Quinta da Ria/Quinta de Cima

Course closed – but green fee collected in full!

1.0 of 5 starsReviewed February 13, 2026

We're only giving them one star for a very specific case of profit maximization: Due to the heavy rainfall since December 2025, the Cima and Ria courses were essentially unplayable. The Cima course was renovated last summer, but apparently not professionally enough to make it playable at the moment. Patches of rolled turf were patched up, but they haven't taken. That leaves only the Ria course, which was flooded due to the aforementioned rain. You'd practically need rubber boots and a wetsuit for this course, as you were standing ankle-deep in puddles on the fairways. But we bravely persevered and politely inquired whether we could reduce our booked 18 holes to 9 and receive a refund for the difference. It's a good thing looks can't kill. On February 7th, the entire facility was closed for "protection." A sensible measure in principle, but bad luck for anyone who had booked a green fee for that day, like us. That was the pinnacle of profit maximization! They don't seem to understand the concept of refunds for services not rendered. In broken English (sorry I don't speak fluent Portuguese), the receptionist explained that I was welcome to reschedule my tee time, but that would be inconvenient if I was leaving the next day! As a gesture of goodwill, they offered a voucher for next year. Sure, it's only 2,500 km away. Practically around the corner, for a round of golf. So I immediately pointed out my right to a refund under EU consumer law for services not rendered. They told me to submit my request in writing to the receptionist (who was standing right in front of me), which I did that same evening via email, setting a deadline for the refund. I'm still waiting for a reply, and the deadline has now passed. Now it's a case for legal insurance. These kinds of "economists" shouldn't be allowed to get away with it.
All in all, the biggest rip-off we've experienced in our golfing lives. And objectively speaking, one could even question whether the course is worth €130 for a green fee, even if it hadn't been battered by the rain. While the greens are well-maintained, there are far more exciting designs out there; sea views always come at an extra cost. A typical resort course, designed for mass tourism: one hole to the right, one to the left, and one across the front. You see the same faces next to you over the course of 18 holes. It's tailor-made for the guests of the adjacent Robinson Club. Speaking of the Robinson Club, it only gets one star... But that's another story. Therefore: never again Quinta da Ria in Portugal!
In conclusion: Officials are, as their name suggests, there to make things run smoothly. Perhaps these same officials should consider not only the rules of golf, but also standardized technical requirements for golf course construction, specifying the minimum amount of water a drainage system must be able to handle, regardless of the course's location. This would at least prevent paying tourists from being ruthlessly ripped off during the best time of the year.

Addendum to the review about Quinta da Ria due to a changed situation.
In the meantime, the management has apparently taken a closer look at European consumer law and has come to the conclusion that green fees not paid due to the course closure must be refunded.
The refund arrived without comment and not on time, but at least it arrived. However, this does not change our opinion regarding the statements made below about the condition and value of the system.

Translated by Google.