Go off course for cultural delights of the Algarve in Portugal's sunlit south

Although better known for its world-class golf, the resort at Quinta do Lago has plenty to offer far from the fairways for an off-season trip, writes Gemma Fullam

A view of the Four Seasons Fairways resort, with golfing at its heart

It was a bright morning in early December when I landed in Faro’s small, efficient airport. East are historic Algarve towns such as Tavira, while west lie bustling resorts like Albufeira and Lagos. In pretty much any direction, there’s sunshine. I headed 20 minutes down the road to Quinta do Lago, a coastal resort that’s exactly as old as I am.

In 1971, a Polish-Brazilian developer saw the location’s potential for an upmarket golf resort that would fit seamlessly into the landscape. Today, that vision holds: only 9% of the overall area is built, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, and conservation.