Altura sits in the quieter eastern Algarve, close to the Spanish border, offering golfers a more relaxed and spacious alternative to the busier central Algarve resorts. With long sandy beaches, flat terrain and easy access to several highly regarded championship courses, it’s particularly well suited to sociable group trips and winter sun escapes.

One of the region’s flagship venues is Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, widely considered the Algarve’s premier course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, its North Course delivers immaculate conditioning, dramatic elevation changes and strategic bunkering that demands precise positioning. Service levels are exceptional, making it a standout experience. Closer to Altura, Quinta da Ria Golf Course and Quinta de Cima Golf Course provide contrasting parkland-style layouts set within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, offering flatter, more forgiving terrain but still requiring accuracy into well-protected greens. Just across the border, Spain’s Isla Canela Golf adds further variety for cross-border itineraries.

Golf in this part of the Algarve benefits from firm fairways, reliable greens and a generally relaxed pace of play. The eastern Algarve tends to feel less commercialised, with courses often quieter and more spread out.

Off the course, Altura’s wide beach is perfect for post-round walks, and the nearby town of Vila Real de Santo António offers riverside dining along the Guadiana. Fresh seafood, grilled sardines and regional wines define the local cuisine. The Ria Formosa lagoon system provides scenic cycling and nature trails for rest days.

The prime months are March–June and September–November, while winter also offers dependable sunshine. For golfers seeking premium Algarve golf with a calmer atmosphere and easy access to both Portugal and Spain, Altura delivers quality without the crowds.