Monte Rei Golf Course

Monte Rei North is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature course in Portugal. Its 7,182-yard layout winds through the foothills of the Eastern Algarve, with wide fairways, mature trees, natural valleys and water all playing their part.

Although it is a championship course, a choice of tees allows golfers of different abilities to enjoy the layout. It is not simply about hitting the ball as far as possible. Carefully positioned bunkers, changes in elevation and water hazards mean you must think about where you want to play your next shot.

The course underwent a major renovation in 2026, carried out in collaboration with Nicklaus Design. The work included the reconstruction of the greens, the restoration of bunkers, enlarged teeing areas and improvements to the irrigation system, pump station and buggy paths. The practice facilities were also enhanced and new training technology introduced.

Crucially, the work renewed rather than reinvented the course, preserving the character and playing experience of Jack Nicklaus’s original design.

Key Facts

Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Opened: 2007
Renovated: 2026
Course: 18 holes
Par: 72
Length: 7,182 yards from the back tees
Course type: Parkland
Water hazards: Water comes into play on 11 holes
Handicap: Valid certificate required; recommended maximum of 28 for men and 36 for women
Hire: Buggies and golf clubs
Practice facilities: Driving range, short-game areas and putting green
Range balls: Complimentary
Clubhouse facilities: Changing rooms, restaurant, bar and pro shop
Golfer services: Bag drop and club-cleaning service

Exceptions to the recommended handicap limits may be permitted at the discretion of the Director of Golf.

On the Course

Set among the hills and valleys of the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei has some truly inspired holes. Once you tee off, you will continually ask yourself whether the course can keep getting better. The answer is yes.

The fairways are generally generous, but the carefully positioned bunkers, water hazards and changes in elevation regularly ask questions from the tee. The course rewards good positioning and sensible club selection, although there are opportunities for more confident golfers to take an aggressive line.

There are a number of holes that could be described as signature holes, and all five par 3s require plenty of thought before teeing off. Changes in elevation, surrounding bunkers and nearby water mean choosing the right club can be just as important as striking the ball well.

The round begins with an elevated tee shot on the dogleg par-4 first. Longer hitters can take on the corner to leave a shorter approach, while the more cautious option is to play towards the fairway bunkers on the left.

A Standout Hole

A hole that simply must get a mention is the par-4 third. It drops dramatically from the tee to the fairway, with bunkers on both sides placing a premium on accuracy.

The recommended line is towards the bunker on the left, allowing the natural contours to bring the ball back towards the centre of the fairway. Once safely in play, you face an accurate approach to a green protected by water on three sides.

It is a hole that sums up Monte Rei perfectly. It is beautiful to look at, enjoyable to play and more challenging than it may first appear.

Practice Facilities

Monte Rei has an extensive driving range, putting green and dedicated short-game areas, giving you plenty of opportunity to prepare before your round.

The Golf Academy is staffed by PGA professionals, with tuition available for golfers of different ages and abilities. Its Swing Studio uses teaching and club-fitting technology that allows your swing to be viewed and analysed. Custom club fitting is also available.

The practice facilities were enhanced as part of the 2026 renovation, with improvements to the practice areas and the introduction of new training technology.

Off the Fairway

The service at Monte Rei is all part of the experience. You are immediately met by friendly staff who take care of your clubs. You will not see them again until you are shown to your buggy, ready to head out towards the first tee.

We highly recommend allowing enough time to enjoy the clubhouse before your round. With lovely views from the terrace and excellent service, it is the perfect place to relax and prepare for the course ahead.

You will also be shown the locker rooms, restaurants and practice facilities before being escorted to the driving range. The Grill serves food throughout the day, with seating inside and on the covered terrace overlooking the North Course.

The Academy Café is positioned at the turn between the first and tenth tees, making it a convenient place to stop for a drink or light snack before beginning the back nine.

After your round, a member of the team will accompany you back to the clubhouse while your clubs are cleaned and returned to your vehicle. It is this attention to detail that helps make a day at Monte Rei feel like more than another round of golf.

Where to Stay

For the complete stay-and-play experience, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club offers villas and residences within the resort. Guests are close to the North Course, practice facilities, clubhouse and resort restaurants.

Alternatively, golfers can stay in or around Tavira. This attractive and traditional Portuguese town has a good selection of restaurants and bars, as well as easy access to several of the Eastern Algarve’s golf courses.

Golf Escapes options include AP Maria Nova Lounge Hotel, approximately 15 minutes from Monte Rei, Vila Galé Tavira and AP Cabanas Beach & Nature Resort.

When to Play

Spring and autumn are particularly good times to play Monte Rei, with warm temperatures and comfortable conditions for a full round.

The Algarve’s mild winters also make it a good choice for an out-of-season golf holiday. Summer brings long, dry days and higher temperatures, so an earlier tee time may be preferable during the hottest months.

Getting There

Monte Rei is located near Vila Nova de Cacela in the Eastern Algarve, around 20 minutes by car from Tavira.

Faro Airport is approximately 55 kilometres away, with a transfer time of around 40 minutes. Seville Airport is approximately 100 kilometres from the resort and can be reached in around 90 minutes. The Spanish border is just 19 kilometres away.

Why Play Monte Rei?

Monte Rei is not simply a course to tick off a list. From the moment you arrive at the clubhouse to the final hole, the whole day feels like a special experience.

The layout gives golfers of different abilities enough room to enjoy their round, but the bunkering, water hazards and changes in elevation ensure that more experienced players will still be tested. Add the extensive practice facilities, attentive service and peaceful Eastern Algarve setting, and it is easy to understand why the course has earned such a strong reputation.

The 2026 renovation has renewed Monte Rei without taking away the character of Jack Nicklaus’s original design. In our opinion, it is definitely a must-play course when visiting the Algarve.