Favourites · 24 April 2021
Monte Rei – king of the hill
By The Golf Planet Holidays Team · Golf-travel specialists since 1981 · Updated 28 April 2026 Portugal has a long-established history of attracting British golfers to its excellent golf resorts. Monte Rei on the Eastern Algarve took this to a new level when it opened in 2007. At the heart of the 1,000 acre […]
Portugal has a long-established history of attracting British golfers to its excellent golf resorts. Monte Rei on the Eastern Algarve took this to a new level when it opened in 2007.
At the heart of the 1,000 acre exclusive estate is the Jack Nicklaus Signature course, regularly ranked as the best in Portugal and is currently ranked Number 4 in mainland Europe. If you are a regular visitor to The Algarve you may wonder why you’ve never seen it. Instead of turning west out of Faro Airport, turn east towards the Spanish border. Here is where you’ll find Monte Rei, and a fine collection of alternative golf courses, Quinta da Cima, Ria and Quinta do Vale.
The location of Monte Rei is idyllic set just seven kilometres from the coastline. Tucked a little back from the Atlantic Ocean the resort avoids the impact of the winds off the sea, making it a year-round destination with a fabulous climate.
Everything about the golf course is magical, from the outstanding design to the highly polished service. Golfers are taken from the clubhouse by buggy to the first tee, via the driving range where hitting a few warm up balls is advisable and included in the green fee.
Only 100 players are allowed each day. Whether you are playing in a group or as a two ball, you’ll only be playing with your friends. With tee-times every 12 minutes you’ll never be stressed about the pace of play.
Instead devote your concentration to conquering this magnificent Jack Nicklaus signature course. Set against the backdrop of the Serra do Caldeirao mountains to the north and the Atlantic Ocean the challenging course blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Wide fairways weave through mature trees and valleys. Water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes including eight par-4s, five par-3s and five par-5s.
Plans are afoot for a second Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Monte Rei with work due to start towards the end of 2021.
The best way to immerse yourself in Monte Rei is to stay on the estate. The luxury accommodation is set out as villas or suites, including kitchens and dining areas, but all stays include breakfast and daily housekeeping and turndown service. So, you have the freedom of space but can enjoy being thoroughly spoilt.
All guests staying at the resort receive a welcome hamper and there are three bars and restaurants to sample, including a Michelin star restaurant. The swimming pools are heated and there is a gym with sauna and steam room, with massages on offer.
If you are part of a group you may want to cocoon yourself in a private villa. All of these have their own pools. Linked villas are smaller but still give you plenty of space where you can relax in style. Clubhouse suites are the latest addition, putting you as near as possible to the golf course. Contact the team about Monte Rei on 01277 284 284 or click here for our current special opportunities and more details.
Where to stay & play in Eastern Algarve
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What our golfers say
4.997 reviewsken cunningham
Derry Wiltshire
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a golf holiday in Eastern Algarve cost?
Tailor-made golf breaks in Eastern Algarve start from £255 per person, including your hotel, green fees and airport transfers. Every package is built around your group, dates and handicaps.
Do you arrange flights to Eastern Algarve?
Flights can be added as an ATOL-protected option, or you book your own and we handle everything on the ground — private transfers, tee times and buggies.
Is my money protected?
Yes. Every booking is financially protected through Protected Trust Services (PTS) — your money is held safely in trust until you have travelled. Flight-inclusive trips are also ATOL protected.
Can I tailor the trip?
Always. We don’t sell off-the-shelf packages — every Eastern Algarve break is built personally around your group, your preferred courses and your dates.
Come and play with us
Wherever you're travelling from, you're welcome on a Golf Planet hosted tour — a small group, a host with you from the first tee to the last, and every round, transfer and dinner taken care of. You just bring the clubs.
