Discover the Top 8 Best Golf Courses in Spain
If like many visitors to Spain, you are a keen golfer, you will be intrigued to know which are the best Spanish golf courses. With its widely varied scenery, from stunning mountains to beautiful coastline, not to mention the superb climate with year-round sunshine and blue skies, Spain has an impressive number of top-level clubs.
In addition to Andalucia’s excellent 120-odd courses (70 of which are on the Costa del Sol, including 50 within a 100km-range), there are another 250-plus around the country, with concentrations on the east coast and Balearic Islands. For those whose partners and family are non-golfers, there is a myriad of other activities, from spas and shopping to hiking and horse-riding.
Eight of our favourite golf courses in Spain
Andalucia
1 Real Club de Golf Sotogrande
Real Club de Sotogrande ©
This well-established course, dating from 1964, was Robert Trent Junior’s first course in Europe, and has hosted the Spanish Open and the European Tour Qualifying School. The Par-72 course was reformed in 2016, and is set among cork oak, eucalypts and pine trees, with Mediterranean views in the distance. Green fees from 325 – 350 euros.
Address: Paseo del Parque, 11310, Sotogrande, Cadiz
Website: Golfsotogrande.com
2 Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesin Golf ©
Located near the pretty village of Casares, this relatively new Par-72 course – it opened in 2006 – looks more longstanding with its mature cork oak and olive trees. A long course, at almost 7,000 metres, it has hosted the Solheim Cup. Green fees from 320 – 430 euros, including buggy.
Address: C/ Ctra De Casares, S/n. Km 2, 29690 Casares, Malaga
Website: Finca Cortesin Golf
Stay: The hotel by the same name offers a selection of stylish suites, or if you’d prefer a private villa, try 4-bedroom Villa Kianga or 3-bedroom Villa Sonata
3 Real Club Valderrama
Valderrama Golf Club ©
Regarded by many as both the best, and most challenging, course in continental Europe, Real Club Valderrama was designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1974, and has hosted the Andalucian Masters, the Volvo Masters and LIV Golf. Located in the golf capital of Sotogrande, Valderrama’s green fees are 500-550 euros.
Address: Avenida de los Cortijos s/n, 11310 Sotogrande, Cadiz
Website: Real Club Valderrama
Stay: The spacious Villa Chanya is just minutes from the club
Catalonia
4 Camiral Golf & Wellness (previously PGA Catalunya Resort), Girona
Camiral Golf & Wellness ©
The Stadium Course at this resort on the Costa Brava opened in 1999, and is one of the top golf courses in Spain. The Par-72 course, originally called the Green Course, was designed by Neil Coles, and has a lakeside third green, with lakes and bunkers on six other holes. Green fees from 160-206 euros, including a shared buggy for 4..
Address: Carretera N-II km 701, 17455 Caldes de Malavella, Girona
Website: The Stadium Course, Camiral
Mallorca
5 Club de Golf Alcanada, Mallorca
Club de Golf Alcanada ©
Another relatively new course, Alcanada opened in 2003, and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior. Located on the north-east coast of the island, it is considered Mallorca’s best course. The Par-72 course is covered in pine, olive and holm oak trees, with superb views of the Mediterranean sea and the Sierra de Levante. Green fees from 110-200 euros.
Address: Carretera del Faro s/n, 07400, Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca
Website: Club de Golf Alcanada
Levante (eastern coastal regions):
6 La Finca, Algorfa, Alicante
La Finca Algorfa ©
Designed by Pepe Ganecedo, La Finca is a relatively new course with a spectacular location, backed by the Escotera mountains. A par-72, the course at La Finca Resort on the Costa Blanca opened in 2002. La Finca has an island green on the fifth tee, and its lakes are home to ducks and egrets. Green fees from 90 -150 euros.
Address: La Finca Resort, Avenida Antonio Pedrera Soler, 03169 Algorfa, Alicante
Website: La Finca Golf
7 El Saler, Valencia
El Salar ©
El Saler is set within a nature reserve on the Mediterranean coast, just south of Valencia city, with scenery ranging from sand dunes to pine forests. Dating from 1968, the par-72 course is part of the state-owned Parador de El Saler hotel. The course, which has hosted the Spanish Open, was designed by Javier Arana to be carefully integrated into the natural landscape. Green fees 110-120 euros.
Address: Parador de El Saler, Avenida de los Pinares 151, 46012 El Saler, Valencia
Website: El Saler
8 Real Golf La Manga Club, Cartagena, Murcia
La Manga Golf Club ©
The famous Costa Calida resort has three courses – North, South and West – but we’re focusing on the Real Golf La Manga Club South course, designed by Robert Putman and opened in 1971. The South course, remodelled by Arnold Palmer in 2005, is a Par-73 with 15 water obstacles. It has hosted the PGA Championships and European Tour Qualifying School. Green fees from 125-140 euros.
Address: La Manga Club, 30389 Cartagena, Murcia
Website: Real Golf La Manga Club
Which city in Spain has the best golf?
The Marbella area has the best golf in Spain – from Marbella itself to the hillside communities of Benahavis, Sierra Blanca and the jewel in the crown to the south, Sotogrande. Outstanding courses include Finca Cortesin and Real Club de Golf (above), Valderrama and La Zagaleta (below), as well as La Reserva, Marbella Club, Villa Padierna and La Quinta. See more in our Best Costa del Sol Golf Clubs article.
What is the most exclusive golf course in Spain?
La Zagaleta New Golf Course ©
La Zagaleta has two courses: the Old Course is only available to members and those staying in a villa on the prestigious Benahavis estate. However the New Course is available to green fee players. Surrounded by hills and woodland with a dramatic gradient, the Par-70 course blends beautifully into its natural surroundings. Green fees for the New Course from 198 – 248 euros.
Address: Carretera Ronda Km 38.5, 29679 Benahavis, Malaga
Website: New Course, La Zagaleta
What is the oldest golf course in Spain?
Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas in the Canary Islands dates from December 1891. It was founded by British families living on Gran Canaria island, and was designed by Mackenzie Ross. At 400 metres above sea level, the Par-71 course is spectacularly located next to the vast crater of an extinct volcano. Green fees are 125 – 130 euros.
Address: Lugar Campo de Golf 12, Santa Brígida, 35300 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Website: https://realclubdegolfdelaspalmas.com/
Where is the best place to stay for golf in Spain?
With keen golfers in mind, we have a tailored Golf Villa Collection focused around the Marbella, Benahavis and especially Sotogrande areas where superb courses abound. You can stay in an exceptional villa close to Villa Padierna, or even near Valderrama itself. The best Spanish golf courses will be an integral part of your holiday in southern Spain, with several always a short distance away from where you’re staying.
Villa Espace in Benahavis sleeps 14, with three golf courses – Los Flamingos, Alferini and Tramores – a driver’s swing away, and even includes its own TrackMan simulator and golf buggy.
In exclusive Sotogrande, Villa Chanya offers panoramic views close to Valderrama sleeping 15 – plenty of space for friends, extended family, business associates, and staff.
On the Finca Cortesin estate, Villa Sonata is a refined luxury hideaway that sleeps six and overlooks the gold course’s fairways. Guests staying here enjoy the services of the Hotel Concierge and can also rent a golf buggy (fees apply).
Fiona Flores Watson
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