Best golf courses in Spain: coast, countryside and city

Spain has quietly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most varied golfing destinations, with courses spread across coastlines, countryside, and even cooler northern regions. The best golf courses in Spain range from old‑school members’ clubs to modern resort layouts designed for travelling players. 

Real Club Valderrama

Set just inland from the coast in Sotogrande, Valderrama is Spain’s most demanding course by a long way. The fairways are narrow, lined with cork oaks, and there’s very little margin for error from tee to green. It’s a private club with a strong members’ culture, so access isn’t casual, but conditions are usually flawless. 

Best reason to go: it’s Spain’s toughest and most prestigious test of golf.

Real Club de Golf El Prat

Located just outside Barcelona, El Prat is a traditional members’ club with multiple course layouts redesigned by Greg Norman. It feels calm and orderly, a contrast to the city, with fast greens and well‑protected approaches. The club has hosted numerous Spanish Opens, and it plays long without being unfair.

Best reason to go: one of the few top‑tier courses near a major city.

Finca Cortesín

Sitting in the hills between Marbella and Estepona, Finca Cortesín is a high‑end resort course with generous fairways and immaculate presentation. It’s walkable, well‑spaced, and designed to be enjoyable even if you’re not playing your best. Hosting the Solheim Cup pushed it firmly onto the international radar.

Best reason to go: elite resort golf that still feels relaxed to play.

Real Club Valderrama. Luke Walker Getty images

PGA Catalunya – Stadium Course

Just outside Girona, this is often rated Spain’s most playable championship layout. The Stadium Course rewards smart course management rather than brute force, with water hazards that actually come into play. It’s popular with travelling golfers because it’s challenging without being punishing. The practice facilities are among the best in the country.

Best reason to go: a fair but serious test that suits a wide range of handicaps.

La Reserva Club

La Reserva sits higher up the hill in Sotogrande, with long views and noticeable elevation changes throughout the round. It’s a modern course with bold shaping, wide landing areas, and large greens that can be tricky to read. Facilities are slick and contemporary, reflecting the newer side of Sotogrande. 

Best reason to go: dramatic terrain paired with top‑level modern facilities.

Golf Santander

Hidden on the outskirts of Madrid, Golf Santander is a private Rees Jones design built on former farmland. The layout is long, flat, and exposed, with water hazards that demand accuracy rather than flair. It regularly features in Spanish rankings despite having no coastal scenery at all. Access is limited, but it’s a serious inland option.

Best reason to go: one of Spain’s strongest courses away from the coast.

Alcanada Golf. Octavio Passos Getty images

Alcanada Golf

Alcanada runs along the coast in northern Mallorca, with views across the bay to its lighthouse. Wind plays a constant role, so club selection changes daily. The course is compact but technical, with several holes that stick in your memory. It’s popular with golfers who want scenery without resort excess.

Best reason to go: coastal holes where wind management really matters.

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande

One of the original courses in Sotogrande, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. design feels more traditional than its famous neighbour, Valderrama. The routing is gentle, with wide fairways and greens that place the emphasis on approach play. It’s still demanding, but many players find it more enjoyable across 18 holes.

Best reason to go: classic design that prioritises rhythm and playability.

Las Colinas Golf & Country Club

Set inland from the Costa Blanca, Las Colinas winds through a landscaped valley with plenty of space off the tee. It’s modern, polished, and designed to be forgiving while still testing short‑game control. Many international golfers based in the area play here regularly. The course tends to be quieter than coastal alternatives.

Best reason to go: high‑quality golf without the Costa Blanca crowds.

Izki Golf

Designed by Seve Ballesteros, Izki sits in a forested valley in the Basque Country, surrounded by nature rather than resorts. The fairways are wide, but uneven lies and elevation changes keep things interesting. The cooler climate makes it appealing in summer. It feels like a completely different side of Spanish golf.

Best reason to go: a Seve design in a wild, non‑touristy setting.

La Zagaleta Golf