Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course)
Portugal's only Jack Nicklaus Signature course and the Algarve's consistent No. 1 — an exclusive-feeling but publicly bookable resort layout with a buggy and practice included in every round.
Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course) in photos
Can I play Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course)?
Yes — the North Course is Portugal's only Jack Nicklaus Signature course and, while exclusive, it is open to visitors as well as resort guests. Daily tee-time numbers are deliberately limited to protect the experience, so booking ahead is important, but the public can play. The green fee includes a buggy with GPS and use of the practice facilities.
How to book: Reserve directly with Monte Rei or through the resort's golf packages; staying in the on-site villas or suites secures the best access and rates. Because rounds per day are capped, book well in advance, especially for winter high season. Rates are per player with buggy included.
About Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course)
Monte Rei's North Course opened in 2007 as the only Jack Nicklaus Signature design in Portugal, laid out through the rolling foothills of the eastern Algarve with the Serra do Caldeirão behind and the Atlantic beyond. Wide, strategic fairways, immaculate greens and water in play on eleven holes make it a course that tests professionals yet stays enjoyable for club golfers, and it is routinely ranked the number one course in the Algarve and among the best in Portugal. The club deliberately limits the number of rounds each day to preserve conditioning and pace, giving it a private, exclusive feel. Even so it is open to visitors, with green fees that include a GPS buggy and practice-facility use.
Signature hole
The par-4 13th plays downhill from an elevated tee to a green pinched between a lake and a sweep of sand — a classic Nicklaus risk-and-reward hole and the course's most photographed moment.
What makes it special
Nicklaus Signature
Portugal's only Jack Nicklaus Signature course, immaculately conditioned and consistently the Algarve's top-ranked layout.
Buggy included
Every green fee includes a shared GPS buggy and practice time, adding to the premium feel.
Exclusive pace
Capped daily play keeps the course quiet and unhurried, a rarity among top resort courses.
Need to know
Best time to play
The Algarve plays year-round; spring and autumn are ideal, and the mild winter high season (roughly November–March) is prime golf time with warm, stable weather.
Dress code
Collared shirt and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim, soft spikes only — smart, resort-standard attire.
Good to know
A shared buggy with GPS is included and the course is designed to ride; caddies can be arranged with notice. With capped daily play, rounds are unhurried at around 4–4.5 hours, and the practice facility and clubhouse dining are part of the polished experience.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Faro (FAO) ~50 min by car.
On arrival
Monte Rei lies in the eastern Algarve foothills near Vila Nova de Cacela, about 55 km (roughly 50 minutes) east of Faro airport and close to the Spanish border. A hire car or resort transfer is the practical way in; the setting is rural and quiet.
Stay near the course
The resort's own luxury villas and suites are the natural — and access-friendly — base, with a shuttle to the clubhouse. The historic town of Tavira and the quieter eastern Algarve beaches are a short drive away for off-course time.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Monte Rei Golf & Country Club
Vila Nova De Cacela
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Robinson Quinta da Ria Hotel
Vila Nova De Cacela
A taste of the luxury stays near Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (North Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Vila Nova de Cacela — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Vila Nova de Cacela.
Explore Vila Nova de CacelaFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Monte Rei North?
Yes — although exclusive and capped in daily numbers, it is open to visitors as well as resort guests; booking ahead is essential.
How much does it cost to play Monte Rei?
Green fees run roughly €175–€220 depending on season, with a GPS buggy and practice-facility time included.
Do I need a handicap?
There is no strict handicap requirement for visitors, but this is a championship-standard course best enjoyed by competent golfers.
When is the best time to play?
The eastern Algarve plays year-round; the mild winter high season and the spring/autumn shoulders are ideal.
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Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Monte Rei — Official golf site
- Monte Rei North — Top 100 Golf Courses
- Monte Rei North — Golfbreaks course profile
Guide updated 2026-07-27.