Best golf courses in Spain

Founded: 1974 | Par: 71 | Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Snr | Course Type: Parkland

Valderrama was host to one of the greatest Ryder Cup matches of all time back in 1997. Seve Ballesteros’ European Team rushed to a 5-point lead heading into the Sunday singles. The US team rallied back but, Team Europe held out. The course today is still up to tour standard, frequently hosting professional events, such as the Andalucian Masters on the European Tour in 2022.

However, Valderrama keeps all levels of golf in mind, offering six different tee options with the common cross-winds making it very tough to conquer.

Real Club Valderrama consistently ranks within the World's Top 100 Golf Courses and many consider Valderrama an absolute must when in the Costa Del Sol.

Travel tip for Real Club Valderrama:

Despite its elite status, Valderrama is surprisingly walkable—even from the club tees. Walking allows you to see landing areas more clearly, feel the subtle wind changes, and stay sharp mentally.

Key Features:

• Hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup
• Offers tee options for all golfing abilities
• Consistently ranks in the world's 100 golf courses

Founded: 1964 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Robert Trent Jones Snr | Course type: Parkland

The course at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is considered one of Robert Trent Jones Snr's masterpieces, who chose this course as one of his five favourites from more than 500 courses he designed worldwide. It offers long tees, wide fairways and elevated greens which are delicately moulded and very fast.

The quality of the course is very well reflected by World's Top 100 Golf Courses, who rank it at second in Spain. The quality of the champions over a period of many years also shows the standard of course, among others, there are Severiano Ballesteros, Jose María Olazabal, Roberto de Vicenzo, Sergio García, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy.

Travel tip for Real Club Sotogrande:

Explore the Pinar de la Alcaidesa or cycle along the Andalucian roads - local cycling tourism is expanding, especially in spring and autumn.

Key Features:

• Legends of the game like Seve Ballesteros and Rory Mcilroy have won here
• Ranked 2nd in Spain by World's Top 100 Golf Courses
• Elevated and very fast greens

Founded: 1998 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Angel Gallardo | Course Type: Parkland

Built by the European Tour to rival the PGA Tour’s Sawgrass course, designers spent 10 years carefully plotting out one of the best golf courses in Spain. Having already hosted several European Tour events, the Stadium Course has been announced as the 2031 host of the Ryder Cup.

The course is always in immaculate condition and places Camiral Golf, a Quinta do Lago Resort right up there with the very best Spanish golf courses, currently sitting at 4th in Spain according to World's Top 100 Golf Courses.

Travel tip for Stadium Course at Camiral Golf, a Quinta do Lago Resort:

Definitely consider playing the Tour course on site as well, which offers a brilliant golfing experience and is ranked at 26th in Spain by World's Top 100 Golf Courses.

Key Features:

• Host for the 2031 Ryder Cup
• Built to rival TPC Sawgrass
• A second course on site (Tour course)

Founded: 2007 | Par: 72 | Cabell B. Robinson | Course Type: Parkand

Not short of length, at over 7,000 yards off the championship tees, the Finca Cortesin is a real challenge testified by a variety of touring professionals having played host to the Volvo World Match Play Championship for three years. It was also the host to the 2023 Solheim Cup.

Each hole challenges all parts of your game and is in impeccable condition. Finca Cortesin is frequently referred to as “the course to play” in the Costa del Sol and is well up there with Valderrama.

Travel tip for Finca Cortesin:

With Valderrama just a short drive away, tick off two of Europe's best courses in a single golf trip!

Key Features:

• Hosted the 2023 Solheim Cup
• A long course, at over 7,000 yards
• Hosted the World Match Play Championship three years in a row

Founded: 1990 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Tony Jacklin | Course Type: Parkland

The legendary Old Course at The San Roque Club is steeped in history, hosting 15 consecutive European Tour Schools from 1993-2007 and the Spanish Open in 2005.

San Roque offers many risk vs reward holes and requires a good golf brain in order to stay out of trouble, but also to score well.

Some of the greats of the game ignited their careers here and have gone on to win major championships.

Travel tips for San Roque Old Course:

Don't let the chance to play local world-class courses like Valderrama and La Reserva slip by and turn your trip into a world class golf holidays!

Key Features:

• Hosted 15 consecutive European Tour Schools form 1993-2007
• Plenty of risk and reward holes

Founded: 1912 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Greg Norman| Course type: Parkland

We can’t talk about the best golf courses in Spain and not mention Real Club de Golf El Prat, located in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Having played host to more than 250 top-level national and international championships, including the Spanish Open, it is without a doubt one of the finest golf courses in the country.

This is a high-quality course and the greens are maintained to a very high standard. The club boasts 45 challenging holes designed by Greg Norman to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels. And how can we forget, it has a fantastic 300m driving range!

Travel tip for Real Club de Golf El Prat:

Only a 35 minute drive from Catalan capital Barcelona, take some time one evening to head in and immerse yourself in some of the best restaurants and cuisine the city has to offer.

Key Features:

• 45 Holes on site
• Has hosted the Spanish Open
• Huge 300 metre driving range

Founded: 2003 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Cabell B. Robinson | Course Type: Parkland

La Reserva is another beauty based in the golfing paradise of the Costa del Sol. Ranked as the 10th best course in Continental Europe by Top 100 Golf Courses, despite still being so young, the Sotogrande course has quickly matured into one of Spain’s finest and has been tipped to begin hosting more national and international events. Located in between two valleys, La Reserva offers stunning views and is reasonably generous off the fairways, allowing you to open your shoulders and let the driver rip!

Travel tip for La Reserve Sotogrande golf course:

Enjoy a local hidden gem in Sotograndes in-land beach, a freshwater lagoon with a sandy bottom, surrounded by elegant beachfront loungers, cabanas, and waiter service right on the sand!

Key Features:

• Generous fairway
• A club famed for its stunning views
• Surrounded by other world class golf courses

Founded: 1968 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Javier Arana | Course Type: Beach parkland

Set in a stunning nature reserve on the Parador El Saler resort, Campo de Golf El Saler is an absolute treat. The highly accredited par-72 has also played host to a variety of tour events and is an annual venue of the European Tour Qualifying School. The surroundings are varied ranging from beach links to areas of typical Mediterranean forest.

Travel tip for Campo de Golf El Soler:

Use any free time you have to make your way into the nearby city of Valencia for a true Spanish experience.

Key Features:

• A mix of links golf and parkland golf
• Has hosted the European Tour Qualifying school

Founded: 2010 | Par: 71 | Designed by: Cabell B. Robinson | Course Type: Parkland

A course that skilfully blends into its natural Mediterranean surroundings, winding through a beautiful valley, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is one of the highlights of Spain. Set in the heart of the Costa Blanca, it is a par-71, 18 hole championship course that is both appealing and playable for all skill levels.

The generous lush fairways and gently rolling hills are well maintained, and there plenty of obstacles scattered throughout to keep things interesting and enjoyable. You can even enjoy a scenic walk among the orange fields and lemon groves.

Travel tip for Las Colinas golf course:

Organise a round at the nearby course El Valle to experience two very different course types on your trip.

Key Features:

• Appealing for all levels of golfers
• Surrounded by Orange fields and Lemon groves

Founded: 1991 | Par: 72 | Designed by: Jose Maria Olazabal | Course Type: Parkland

Located in Seville, this course is one that will stick in your memory for a long time. Delicately pretty, the luscious fairways and stunning surroundings almost give a feel of playing golf in a garden. Having played host to the Open d’Espana, Sevilla is a testing layout. Designed by one of Spain’s finest ever golfers, Jose Maria Olazabal, all 18 holes have a real Spanish feel and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that…

Travel tip for Real Club de Sevilla:

Just 10 kilometers from the centre of Seville, head into the city and try out the local tapas bars or visit Alcazar Palace.

Key Features:

• True parkland course
• Designed by Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal
• Only 10km to Seville city centre

Founded:: 2003 | Par: 72 | Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jnr | Course Type: Parkland

A gorgeous, 18-hole par 72 Parkland course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The undulating terrain gently slopes down towards the shoreline, with its tree-lined fairways leading to panoramic views of the sea, promising a memorable round of golf.

Ranked 16th in Spain by Top 100 Golf Courses, it is considered one of the best courses, if not the best, in Mallorca.

Travel tip for Club de Golf Alcanada:

Consider playing at nearby Golf Son Gual Mallorca, another stunning course with panoramic views of the ocean.

Key Features:

• Stunning sea views
• One of Mallorca's best courses

Best time to visit: Late Spring and early Autumn is the prime golf season in Spain, with summer months (June to August) occasionally considered too hot. However just about all year round the courses are in great shape, and the weather is often pleasantly mild.

Booking tips: Book tee times and accommodation well in advance, especially during school holidays and peak weekends. Look for midweek golf packages for better value, and consider early morning or late afternoon tee times for quieter rounds and softer light.

Q: Is Spain good for golf? A: Yes, Spain is one of Europe's premier golf destinations, offering some of the worlds best golf courses.

Q: What is the best area in Spain for golf? A: The Costa Del Sol won't leave you disappointed, with such a variety of courses to choose.

Q: Do I need a handicap to play golf in Spain A: You're unlikely to be asked to present your handicap certificate upon arrival at your chosen golf course; however, we always recommend checking with your Golf Travel Expert at the time of booking.

Spain really is the ultimate golf holiday destination—blending year‑round sunshine, diverse course styles, and culture-rich regions that cater to every taste and ability. With over 400 courses, including more than 70 on the Costa del Sol alone, it’s no wonder golfers return here season after season.