Best golf courses in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria has long been one of Europe’s most reliable winter sun golf destinations - but it offers far more than just great weather. From historic fairways carved into volcanic craters to modern resort layouts hugging the Atlantic coastline, the island delivers remarkable variety within a compact and easily accessible setting.

Whether you’re seeking strategic Harry Colt design, dramatic mountain backdrops, oceanfront finishing holes or relaxed, resort-friendly play. The Canary Island has a course to match every style of golfer. This guide highlights the very best golf courses in Gran Canaria - each one bringing its own character, challenge and unforgettable scenery.

Spain’s oldest golf course; frequently listed among the Top 100 courses in continental Europe

Location: Santa Brígida, Gran Canaria | Designer: Harry S. Colt | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,040 | Founded: 1891

Why play here?

Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas offers a truly historic golfing experience set high above the island in the volcanic Bandama Caldera. Designed by the legendary Harry Colt, the course is compact yet demanding, rewarding accuracy and strategic shot-making over raw power.

The dramatic elevation changes and rugged terrain provide breathtaking views across the island and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Walking the fairways here feels like stepping back in time, with traditional club culture and timeless design still very much intact.

“A fascinating Colt design where every shot matters.” – Golf World

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 15 (Par 3) – Played across the crater edge, one of the most dramatic short holes in Spain.

Key features:

• Historic Harry Colt design
• Volcanic terrain and elevation changes
• Traditional members’ club atmosphere

Bonus fact:

It is the oldest golf course in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe.

Regularly ranked among the best resort courses in the Canary Islands

Location: Mogán | Designer: Robert von Hagge | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,509 | Founded: 2006

Why play here?

Anfi Tauro Golf is a striking desert-style course carved into a dramatic valley, offering a completely different feel from most European layouts. Wide fairways and pristine conditioning make it accessible, but water hazards and bold bunkering ensure plenty of challenge.

The course is framed by rugged mountains and palm-lined fairways, creating a resort experience that feels closer to Arizona than the Atlantic islands. It’s particularly popular with holiday golfers seeking both playability and visual impact.

“Visually stunning and always in immaculate condition.” – Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 14 (Par 5) – A risk-reward hole with water guarding the approach.

Key features:

• Ranked 4th best golf course in the Canary Islands by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Desert-style layout
• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Excellent practice facilities

Bonus fact:

The clubhouse is built into the surrounding rock, blending seamlessly with the landscape.

One of Gran Canaria’s most popular resort courses

Location: Meloneras | Designer: Ron Kirby | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,375 | Founded: 2006

Why play here?

Meloneras Golf delivers a memorable seaside experience, particularly across its back nine, where holes run directly along the Atlantic coastline. The course is modern, well-manicured, and designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

With its proximity to luxury resorts and beaches, Meloneras is ideal for golf holidays where relaxation is just as important as the golf itself. Ocean breezes add a strategic element without overwhelming the layout.

“Few courses offer sea views like Meloneras’ back nine.” – Golf Digest

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 12 (Par 3) – Played directly towards the ocean with cliffs beyond the green.

Key features:

• Stunning oceanfront holes
• Resort-friendly layout
• Excellent clubhouse facilities

Bonus fact:

The course finishes with three consecutive holes along the coastline.

One of the island’s most established resort courses

Location: Salobre | Designer: Roland Favré | Par: 71 | Yards: 6,311 | Founded: 1999

Why play here?

The Old Course at Salobre winds through rolling terrain and ravines, demanding careful course management and precise iron play. Narrow fairways and elevated greens reward thoughtful strategy over aggression.

It offers a more traditional challenge compared to its newer sibling, appealing to experienced golfers who enjoy testing layouts in peaceful surroundings.

“A thinking golfer’s course with plenty of character.” – Trusted Golfbreaks customer

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 5 (Par 4) – A tight tee shot followed by an elevated approach.

Key features:

• Strategic layout
• Quiet, natural setting
• Excellent conditioning

Bonus fact:

The course was one of the first major golf developments in southern Gran Canaria.

One of the most-played courses in Gran Canaria

Location: Maspalomas | Designer: Mackenzie Ross | Par: 73 | Yards: 6,745 | Founded: 1968

Why play here?

Maspalomas is a classic parkland course set beside the famous Maspalomas dunes. Flat and walkable, it’s a forgiving layout that suits all handicaps while still requiring accuracy from the tee.

The open design and consistent conditions make it particularly popular with visiting golfers and winter sun seekers.

“Relaxed, enjoyable golf in a beautiful setting.” – Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 9 (Par 5) – A long, straight hole with dunes visible to the right.

Key features:

• Flat, walkable layout
• Central location near resorts
• Ideal for higher handicaps

Bonus fact:

The course sits next to a protected natural dune reserve.

Modern alternative within the Salobre Golf Resort

Location: Salobre | Designer: Ron Kirby | Par: 70 | Yards: 5,577 | Founded: 2008

Why play here?

Shorter but more dramatic, the New Course at Salobre focuses on elevation changes and bold green complexes. It’s an enjoyable contrast to the Old Course and ideal for golfers who prefer a quicker round with memorable visuals.

The course’s elevated tees provide sweeping views across the resort and surrounding hills, making it a favourite for social and twilight golf.

“Short, sharp, and unforgettable.” – Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Hole 3 (Par 3) – A spectacular downhill tee shot to a well-guarded green.

Key features:

• Dramatic elevation changes
• Compact, fast-paced design
• Ideal for mixed-ability groups

Bonus fact:

You can stay on-site at Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity

Renowned practice and learning facility

Location: Santa Brígida | Designer: Various | Par: 3 Course | Founded: Mid-20th century

Why play here?

Alongside the main course, Bandama’s short course and academy facilities are perfect for sharpening the short game. The relaxed setting and scenic views make practice sessions genuinely enjoyable.

It’s an excellent complement to the main championship course for golfers looking to improve.

“An ideal place to work on your short game.” – Trusted Golfbreaks Customer

Highlight / Signature Hole:

Short Course Hole 6 – Tight green surrounded by volcanic terrain.

Key features:

• Short game focus
• Scenic practice environment
• Historic setting

Bonus fact:

Bandama remains a hub for traditional golf culture on the island.

Is Gran Canaria a good year-round destination? Yes - Gran Canaria enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, with mild winters and hot summers, making it ideal for golf and sunshine breaks in every season.

How long is the flight to Gran Canaria? From the UK, flights typically take around 4 to 4.5 hours, with regular direct services available from most major airports.

What are the best areas to stay in Gran Canaria? Maspalomas, Meloneras and Puerto Rico are among the most popular areas, known for great beaches, quality resorts and easy access to golf courses.

Is Gran Canaria suitable for golfers of all levels? Absolutely. The island offers a mix of championship layouts and more forgiving resort courses, many with stunning ocean and mountain backdrops.

When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria? Gran Canaria is a true 12-month destination, but spring and autumn are particularly popular thanks to warm temperatures and slightly calmer winds.

Do I need a car in Gran Canaria? While not essential if staying at a golf resort, hiring a car gives you greater flexibility to explore different courses and the island’s dramatic interior landscapes.

Currency: Euro (€)

Flight Time: Approximately 4–4.5 hours from the UK with frequent direct flights.

Airport: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), located around 20–30 minutes from the main resort areas of Maspalomas and Meloneras.

Transfers: Private transfers and car hire are widely available and recommended if you’re planning to play multiple golf courses.

Best Time to Visit: A true year-round destination, with warm winters (20–24°C) and hot summers (26–30°C). Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for golf.

Local Time: GMT (same as the UK during winter; +1 hour during British Summer Time).

Language: Spanish, though English is widely spoken in tourist and golf resort areas.

Getting Around: Roads are modern and well maintained. A hire car offers flexibility, especially if exploring courses in different parts of the island.

Golf Season Tip: Tee times can be in high demand during winter months, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Gran Canaria’s golf offering is as diverse as its landscape. You can tee it up on Spain’s oldest course overlooking a volcanic caldera in the morning, then enjoy a coastal resort round framed by Atlantic views the next day. Few destinations blend heritage, design pedigree, dramatic scenery and consistent playing conditions quite so seamlessly.

Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or combining your rounds with beachside relaxation, Gran Canaria provides year-round quality and variety. The only real question is which course you’ll play first.