Spain is renowned not only for its sunny climate, rich culture, and stunning beaches but also for its world-class golf courses. The country offers a wide range of golfing destinations, with courses that provide breathtaking views, top-notch facilities, and challenges suitable for players of all skill levels. Thanks to its favorable weather, golfers can enjoy the sport year-round in Spain, making it a paradise for golf enthusiasts.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best golf courses in Spain, including top spots in Benidorm and Torrevieja.
Real Club Valderrama (Costa del Sol)
Located in the famous Costa del Sol, the Real Club Valderrama is often considered one of the top golf courses in Europe and has hosted prestigious events like the Ryder Cup. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, this course offers a challenging layout with immaculate fairways and greens. The beautiful surroundings of the Andalusian hills and Mediterranean Sea make this a must-visit for serious golfers.
PGA Catalunya Resort (Costa Brava)
Ranked among the top golf resorts in Europe, PGA Catalunya offers two exceptional courses: the Stadium Course and the Tour Course. The Stadium Course is known for its championship-level difficulty, while the Tour Course provides a more relaxed experience for casual players. Both courses are set amidst beautiful natural landscapes, with rolling hills and pine forests surrounding the fairways.
La Reserva Club (Sotogrande, Costa del Sol)
Another gem in Sotogrande, La Reserva Club is a relatively new course that has quickly gained a reputation for excellence. The course was designed by Cabell B. Robinson and offers wide fairways and strategic bunkers, making it suitable for players of all levels. La Reserva also boasts a luxurious clubhouse and world-class amenities, including a beach club and tennis courts.
Finca Cortesin (Costa del Sol)
Finca Cortesin is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in Spain. Located near Marbella, this course has hosted multiple European Tour events and offers a pristine golfing experience. The course features rolling fairways, water hazards, and perfectly maintained greens, surrounded by stunning views of the Mediterranean. Finca Cortesin is also known for its luxurious resort facilities, making it ideal for a golf vacation.
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club (Costa Blanca)
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is one of the top courses on the Costa Blanca, known for its innovative design and tranquil setting. Nestled in a valley surrounded by hills and forests, this course offers a peaceful escape with perfectly maintained greens and diverse holes that challenge players of all abilities. The surrounding resort offers a variety of luxury accommodations, restaurants, and recreational activities.
Villaitana Golf Club (Benidorm)
Villaitana Golf Club is the top golf destination in Benidorm, offering two 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Poniente course provides breathtaking views of the sea and mountains, and its shorter length makes it perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed round. The Levante course is more challenging, featuring wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers, ideal for experienced golfers. The stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean and nearby Benidorm skyline make this a unique golfing experience.
La Marquesa Golf (Torrevieja)
Located near Torrevieja, La Marquesa Golf is a well-established course that has been a favorite among locals and tourists for decades. The course is known for its scenic layout and challenging water hazards, providing an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Its close proximity to the beautiful beaches of the Costa Blanca makes it a popular choice for golfers visiting the area.
Las Ramblas Golf Course (Torrevieja)
Las Ramblas Golf Course is another popular option near Torrevieja, known for its dramatic landscape of ravines, rocky terrain, and Mediterranean vegetation. The course provides a unique challenge with its narrow fairways and elevated greens, making it perfect for more experienced players looking for a test of their skills. The natural beauty of the surrounding pine forests and sea views adds to the allure of this course.
Son Gual Golf (Mallorca)
For those looking to combine a golf trip with an island escape, Son Gual in Mallorca is the perfect choice. This prestigious course offers challenging holes that wind through olive groves and vineyards, with stunning views of the Balearic countryside. Designed by Thomas Himmel, Son Gual is regarded as one of the best courses in Spain and is a favorite among both locals and international visitors.
Golf Santander (Madrid)
Just outside the bustling capital, Golf Santander provides a championship course designed by Rees Jones. Known for its challenging design and technical layout, this course is perfect for serious golfers looking for a high-level experience near Madrid. The course features water hazards and expansive greens, with the nearby mountains providing a scenic backdrop.
El Saler Golf Club (Valencia)
Located along the coastline near Valencia, El Saler is a highly regarded course that features natural dunes and pine trees along with sea views. Designed by Javier Arana, the course has hosted several Spanish Opens and is known for its diverse layout and challenging holes. Its location near the Albufera Natural Park adds to its scenic beauty.
Conclusion
Spain is a dream destination for golfers, offering a wide variety of world-class courses in stunning locations. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course or a relaxing round in beautiful surroundings, Spain has something to offer for every golfer. The regions of Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Costa Brava, and the Balearic Islands are particularly known for their high concentration of excellent golf courses, making them ideal destinations for golf vacations.
With year-round sunshine, luxurious resorts, and diverse courses, Spain remains one of the top golfing destinations in Europe. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, the country’s courses provide unforgettable experiences for golf lovers.