Golfing Holidays in Spain
Golf in Murcia
This region of Spain has a warm climate with plenty of hours of sunshine, striking scenery, magnificent shopping opportunities, superb culture and diverse cuisine.
It also has a growing number of golf courses, including some of the most famous in Europe.
La Manga Golf Club has three championship courses, outstanding practice facilities and has been voted Europe’s top golf resort three times in the past four years.
The North and South courses are located in a valley surrounded by mountains and with stunning views of the Mar Menor.
The North, with recently refurbished and rebuilt greens, is shorter and demands accuracy rather than length of tee.
The South is a classic long championship course that is located in the centre of the valley. Quite flat, with generous fairways, difficulty comes in the form of 10 artificial lakes.
The newer West course will definitely deliver a game of two halves and is very hilly and demanding. Maximum ball control is required and you will be tested to your limit!
Club de Golf Altorreal is a championship course that offers a combination of hilly and flat holes and some superb mountain scenery.
Just a short drive from the capital, and designed on the site of two curved nine hole courses, it begins and ends at the same point with six lakes adding a more challenging aspect.
Hacienda del Alamo boasts lakes, waterfalls and fairways and is one of the longest and widest courses in Europe. There are several holes where water comes into play and lakes have to be navigated, but despite this it is still considered to be suitable for all levels of player.
If none of these take your fancy you could try Club de Golf Torrepacheco, a tricky nine hole flat course with plenty of water features, or the more traditional yet complex La Serena Golf.
Murcia golf resorts have everything from qualified instructors to help you with your swing to luxury clubhouse facilities, where you can relax and unwind after a challenging round; and with the number of courses set to reach 50 by the year 2009, Murcia is sure to become another golfing mecca!
Valencian Golfing Holidays
The last decade has seen Valencia become host to several excellent, well maintained courses that have something to offer to both new and experienced players.
Alicante is home to a wide range of first class courses, although the majority of them cater for holidaymakers only; booking at least one day in advance is highly recommended.
Alicante Golf, with its exceptional greens and carefully manicured lawns, beautiful park areas and splendid lakes is a must for any player, although high handicappers may find it tough going. Long tees and wide greens mean that walks between holes can become tiring and this is a course which is definitely more suited to the careful player.
Designed to host top tournaments, La Finca is a relatively new course with the greatest variety of greens on the Costa Blanca.
Ideally situated a short journey from the courses at Villamartin and Las Ramblas, and with a light breeze from The Med, this course is perfect for those who want to play golf in the heart of the country whilst still being able to enjoy the best beaches.
Valencia currently has six courses including El Saler, which is considered to be one of the best in Europe. There are lots of large, blind greens and hard to read slopes, hazards galore with some of the holes even running through a forest!
A fair and traditional course that will be enjoyed more by low handicapped and long hitting golfers, although its forward tee positions mean that it is suited to all.
Escorpion Golf Club, built in an orange orchard, is very well maintained and easy to walk.
The water features will not prove too much of a challenge to the more experienced player whilst the well designed greens, with few frontal hazards and bunkers, mean that this course is fun but not tough to play. A good course for golfers of all levels.
Costa de Azahar, in Castellon, runs over flat terrain close to the sea. A nine hole course with small and practically flat greens, its fairways are well protected by trees. Not as easy as it first appears but suitable for all players.
With guaranteed sunshine, great views over The Med, stunning landscapes and courses that have been designed by well-known players from the international circuit, Valencia is the perfect place to enjoy the perfect round.
Golfing in La Rioja
Although La Rioja is the smallest of Spain's 17 regions, its wealth of history and culture make it one of the most appealing, whilst its wines have made it a household name throughout the world.
Many small villages dot the landscape and it is known as the province with seven valleys, although in reality there are many more and you will find a main town at the foot of each of them.
Just five kilometres from the city centre, Logona Golf Club is located within the park of La Grajera. Much consideration has gone into the design of this luxury leisure complex, from the positioning of the club house, with its ample terrace and magnificent views out over the lake to the inclusion of a children's playroom. Even the car park is hidden away out of sight!
This gently undulating course offers an enjoyable but testing 18 holes and a complete and relaxing day out.
The Rioja Alta Golf Club is located between the villages of Ciruena and Cirinuela.
Centuries old oak forests surround over a million square metres of grass, which in turn encompasses four majestic lakes. The course itself is very demanding but there are a number of tees for each hole, making Rioja Alta suitable for all levels of player.
The exclusive Moncalvillo Green residential complex is the perfect setting for the luxurious Sojuela Golf Club.
Nestled amongst several acres of indigenous forest, greens with gentle hills and wide lanes are spread over 6,300 metres. Although this varied and interesting course requires strategy and skill, the inclusion of several tees for each of the 18 holes means that this is suited to all handicaps.
A region of many parts, the higher Rioja alta is humid and mountainous, whilst the lower Rioja baja has a Mediterranean climate.
Ideally suited to the more energetic, local activities include horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, climbing and even skiing.
There are several organised paths to be walked such as the monastery route, the wine route, the dinosaur route or the pilgrim’s path.
The local food is very rich and distinctive and amongst the best in the country, and of course is always accompanied by excellent wines!
Golfing in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are located in the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of mainland Spain.
With 18 courses, an average temperature of 21 degrees and less than four days of rain a month, Mallorca is an ideal destination for a golfing holiday.
Tucked away in a quiet backwater and encircled by mountains, Golf Son Severa offers an interesting game in delightfully peaceful surroundings. All nine holes demand accuracy off the tee as the fairways, although fairly flat, are very narrow and wind their way through a forest. An ability to read greens is also essential, as these stretch down from the mountains to the sea and can be very fast.
Situated on the Calvia coast, Golf de Poniente is probably the most technically difficult course in Mallora. There are six water hazards and numerous bunkers, although the main hazard comes from the vast number of trees that intersperse the course. The views are spectacular, the well-kept fairways are long and difficult, the greens are fast and tend to slope away unexpectedly; a perfect round for those who like a challenge!
Golf de Andratx is renowned for its originality and strategic design. Built between steep valleys and protected by mountains, raised tees offer unbeatable views of the coastline. There is a great need for accuracy on this hilly course. You will encounter blind shots, dog-legged holes and 60 sand filled bunkers, as well as seven ponds and lakes that are split between only six holes. It's easy to understand why this is recommended to experienced players only!
Set in a peaceful corner of the island, Ibiza Golf Club has both a nine and an 18 hole course. The gently undulating greens are fast and in excellent condition and the fairways are long, broad and relatively flat. Perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape, this course offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of Ibiza.
Golf Son Parc, the only club in Menorca, has a championship quality course that is ideal for beginners and experienced golfers alike. Set amongst protected wetlands that are home to a host of wildlife and surrounded by wooded hills, these 18 holes are challenging as well as picturesque. The greens appear to be flat and easy but don’t be fooled, they can be fast and some of them are two-tiered. There are a number of well placed hazards and the strong sea breeze only adds to the difficulty.
Although beautiful rock and floral features abound, extra colour comes in the form of a flock of peacocks that live behind the third green!
With a copious amount of carefully designed courses set in a diversity of landscapes, The Balearic Islands should be enough to satiate any golfer’s thirst!
Golf Holidays in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands, set off the western coast of Africa, consist of five main holiday islands which enjoy the perfect golfing climate 365 days a year.
Often referred to as the miniature continent, due to its unique ecosystem that produces vastly differing scenery and temperatures, Gran Canaria has eight modern and professionally designed courses.
Situated on the south-east of the island and surrounded by the large dunes of the Maspalomas nature reserve, Maspalomas Golf has a stunning 18 hole course. Extremely long and flat with wide fairways, the holes are strategically placed in between large sand bunkers. The cooling sea breeze, palm trees dotting the horizon and innovative two-storey driving range all lend themselves to a very enjoyable golfing experience.
Las Palmas Golf has the honour of being the oldest club in Spain. A relatively short course, it is situated on the edge of an extinct volcano and thus encourages the use of every club in the bag. With narrow fairways and small greens, a careless shot could send your ball flying down a ravine!
Tenerife is the largest of the islands and currently has six courses, although more are being planned. Amarilla Golf is unusual in the fact that, at the fifth hole, you have to drive the ball over the sea to reach the green. Palm trees, indigenous flora and spectacular views of Mount Teide only serve to enhance an already fabulous round.
Golf Costa Adeje and Abama Golf both offer beautiful views of the island of La Gomera, the Adeje mountains and the Atlantic ocean and are superbly adapted to the sloping landscapes.
Caleta de Fuste, in Fuerteventura, is home to a PGA championship course that was host to the 2004 Spanish Open. A basically flat course with well protected greens and the occasional downhill dog-leg, there are three large lakes and a stream which also come into play. Beautiful greens and large tees will test low handicappers but all levels of player will enjoy this course, with an added challenge coming in the form of the ever changing local winds.
Lanzarote currently has one course, although two more are under construction. Placed at the foot of an old volcano, Costa Teguise Golf has 18 holes that all offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Lush greens and fairways are surrounded by thousands of leafy palms and cacti, while black lava gravel fills the bunkers; a unique setting for a demanding round.
Tecina Golf Course, in La Gomera, is perched high on the cliff tops and looks out over the Tecina Valley. This is a varied and technically demanding course; the fourth hole requires you to drive over a deep ravine to reach the green. The tee on the tenth is positioned 45 metres above sea level, giving unforgettable panoramic views of this truly beautiful and tranquil island.
Madrid Golfing Holidays
Situated high on a plateau of the Meseta Central, Madrid is the capital of Spain in more ways than one. Thoroughly modern and dynamic, vibrant and diverse, it plays a fundamental role in Spain's commerce and tourism industry.
Madrid currently has 26 golf courses, although some of them do not accept visitors.
La Herreira Golf Club has lush, dark green courses and bears more than a passing resemblance to Valderrama. Split into two parts, the North course is quite open and overlooks Central Meseta whilst the South has thick forests of oak that border the undulating, almost hilly fairways and protect the greens.
One of the highest courses in Madrid, set approximately 8,000 feet above sea level, it is short, tight and difficult in places and all clubs will be needed, although the lack of gravity means the ball flies further than usual!
Narrow serpentine fairways, gently rippling terrain and strategically shaped bunkers all combine to make La Dehesa Golf a pleasant course that gives an enjoyable game.
Hazards come in the form of the abundant tree scrub and many ravines that surround each hole; the first nine of this course are considered to be very technical.
Large, well-watered greens mean that the ball stops where it lands and with the 2nd nine running into the lower part of the valley, the beautiful landscapes and tranquillity make this an almost perfect setting for golf.
Cabanillas Golf has wide fairways and several water obstacles that make this a very sporty and entertaining course, while Los Retamares has firm fairways and greens with open holes that expose you to the elements, although this is more than compensated for by the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Campo Villa de Madrid has been host to several international competitions and houses what is considered to be one of the most famous and prestigious courses in Spain.
La Negro has a parkland layout, is 6,045 metres long and winds its way through hills and forests. Fully integrated into the countryside, it boasts well trimmed greens and wide fairways with numerous sand bunkers, uses natural features for obstacles and gives excellent views over Madrid.
Being part of arguably the largest sports club in Europe, if not the world, means advanced booking is strongly recommended.
A lively and cosmopolitan city that never sleeps, Madrid offers an almost inexhaustible supply of activities.
Parks and gardens for romantic strolls; museums, art galleries and palaces for those who love culture and theme parks and zoos for the family. Add a wealth of nightlife and international cuisine to the mix and you have the recipe for a perfect holiday!
Golf in Navarra
Navarra has no fewer than 50 nature reserves and offers outstanding opportunities for rural activities such as hiking, climbing, fishing and, of course, golf!
Senorio de Zuazti Golf Club was designed by the legendary Jose Maria Olazabal and is embedded into the spectacular landscape near Pamplona.
The incredibly beautiful front nine holes run through pine trees with rivers, lakes and mountains as scenery; part of the round is open, the rest is wooded.
An innovative irrigation system means it is possible to play golf all year round and with the 18 holes covering a distance of nearly 6km, a good walk is also guaranteed!
Situated deep in the Ulzama valley, in the middle of an oak forest, is the Ulzama Golf Club. Set on uneven ground but without any really steep slopes, this is another long course with its 18 holes covering just over 6km.
Each hole has different hazards and although they are all clearly visible, the small, partially flat greens are very difficult to play.
The front nine holes are quite technical, whilst the back nine have been rated as amongst the best in Spain.
Castillo de Gorraiz golf club has a modern course set in a gently rolling landscape.
Strategically placed bunkers, tricky hole positioning and rugged terrain imply that this could be a very challenging course, however long tee-offs, diverse fairways and varying flag positions mean that the degree of difficulty can be adapted to any level of play.
Lovely views from the clubhouse and the fact that this course is set in a busy tourist complex means that advanced booking is recommended.
Navarra is best known for it's capital, Pamplona, a quiet and pleasant city that hosts The Running of The Bulls, part of its famous festival to celebrate the life of it's patron saint San Fermin.
However there is also a lot of overlooked culture here; Roman, Muslim, Christian and Jewish influences are evident in the architecture of the magnificent buildings, Gothic castles and medieval town walls.
Being one of the greenest places in Europe, with lots of quaint medieval towns and hidden mountain villages, makes Navarra an excellent choice of destination for both nature lovers and golfers alike.
Golf in Cantabria
Cantabria enjoys warm summers and mild winters.
Its wet and moderate climate, strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean winds that get trapped by the mountains, allows vegetation to flourish and means that the golf courses are well-watered and lush.
This region offers seven courses in truly spectacular settings and it is impossible not to admire the views as you play.
Campo de Golf Santa Marina allows for a challenging round that demands strategy and precision.
Severiano Ballesteros has designed a course for all players. Modern and competitive, it has a wide range of holes that are enhanced by the natural surroundings. The front nine are more complicated than the back, as the first half is wider and more suited to longer games. The second half is narrow, completely flat and requires strategy and precision, due to the well placed streams and obstacles.
Higher handicappers can have fun while the professionals can take up the gauntlet; but beware, you’ll need to use every club in the bag!
Beautifully located on a hill with magnificent views over the Santander Bay area, Real Golf de Pedrena is adapted to the natural topography of the terrain. Severely sloping grounds and the fact that this course runs through pine groves makes it especially challenging, and with ocean winds taking their toll on even the most experienced of players some pretty accurate golf is required here.
Campo de Golf Nestares is a recently built, picturesque and well integrated course.
Extremely long holes and fairways ensure a technically attractive, very versatile round that is suitable for all levels of player.
Bunkers and water hazards demand concentration and good putting at Club de Golf Matalenas. Situated at sea level, with wonderful panoramic views, players can enjoy a pleasant day’s golf in total peace and tranquillity.
Being largely overlooked by the mass tourist industry means the beaches of Cantabria never suffer the over-crowding of Spain's eastern and southern coastlines. So if you like your holiday to be a tranquil combination of golf, beautiful bays, romantic fishing villages and colourful local customs then Cantabria is the place for you.
Golf in Catalunya
Catalunya, encompassing Costa Brava and Costa Dorada, has over 20 beautifully green and surprisingly quiet courses.
It is protected by the Pyrenees mountains in the North and the warm Mediterranean to the East, so shirt sleeves can be worn in February and November whilst cool sea breezes keep the temperature comfortable in the summer.
Most courses have stunning landscape views and, as they are seldom overcrowded, there is a good selection of tee time availability and a calm pace of play.
The jewel in the Costa Brava crown is undoubtedly the PGA Golf de Catalunya.
Built in the Gerona mountains this technical course, which suits both amateurs and professionals alike, is consistently ranked in the European Top 10. This is the only course in Spain that has five different tees for each hole, allowing players of any handicap to enjoy a good round of golf. PGA Golf de Catalunya is the ultimate challenge for dedicated golfers and an absolute must for those who like to play the great courses.
One of the newest clubs in the Barcelona area is Sant Vicenc de Montalt. It is not particularly long but is suitable for all levels of player, and its 18 diverse holes will give you a chance to use every club in your bag.
Alternately the Masia Bach is very tight and demanding, even for the best of golfers, although there is also a shorter nine hole course which is less taxing.
A very hilly and sometimes tiring course it nevertheless commands some spectacular views of the Montserrat mountain.
Golf Reus Aiguesverds in Tarragona is a very long, flat course that makes it easy to walk, and having forward tees makes it a less daunting experience for higher handicappers.
Costa Dorada Golf Club offers one of the longest holes in Spain and frequent narrow dog-legs as well as magnificent views of the countryside and Mediterranean Sea. Old fashioned in style, short, reasonably tight fairways and small greens make this a challenging yet fair course.
With less rainfall than the Costa del Sol, wonderful cuisine and hospitality and some of the best golf courses that Spain has to offer Catalunya truly deserves its title of ‘The Best Emerging Golf Destination Worldwide’.
Golf in Galicia
Galicia offers a wonderful escape from the modern world.
A land steeped in Celtic tradition, inland and coastal regions are separated by a mountain range that is known as Galicia's backbone.
Although Lugo is Galicia's largest province, it is also the quietest and has the most spectacular scenery. Roman walls surround the city and there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Lugo Golf consists of lakes, broad fairways and mountainous vistas and has been well integrated into the neighbouring landscape. This course offers a relaxing round in a peaceful environment.
Ria de Vigo Golf Club, in Pontevedra, gives a difficult round that requires accuracy and skill at each hole. Numerous water hazards are provided by the River Mino, which divides the fairways and gives a player the choice of two different routes. A versatile and well designed course, it combines intelligent play with stunning mountain and sea views.
La Toja Golf is situated on the picturesque island of the same name. Set on the banks of the Arosa river, precision and thought are required as the beach forms the water hazard in this round. This is a well maintained, short and technical course that offers a challenging game in unique surroundings.
Situated in Arteixo, not far from the centre of La Coruna, Hercules Golf Club blends naturally into its surroundings.
An enjoyable course to play, well placed water hazards mean that achieving a good score will not be as easy as it first seems!
Val de Rois is situated in beautiful Mahia valley. The water hazards and bunkers that protect the greens make this a tricky little nine-holer.
Orense has an abundance of art, culture, history and spas; it also has a pleasant nine holes in the form of Montealegre Golf Club.
Galicia’s coastline has high cliffs and deep inlets and, although not a major tourist centre, the spectacular scenery and river cruises attract many holiday-makers.
There are an abundance of rivers and streams, slate-roofed fishing villages and old churches and the spas at Orense are reputed to have healing benefits.
Add to this a choice of white sandy beaches or rural landscapes, historic city centres or bustling ports plus areas of outstanding natural beauty, and you will see why this is the perfect region for those who like to explore.
Castilla y Leon in Golf
Castilla y Leon, the heartland of Spain, has a beautiful and varied landscape with 20 courses spread out over its nine regions.
Dotted with lakes and set high on a plateau, the mountain ranges to the North shield it from the coast.
Salamanca Golf Club has a professionally designed course and, although situated in the mountains, is reasonably flat and easy to walk.
Over 6000 metres in length this course is good for big hitters, although accuracy is still important; numerous hazards and strategically placed bunkers give a more technical game.
Great for amateurs whilst being the venue for championship tournaments, you will need to choose your woods and irons carefully!
Aldeamayor is Valladolid’s newest club and consequently boasts top quality facilities, including a nine hole course which is perfect for beginners and a varied and entertaining 18 holes.
Golf pros are available, as are good teaching programmes for beginners and improvement courses for the less able.
The southern side of the Greco mountains, in Avila, is the unusual location of Campo de Golf de Candeleda. Sheltered from the cold winds and adapted to the natural environment with many water hazards, this is a long and attractively difficult course to play.
Villarias Golf Club in Burgos has a nine hole course set alongside a 17th century mansion with fairways flanked by trees. An excellent drainage system means year round play is possible.
Natural meadowlands and the Salado river lend themselves to be the setting of the Villarin Club in Zamora, whilst Islas dos Aguas in Palencia is a carefully designed and interesting technical course where good short play is essential.
La Dehesa de Moron club, in Soria, runs alongside the river of the same name and offers a difficult game by design.
Situated high on the Castillian planes, Las Llanas Club in Segovia is a mainly flat course with wide fairways and large greens. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards make this a tricky nine-holer, although the fresh air and normally dry climate make for a pleasant and refreshing round.
Castilla y Leon is the largest region of Spain and boasts many perfectly preserved cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns as well as acres of natural parks and unspoilt woodlands.
With extraordinarily beautiful cities that surpass the expectations of first time visitors, who also come from all over the world to follow the “route of castles”, the heartland of Spain offers a perfect mixture of culture and golf.
Castilla y Leon in Golf
Castilla y Leon, the heartland of Spain, has a beautiful and varied landscape with 20 courses spread out over its nine regions.
Dotted with lakes and set high on a plateau, the mountain ranges to the North shield it from the coast.
Salamanca Golf Club has a professionally designed course and, although situated in the mountains, is reasonably flat and easy to walk.
Over 6000 metres in length this course is good for big hitters, although accuracy is still important; numerous hazards and strategically placed bunkers give a more technical game.
Great for amateurs whilst being the venue for championship tournaments, you will need to choose your woods and irons carefully!
Aldeamayor is Valladolid’s newest club and consequently boasts top quality facilities, including a nine hole course which is perfect for beginners and a varied and entertaining 18 holes.
Golf pros are available, as are good teaching programmes for beginners and improvement courses for the less able.
The southern side of the Greco mountains, in Avila, is the unusual location of Campo de Golf de Candeleda. Sheltered from the cold winds and adapted to the natural environment with many water hazards, this is a long and attractively difficult course to play.
Villarias Golf Club in Burgos has a nine hole course set alongside a 17th century mansion with fairways flanked by trees. An excellent drainage system means year round play is possible.
Natural meadowlands and the Salado river lend themselves to be the setting of the Villarin Club in Zamora, whilst Islas dos Aguas in Palencia is a carefully designed and interesting technical course where good short play is essential.
La Dehesa de Moron club, in Soria, runs alongside the river of the same name and offers a difficult game by design.
Situated high on the Castillian planes, Las Llanas Club in Segovia is a mainly flat course with wide fairways and large greens. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards make this a tricky nine-holer, although the fresh air and normally dry climate make for a pleasant and refreshing round.
Castilla y Leon is the largest region of Spain and boasts many perfectly preserved cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns as well as acres of natural parks and unspoilt woodlands.
With extraordinarily beautiful cities that surpass the expectations of first time visitors, who also come from all over the world to follow the “route of castles”, the heartland of Spain offers a perfect mixture of culture and golf.
Castilla y Leon in Golf
Castilla y Leon, the heartland of Spain, has a beautiful and varied landscape with 20 courses spread out over its nine regions.
Dotted with lakes and set high on a plateau, the mountain ranges to the North shield it from the coast.
Salamanca Golf Club has a professionally designed course and, although situated in the mountains, is reasonably flat and easy to walk.
Over 6000 metres in length this course is good for big hitters, although accuracy is still important; numerous hazards and strategically placed bunkers give a more technical game.
Great for amateurs whilst being the venue for championship tournaments, you will need to choose your woods and irons carefully!
Aldeamayor is Valladolid’s newest club and consequently boasts top quality facilities, including a nine hole course which is perfect for beginners and a varied and entertaining 18 holes.
Golf pros are available, as are good teaching programmes for beginners and improvement courses for the less able.
The southern side of the Greco mountains, in Avila, is the unusual location of Campo de Golf de Candeleda. Sheltered from the cold winds and adapted to the natural environment with many water hazards, this is a long and attractively difficult course to play.
Villarias Golf Club in Burgos has a nine hole course set alongside a 17th century mansion with fairways flanked by trees. An excellent drainage system means year round play is possible.
Natural meadowlands and the Salado river lend themselves to be the setting of the Villarin Club in Zamora, whilst Islas dos Aguas in Palencia is a carefully designed and interesting technical course where good short play is essential.
La Dehesa de Moron club, in Soria, runs alongside the river of the same name and offers a difficult game by design.
Situated high on the Castillian planes, Las Llanas Club in Segovia is a mainly flat course with wide fairways and large greens. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards make this a tricky nine-holer, although the fresh air and normally dry climate make for a pleasant and refreshing round.
Castilla y Leon is the largest region of Spain and boasts many perfectly preserved cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns as well as acres of natural parks and unspoilt woodlands.
With extraordinarily beautiful cities that surpass the expectations of first time visitors, who also come from all over the world to follow the “route of castles”, the heartland of Spain offers a perfect mixture of culture and golf.
Castilla y Leon in Golf
Castilla y Leon, the heartland of Spain, has a beautiful and varied landscape with 20 courses spread out over its nine regions.
Dotted with lakes and set high on a plateau, the mountain ranges to the North shield it from the coast.
Salamanca Golf Club has a professionally designed course and, although situated in the mountains, is reasonably flat and easy to walk.
Over 6000 metres in length this course is good for big hitters, although accuracy is still important; numerous hazards and strategically placed bunkers give a more technical game.
Great for amateurs whilst being the venue for championship tournaments, you will need to choose your woods and irons carefully!
Aldeamayor is Valladolid’s newest club and consequently boasts top quality facilities, including a nine hole course which is perfect for beginners and a varied and entertaining 18 holes.
Golf pros are available, as are good teaching programmes for beginners and improvement courses for the less able.
The southern side of the Greco mountains, in Avila, is the unusual location of Campo de Golf de Candeleda. Sheltered from the cold winds and adapted to the natural environment with many water hazards, this is a long and attractively difficult course to play.
Villarias Golf Club in Burgos has a nine hole course set alongside a 17th century mansion with fairways flanked by trees. An excellent drainage system means year round play is possible.
Natural meadowlands and the Salado river lend themselves to be the setting of the Villarin Club in Zamora, whilst Islas dos Aguas in Palencia is a carefully designed and interesting technical course where good short play is essential.
La Dehesa de Moron club, in Soria, runs alongside the river of the same name and offers a difficult game by design.
Situated high on the Castillian planes, Las Llanas Club in Segovia is a mainly flat course with wide fairways and large greens. Strategically placed bunkers and water hazards make this a tricky nine-holer, although the fresh air and normally dry climate make for a pleasant and refreshing round.
Castilla y Leon is the largest region of Spain and boasts many perfectly preserved cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns as well as acres of natural parks and unspoilt woodlands.
With extraordinarily beautiful cities that surpass the expectations of first time visitors, who also come from all over the world to follow the “route of castles”, the heartland of Spain offers a perfect mixture of culture and golf.
Golf in Asturias
Sandwiched between the Cantabrian Mountains and The Bay of Biscay, Asturias is one of Spain’s best kept secrets. The Picos de Europa National Park attracts walkers from all over the world, while the rest of the region remains relatively untouched by tourism and modern living.
Asturias, an area of outstanding natural beauty, currently boasts 11 golf courses, all of which provide magnificent views of the stunning landscape.
De Castiello Golf offers a challenge to good players. Set on a hillside this 18 hole course runs between woods and mountains, with the major difficulty coming from the declinations rather than the undulating terrain.
There are two swimming pools at this club; perfect for a cool dip after a hard round!
A combination of tough hilly grounds, tricky water hazards and spectacular views make La Barganiza Golf a formidable but beautiful course. The mountainous terrain means a buggy is recommended.
Situated inland, there are nevertheless excellent views of the sea on the horizon.
La Llorea Campo Municipal, on the other hand, is situated very close to the sea. There are few water hazards, but free-standing trees in the middle of the course make for a moderately taxing yet stimulating game.
Set on a plateau 100 metres above sea level, between the Picos de Europa mountains and the Cantabrian sea, La Cuestra Golf is a flat, Scottish links-type course. A combination of grasses means a sufficiently awkward round, which becomes downright demanding when the wind blows!
Average temperatures in Asturias are only slightly higher than those in the South of England, making this area most suited to those who don't enjoy too much heat.
The lack of hot sunshine is, however, more than compensated for by the 30 beaches, colourful fishing villages, prehistoric caves, excellent cuisine, outstanding nature reserves and various outdoor activities that Asturias has to offer.
Golf in Basque Country
Full of energy and with a rich historical background, The Basque Country is still untainted by mass tourism. Although an industrial and densely populated area, it nevertheless boasts extensive areas of natural countryside which provide the perfect setting for the 11 golf courses that this region offers.
Situated in an exclusive area of Alava, near Legutiano, with beautiful views over Urrunaga and Ullibarri is Golf de Larrabea. Sheltered from the northerly winds and designed to integrate into its surroundings, the course runs between forests, rivers and prairies and gives a calm and relaxing round to all who play here.
Izki Golf, set high up in the mountains, offers breathtaking views and a unique golfing experience. The Urturi course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros, has 18 holes that are well spaced and beautifully self contained. Wide fairways are edged by an abundance of oak trees and heather bushes, and represent a real test for even the most experienced of player. The nine hole Lagran course is well balanced; large drivers are needed to play some of the holes whilst good putting techniques are required for others. All in all a spectacular course that gives a very enjoyable game.
San Sebastian Golf Club in Guipuzcoa is an 18 hole course that is surrounded by woodlands and beautiful mountain views.
Characterized by its hills and slopes and with strategically placed water hazards this course, although not especially long, may prove difficult to the inexperienced player.
Reservations are recommended as weekends are for members only.
Real Golf Club de Zarautz has the only sand course in the Iberian Peninsula and thus is an experience in itself. The nine fairways give magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding hilly landscape.
Panoramic mountain views and two large lakes distinguish Golf Basozabal. Comprising both an 18 and a nine hole course, some very long fairways and greens provide a varied and technical game that will have something for everyone.
Golf de Neguri, in Vizcaya, offers a pleasant and comfortable round with not too many difficulties. Situated 60 metres above sea level, with impressive views of The Bay of Biscay, the first nine holes run along the cliff tops and challenge can come in the form of the strong north westerly winds.
The Basque region is a mix of tradition and modernism and has long sandy beaches, pretty villages, abundant cliffs, stylish seaside resorts and some of the most beautiful castles in the country.
With the Basque people preserving their own language and traditions, everything about this region is highly individual and sets it apart from the rest of Spain. It's easy to understand why the Royals spend their summers here!
Golf in Andalusia
Andalusia, in southern Spain, enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and has nearly 70 golf courses, four of which are ranked amongst the top10 in Europe; excellent conditions for that perfect round of golf almost any time of year!
Golf enthusiasts will be able to find a complete variety of courses ranging from the technical and demanding, with challenging lakes and bunkers to the straightforward, with wide easy fairways.
The Costa del Sol boasts over 40 courses, ranging from the less demanding Isla Canela in Huelva or La Garza Golf in Jaen, to the infamous Monte Mayor in Malaga, a challenging experience for even the most practised of players.
Almeria, the eastern most part of Andalusia, currently has 7 courses; 3 in the South and 4 in the North. Almerimar Golf is situated in the centre of a rapidly expanding tourist area, with the course itself offering wide fairways, large fast greens and plenty of water hazards.
Cordoba, an area known more for it's natural beauty, breathtaking views and many impressive historic buildings, has two golf courses that are well worth a visit.
In Granada, the nine hole Los Moriscos course is especially interesting as its large, flat greens are surrounded by palm trees and exotic fruit plantations, whilst Granada Golf provides spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada.
Seville offers four courses and a wealth of history; a destination popular amongst those who like a mixture of golf and culture in their holiday.
Regarded as one of the world’s premier courses Valderrama, in Cadiz, is described as being thrilling, breathtaking and extremely challenging! The long par five's, narrow fairways and bunker protected greens mean that concentration and skill are required if you don't want to find yourself in a water hazard or behind a cork-oak tree!
And last, but not least, the all important 19th hole! Where better to discuss that ever decreasing handicap than over a meal in a luxury clubhouse under the warmth of the Spanish sun?
PGA approved, professionally designed courses set amid stunning countryside and fantastic weather – it's little wonder that Andalusia is considered to be a golfer's paradise!
