes that work with the existing topography rather than imposing dramatic earthwork. Several holes play alongside or across wetland areas, requiring carries over marsh grasses and tidal channels.

Quinta da Ria operates as part of a resort property that includes a sister course, Quinta da Cima, located a short distance inland. The two courses offer contrasting experiences within the same development. The Ria Formosa setting distinguishes this course from many Algarve layouts, which typically occupy either clifftop positions along the central coast or inland valleys. The protected park status preserves the landscape character and limits development density around the property.