Spectacular Sun-soaked Golf Courses in Spain and Portugal
High time for a tee time at some of the best golf courses in Europe.
One for the bucket list in Cádiz
Valderrama Royal Golf Club
Located just an hour south of the popular beach destination Malaga lies Valderrama Royal Golf Club (Real Club Valderrama), one of the world’s most well-known courses. Consistently claiming the honor as Europe’s best golf course, this is a bucket list item for any golf enthusiast. Valderrama Golf rose to fame after hosting the Ryder Cup in 1997 and, ever since, golfers have flocked to its cork tree-lined fairways. The popularity of this course means you’ll want to book well in advance. And watch out for the par five 17th – it’s defeated even the most experienced of players.
The best of the best in Girona
PGA Catalunya Resort
Known as the number one golf course in Spain, PGA Catalunya Resort Golf is actually home to two 18-hole courses: the Stadium Course and the less-demanding Tour Course. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, these courses offer a respite from the heat of southern Spain, while providing golfers of all skill levels with a stunning backdrop against which to tee off. And being just one hour north of Barcelona makes it easy to take in one of Spain’s most captivating cities when you’re not on the green.
Seve’s paradise in Alicante
Alicante Golf
If you’re looking to combine a beach vacation, city break and golf getaway, Alicante Golf is the perfect option for you. Situated just a stone’s throw from the city center, the convenient location doesn’t mean the course skimps on quality or beauty. Designed by one of Spain’s most legendary golfers, Severiano “Seve” Ballesteros, a lightning-fast green speed and wide, beautifully manicured fairways define this green oasis. Beyond performance and aesthetics, careful care was given to ensure minimal environmental impact – earning the course two sustainability certifications.
Four-in-one in Palma de Mallorca
Arabella Golf Mallorca
Just five minutes from Palma de Mallorca, you’ll find Spain’s largest golf resort, Arabella Golf Mallorca. This stunning resort boasts four different courses – Golf Son Vida, Golf Son Muntaner, Golf Son Quint and Golf Son Quint Pitch + Putt – totaling 63 holes. Inaugurated in 1964, Golf Son Vida was Mallorca’s first golf course. While steeped in history, it got a modern redesign in 2001 by famed architect Kurt Rossknecht. This picturesque course with breathtaking views over the bay was home to not one, but two PGA tournaments.
At one with nature in Portugal
West Cliffs Ocean & Golf Resort
One of the most highly anticipated course openings in recent years, West Cliffs Golf Links did not disappoint. Inaugurated in 2017, it was designed by Cynthia Dye to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings and is the crown jewel of the new sustainable golf movement. Though young, it is already heralded as one of the best courses on the continent. The Atlantic Ocean can be viewed from all 18 holes. Guests can stay in the luxury hotel or in Lisbon (just over an hour away). Booking is done easily via portugalgolfbooking.com.
A cliff-hanger on the Algarve coast
Vale do Lobo Resort
On Portugal’s southern coast, Vale De Lobo Resort offers seaside luxury and superb golfing. The complex boasts two 18-hole courses – the Royal Course and Ocean Course – a spa, medical center, riding stables and more. The Royal Course features one of Europe’s most photographed holes, the 16th, where players carry over a steep cliff with a powdery white beach waiting below should a ball stray from its mark.
Flying with golf equipment
SAS welcomes golf equipment on board, but space is limited. Golf equipment must be requested and approved in advance.
Golf equipment can be added at the time of booking or up to 24 hours prior to departure via MyBookings.
Golf equipment is defined as one golf bag. It may contain one set of golf clubs, golf balls, tees and one pair of golf shoes.
Sports equipment, up to 23 kg, is included at no extra charge if it fits within the checked baggage allowance included in your ticket (except SAS Go Light). If it doesn’t, you need to pay for extra baggage.
When traveling in SAS Plus, 2 x 23 kg is included in your ticket.
Text by Tracy Johnson