The 11 best golf courses in Spain

From the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts to the rolling hills of the interior, the best golf courses in Spain are perfect places to unwind, enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round and practice the exciting sport of golf on courses managed to the highest professional standards. Besides picturesque landscapes, these courses are also famed for being challenging while offering elegance and harmony to beginners and experts alike.

The careful design of these courses is accompanied by a fascinating history of competition are intertwined because they host prestigious sporting events throughout the year. So today we’d like to invite you on a tour of the best golf courses in Spain: places where nature and sport merge in a magical experience. Enjoy the beauty of the landscapes, the challenge of each hole, and the feeling of being surrounded by many with a passion for golf. From serene courses on the sea to the tranquility of inland greens, you’ll discover a range of destinations that will satisfy even the most demanding golfers and offer unforgettable moments under the warm Spanish sun.

1. Real Golf La Manga Club

It’s the experts that put our courses on the list. Real Golf La Manga Club is one of the best golf destinations in Europe and ranked among the top 40 in the world. Every year, more than 120,000 players visit the three courses at the resort. The North course is ideal for those who are just starting out in golf, the South course is a favorite among professionals, thanks to the difficulty of its holes and its length of 6.5 kilometers, and the West course demands high precision and technical mastery. Since 1971, golf greats like Severiano Ballesteros and Arnold Palmer, as well as plenty of other celebrities, have enjoyed La Manga Club and praised its Mediterranean climate and the comforts of its Clubhouse.

2. Sotogrande

Nestled in a natural setting of exceptional beauty, La Reserva de Sotogrande is located near the famous Valderrama golf course and shares with it the majesty of its surroundings. Designed by acclaimed designer Cabell B. Robinson in 2003, the course offers an unforgettable golf experience that winds through Mediterranean pines, cork oaks and wild olive trees. What distinguishes it are its four lakes, strategically distributed along the course, which add a challenging touch to each hole. In addition, the wide and precisely designed greens, pose a technical challenge for golfers and a chance to demonstrate their skill. With a unique fusion between nature and the game, this golf course in Spain is one of the country’s most impressive.

3. PGA Catalunya Resort

Located in the picturesque setting of Caldes de Malavella, in the province of Girona, the PGA Catalunya Resort is home to two magnificent golf courses: the Stadium Course and the Tour Course. The Stadium Course is known for its exquisite natural beauty and challenging design, forcing players to demonstrate their skill with every shot. With breathtaking panoramic views and strategically placed obstacles, this course is considered one of the best in Europe. The Tour Course offers an equally attractive experience, but with a more relaxed approach suitable for players of all levels, making it ideal for family golfing. The resort also features luxury accommodations and wellness services to offer visitors and guests a comprehensive and enriching experience.

4. Real Club de Valderrama

Real Club de Valderrama is one of the most iconic courses in Spain. This historic destination, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior in 1974, has hosted major international events, including the legendary 1997 Ryder Cup. The course’s impeccable grooming and enviable reputation have consistently ranked it among the best golf courses in the world. Located within the Sotogrande development in Cádiz, Valderrama boasts a par-71 rating on its 6.5-kilometer course from the professional tees.

5. Real Club de Golf de La Herrería

The Real Club de Golf de La Herrería offers a unique golf experience. Located just a few kilometers from the Spanish capital, Madrid, this exclusive course allows players to enjoy the game with the majestic El Escorial Monastery for a backdrop. This architectural, natural and scenic setting was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Here, the game merges with history and nature, evoking a special connection with the grandeur of the past and the majesty of the present.

6. Montecastillo Golf

Integrated into a 5-star luxury hotel complex in Jerez de la Frontera, Montecastillo Golf is a course that exudes elegance and exclusivity. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this course has been the setting for the prestigious Volvo Masters for five consecutive years. The course stands out for its 18 challenging holes and a large practice area that offers players the opportunity to perfect their game. In addition to sporting excellence, Montecastillo Golf offers its visitors a golf and relaxation experience in an environment where luxury and comfort imbue every detail.

7. Parador El Saler Golf Course

Located in Valencia, the Parador El Saler Golf Course is a treasure of the Mediterranean coast. Designed by renowned designer Javier Arana in 1968, this course presents a challenging approach and a masterful fusion with its natural surroundings. Its proximity to the beach provides the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and one of the true benefits of golf: a refreshing sea breeze. El Saler has hosted important events over the years and continues to be a preferred destination for those seeking a unique and memorable golf experience.

8. Buenavista Golf

Nestled in the northern part of Tenerife, Buenavista Golf offers an unparalleled golf experience in the midst of spectacular surroundings. Designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros, this course stands out for its proximity to the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, which adds an extra dose of excitement to every swing. In addition, the mild and warm climate of the Canary Islands will let you enjoy golf year-round, making Buenavista a perfect destination for golf lovers in search of a seaside experience.

9. Bandama Golf Course

Located on the island of Gran Canaria, the Bandama Golf Course is a unique and spectacular enclave. Designed by Mackenzie Ross, the course sits on the slopes of the Caldera de Bandama, an ancient volcano, giving golfers breathtaking panoramic views of the center of the island. The volcanic setting and year-round pleasant climate add a distinctive touch to this course, making it an exciting and fascinating destination for golfers seeking an unforgettable challenge.

10. Abama Golf

Hailed as the best golf course in the Canary Islands, Abama Golf is the ideal place to reconnect with nature. This 18-hole course, designed by Dave Thomas, offers views of the Atlantic Ocean from every vantage point, and the tranquility of its more than 25,000 palm trees make it the perfect place to focus on the golf clubs and forget your worries. With large greens that bring versatility to the game, this course enjoys a pleasant springtime temperature all year round.

11. Finca Cortesín Golf

Located on the glamorous Costa del Sol, Finca Cortesin Golf stands out for its incomparable beauty and masterful design. Created by renowned designer Cabell B. Robinson, this course blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings, featuring perfectly manicured Bermuda grass fairways and a rich variety of flora mixed with the characteristic Mediterranean forest. The prestige of this course has been consolidated over the years, making it a dream destination for golf lovers.

Whether for their strategic design, impeccable conditions or exceptional location, all these courses have conquered the hearts of golfers and remain privileged destinations for lovers of this noble sport, many of whom jump at the chance to buy homes on golf courses. From the coasts of the Mediterranean to the volcanic islands of the Atlantic, every corner of southern Europe can treat you to one of the best golf courses in Spain and an opportunity to enjoy this sport at its best.