Quinta do Lago: Land
of Dreams
Quinta do Lago is one
of the finest resorts in Portugal. It all started back in 1970,
when Andre Jordan bought the whole area to Pinto de Magalhães
family, owners of the land for more then three hundred years. Since
then a long story has been unfold. Today, the whole are is full
with luxurious villas which will astonish the visitor as he drives
around. Most of this luxury houses are priced well above 3 million
euros, and a good number of celebrities selected Quinta do Lago to
buy property.
In the resort the
visitor will have a wide selection of leisure activities at his
disposal: bird-watching, watersports, tennis, jogging, horse
riding, health club and... nature trails. It's a whole world. Even
basic services as water suply, electricity and sewage system are
provided by Quinta do Lago itself and not by the usual national
companies.
Access to the beach is
provided by a long wooden bridge for persons only. Bridge crossing
starts close to initial coordinates.
 |
 |
 |
|
Golf
plays an important role in Quinta do Lago interest. There are two
courts there, Quinta do Lago South and Quinta do Lago
North.
Gastronomy is also of
high quality but the prices are somewhat...painfull. Luxury indeed
have a cost.
|
 |
Security is taken
seriously in Quinta do Lago. That could be a problem for
geocachers, but I guess nobody will be bothered while looking for
this cache.
But
the vigilance over property and common areas is well performed and
there is a small but efective private fire
department. |
Quinta do Lago is
partially part of Nature Park of Ria Formosa. These wetlands
are of vital importance as a habitat for many aquatic bird species.
In addition to its ornithological significance and importance as
their winter sanctuary, the Ria Formosa provides shelter and
feeding grounds for several aquatic and migratory species, as well
as being a region of great botanical interest, including areas of
sclerophyllous scrubland, salt marsh and dune vegetation, which
must be preserved.
The
Cache
There is proper
parking close to initial coordinates but during summertime there is
a parking fee. Free parking not far but subject to availability,
which will be hard during high season.
Obtaining final
coordinates it's pretty simple. You go to initial coordinates and
you will find an information panel about nature trails. How much
time will take you to complete the São Lourenço trail?
- If 60 minutes, final
coordinates are N 37º 01.908 W 008º 01.556
- If 75 minutes, final
coordinates are N 37º 01.135 W 008º 00.040
- If 90 minutes, final
coordinates are N 37º 01.564 W 008º
01.443
