Our take

Monte Rei is a Jack Nicklaus design set in the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, and it lives up to that billing from the first tee.

Tell us who’s coming and how you like to play, and we’ll shape the right trip around you.

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How it plays

What you are actually facing

18holes
71par
7,072yards
181mof climb
14water hazards

The walk. Hilly — we would take a buggy. 181 metres of climb over eighteen holes.

The wind. The wind is usually northerly, averaging 13 km/h, gusting to 44. It is the club selection that catches people out, not the yardage.

The water. 14 hazards in play. Bring a few more balls than you think you need.

The design. Jack Nicklaus.

The holes that will cost you. The 16th, the 6th and the 2nd. The 6th is the one you will be talking about afterwards.

Hole by hole — how we would play it
1
410 yards — plays like 393, downhill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
2
548 yards — flat
a full two-shotter — driver, then a mid/long iron
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
3
415 yards — plays like 399, downhill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
4
391 yards — plays like 400, uphill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Downwind — take less
5
186 yards — flat
one-shotter — club for the effective number, not the card
Crosswind — allow for drift
6
566 yards — plays like 583, uphill
three-shot hole — position over power
Crosswind — allow for drift
7
233 yards — flat
one-shotter — club for the effective number, not the card
Crosswind — allow for drift
8
541 yards — plays like 528, downhill
three-shot hole — position over power
Downwind — take less
9
163 yards — plays like 158, flat
one-shotter — club for the effective number, not the card
Crosswind — allow for drift
10
434 yards — plays like 426, downhill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
11
233 yards — plays like 224, downhill
one-shotter — club for the effective number, not the card
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
12
375 yards — plays like 368, downhill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer
13
440 yards — plays like 407, downhill
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Crosswind — allow for drift
14
198 yards — flat
one-shotter — club for the effective number, not the card
Downwind — take less
15
409 yards — flat
driver and a short-iron — take the trouble on only if the line is clean
Crosswind — allow for drift
16
576 yards — plays like 591, uphill
three-shot hole — position over power
Downwind — take less
17
430 yards — plays like 441, uphill
a full two-shotter — driver, then a mid/long iron
Downwind — take less
18
524 yards — plays like 510, downhill
reachable in two — go for it
Into the wind — club up, it plays longer

Terrain and prevailing-weather data, read hole by hole. It is our own assessment of how the course plays, not an official course or slope rating.

WHERE TO STAY

Places to stay while you play Monte Rei Golf Club

Base yourself near the course — every venue here includes Monte Rei Golf Club in your golf holiday.

This course1 place to stay

Tap a hotel to open it, or zoom in on the satellite view to see how close each one sits to the first tee.

What golfers say about Portugal

4.997 reviews

Golf Planet Holidays is an excellent company for golfing holidays, they are friendly, very helpful and tremendously efficient. Just back from a very enjoyable time in Tavira, Portugal.

judy fernie · Portugal · 2 years ago

Our 18 strong group of “golfers” enjoyed a trip to Portugal again this October and again we asked GPH to assist us with all the transfers , accommodation and booking the courses / buggies . Experienced and knowledgeable the team at GPH …

John Appleby · Portugal · 3 years ago

A big thank you again Simon for organising our latest trip, this time to Quinta Do Lago. Your recommendation to include Ombria was well worth it ,you might need a few spare balls but it is a great course in the making and worth a visit.…

David Hall · Portugal · 2 years ago
Venue details checked by the Golf Planet Holidays specialist team · Updated May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Golf holidays in Portugal — answers to the questions our golfers ask most.

How much does a golf holiday in Portugal cost?

Golf holidays in Portugal start from £205 (≈ €235) (≈ $265) (≈ CA$385) (≈ AU$395) (≈ NZ$475) (≈ CHF 215) (≈ kr 2,685) (≈ kr 2,645) (≈ kr 1,795) pp with Golf Planet Holidays. That is a tailor-made ground package, and the final price depends on your hotel, the courses you play and the season.

Which region of Portugal is best for golfers?

The Algarve is Portugal's most popular golf region and home to the highest concentration of top courses — Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Monte Rei are all within an hour of Faro Airport. The Lisbon Coast is growing rapidly in popularity with outstanding courses including Oitavos Dunes, Aroeira and Royal Obidos, plus easy access to Lisbon city. Madeira suits those wanting dramatic scenery and a quieter atmosphere. We'll help you choose based on your preferred courses, budget and travel dates.

Do I need a hire car in Portugal?

For most Algarve golf holidays, a hire car is optional rather than essential. Many resorts — particularly in Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo — have golf courses and facilities on-site or within walking distance. We include private transfers from Faro Airport to your hotel in all packages, and can arrange inter-course transfers as needed. That said, a hire car gives you the freedom to explore the Algarve's beaches, villages and restaurants at your own pace — we're happy to recommend the best approach for your group.

When is the best time to play golf in Portugal?

Spring and autumn, roughly March to May and September to November, are best, and the Algarve's mild winters make it a year-round escape.

How many golf courses are there in Portugal?

We feature 44 courses and 54 resorts across Portugal including Quinta do Vale and Ribagolfe. Your specialist matches the courses to your group's standard and budget.

Is there plenty for non-golfers to do in Portugal?

Portugal offers non-golfers a wonderful range of experiences. The Algarve has superb Atlantic beaches, historic Moorish towns like Tavira, excellent seafood restaurants and water sports. Lisbon — accessible from the Lisbon Coast courses — is one of Europe's most captivating cities, with world-class museums, vibrant food markets and stunning architecture. The Sintra palaces, Évora's Roman ruins and the Douro Valley wine region are all within reach. Portugal consistently ranks among Europe's favourite holiday destinations for very good reason.

Still have a question? Ask our golf travel team — a free, no-obligation quote, no call centre.

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