Golf holidays after the Spanish Sun

To escape our dreary weather, every year more and more golfers are going abroad to spend their holidays golfing under the sun. With reasonable prices, sunny weather all year round, very few rainy days and great connections to the UK, it’s no surprise that one of our favourite golf destinations is Spain! There are many great golf courses all over the country, so it can be hard to choose your next destination. That’s why we have shortlisted the best cities in Spain for golf holidays. Discover them all!

1. Marbella, Andalusia

Marbella is a very popular holiday destination, with most people visiting the city for its beaches and nightlife. But with 16 different golf courses, Marbella is also an amazing destination for your golf holiday to Spain. Enjoy a game of golf with sea and mountain views at any time of the year, thanks to Marbella’s Mediterranean climate! And when you want to take a break from golfing there are plenty of other things to see and do in the city. Explore the charming city centre, rub shoulders with the rich and famous in Marbella’s marina or have a relaxing beach day at one of the many beaches in the area!

2. San Miguel de Abona, Tenerife

If you want to feel like you’re golfing in the tropics for a fraction of the price, San Miguel de Abona is the best destination for you! While the city only has 2 golf courses to play, they are absolutely stunning. Tropical plants, sand bunker made of volcanic black sand, and views of the Atlantic make for a unique golfing experience. The courses are also quite challenging: ravines, strategically placed bunkers and at one point even the ocean itself are some obstacles you will have to overcome! And there is plenty to do in the area other than golfing: water sports at the beach, exploring the Teide Natural Park or a night out in town.

3. San Roque, Andalusia

If you want to play the best golf course in Europe, you should head to San Roque, a small municipality near Gibraltar. The Real Club Valderrama is a course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and has hosted several professional tournaments since it opened in 1974. Enjoy your game in a beautiful natural setting, with ocean views and surrounded by pine and cork trees. Apart from the Real Club, you can play another 6 golf courses in San Roque. Tired of golfing? Head to Cadiz or Gibraltar for a day trip, or visit the famous sandy beaches of Bolonia and Tarifa!

4. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

The most beautiful natural golf courses can be found on Gran Canaria, in Maspalomas and the nearby Meloneras. The courses blend in seamlessly with the island’s natural topography, taking advantage of the natural slopes and valleys in the area. This destination is a great option for beginner and veteran golfers, with the Maspalomas course more apt for beginning golfers and the Meloneras course as an option for the more experienced golfers. While you’re there, there are some other attractions that are worthwhile visiting, like the nearby Maspalomas dunes, the famous Playa del Inglés and the Saturday market.

5. Orihuela Costa, Alicante

In Orihuela on the Costa Blanca you can play golf courses designed by famous architects from the country and abroad, like Manuel Piñero and Cabell Robinson. The city is also home to Las Colinas Golf, named the best Spanish golf course of 2021. The golf courses of Orihuela Costa are quite challenging, which means that this is a destination more suited for the experienced golfers among us. And although they are not the easiest, the golf courses are stunning, with many water features and native plants along and in between the different holes. For a break from golfing, visit the Torrevieja salt lakes only a short drive away, or head to one of the beautiful white sand beaches in the area.

6. Arona, Tenerife

For family-friendly golf holidays, you should head to Arona on Tenerife. The courses here are not too challenging: while they have some interesting natural obstacles, they are not too difficult, perfect for beginners and young golfers! On top of that, the training courses in Arona are among the best of the island. Arona’s golf courses also pride themselves on their sustainability, taking measures to protect local wildlife and irrigating with recycled water. The Los Palos golf course has even been awarded with the Biosphere Golf certificate! If you want to try something other than golfing, there is plenty to see and do: kayak tours, theme parks, a visit to La Gomera and much more!

7. Estepona, Andalusia

Enjoy golf holidays under the sun in Estepona! There are a total of 7 different golf courses in Estepona, designed by big names such as Gary Player and Bernard von Limburger. The courses can pride themselves on having some of the most spectacular views on the continent. With the Mediterranean to the south and the La Concha mountain to the north, there are impressive views to admire wherever you are playing! If you are looking for some alternative activities than golfing, the beaches in Estepona are exceptionally clean and beautiful, and the old town centre with its Andalusian charm is perfect for having a couple of drinks or dinner on warm summer nights.