For golfers across Europe, and for plenty from further afield, Spain and Portugal are the default answer to the question "where can I play golf in the sun?" A short flight takes you from cold, wet fairways to firm ground, blue skies and a choice of hundreds of courses, many of them within half an hour of an airport and a beach.
This guide compares the main golfing regions of Spain and Portugal, explains when to go and what it costs, and shares practical tips for getting the most out of your trip.
Why Spain and Portugal are so popular with golfers
- Climate. Southern Spain and Portugal enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine a year in many areas. Winter golf is mild and pleasant, rather than a battle with the elements.
- Choice. Both countries have invested heavily in golf tourism. Some coastal stretches have dozens of courses within a short drive of each other.
- Easy access. Airports such as Faro, Málaga, Alicante and Lisbon have frequent flights from across Europe, and many courses are less than an hour's transfer away.
- Courses for every golfer. From flat, forgiving resort layouts to dramatic hillside and cliff-top courses that test the best players.
- Something for everyone else. Beaches, historic towns, mountains, spas and excellent food make it easy to travel with non-golfers.
Portugal
Portugal is a compact country with an outstanding reputation for golf. Most courses are in two areas: the Algarve in the far south and the coast around Lisbon.
The Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast, and one of Europe's best-known golf destinations. It has several dozen courses, most of them within an hour of Faro airport, along with golden beaches, sandstone cliffs and whitewashed villages.
- Central Algarve. The area between Faro and Vilamoura is the heart of Algarve golf, with large resort estates set among umbrella pines, lakes and the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Expect immaculate conditioning, premium green fees and some of the most famous holes in Portugal.
- Western Algarve. Around Albufeira, Portimão, Alvor and Lagos the courses are more varied, from rolling parkland to clifftop layouts with ocean views. The resort towns are livelier, with marinas, restaurants and nightlife.
- Eastern Algarve. Towards Tavira and the Spanish border it is quieter and more traditional, with gentler courses, nature walks along the lagoons and better value.
The Lisbon coast
The coast around Lisbon has a cooler, breezier climate than the Algarve, which makes it a good choice in summer. Courses range from links-style layouts on the Atlantic to hilly parkland near the mountains of Sintra. Estoril and Cascais make an attractive base, with easy train links into the capital.
Northern Portugal
Around Porto, golf is quieter and often excellent value. There are links-style courses along the Atlantic coast and scenic inland courses in the hills. Midweek, you may feel you have the course almost to yourself. Combine golf with the port wine lodges, the historic city centre and the Douro Valley.
Madeira and the Azores
Portugal's Atlantic islands offer some of the most spectacular settings in European golf, with courses on clifftops and volcanic hillsides high above the ocean. There are only a handful of courses, so they suit a relaxed trip with plenty of sightseeing rather than a golf-every-day marathon.
Spain
Spain has hundreds of courses. The main golf holiday areas are along the southern and eastern Mediterranean coast, on the islands, and increasingly in the south-west.
Costa del Sol
The coast around Málaga, Marbella, Estepona and Sotogrande has so many courses that it is often nicknamed the "Costa del Golf". There are well over 60 within easy reach of Málaga airport, from championship venues that have hosted international events to friendly holiday layouts.
- Best for: variety, nightlife, year-round golf and groups who want a different course every day.
- Watch out for: high-season green fees at the best-known courses, and busy coastal roads. Base yourself centrally to keep transfers short.
Costa Blanca and Murcia
Inland from Alicante, Torrevieja and the Mar Menor lagoon, the Costa Blanca and neighbouring Murcia offer a relaxed, value-for-money alternative. Many courses are part of residential resorts, the terrain is often flatter and more forgiving, and green fees tend to be lower than on the Costa del Sol. The climate is among the driest in Europe.
- Best for: value, families and longer winter stays.
- Good to know: this area is popular with golfers who own or rent holiday homes, so many resorts offer weekly and monthly golf passes.
Andalucía's Atlantic coast
West of Gibraltar, the Costa de la Luz around Cádiz, Jerez and Huelva has long beaches, a fresher Atlantic climate and a growing number of courses. It combines well with sherry country, the white villages of the interior and the city of Seville.
Catalonia and the Costa Brava
In north-east Spain, the region around Barcelona and Girona has courses among pine forests and hills, with the medieval towns of the Costa Brava nearby. It is cooler than the south, which makes spring, summer and early autumn the best times to visit.
The Balearic Islands
Mallorca has the most courses of the Balearics, from coastal resort layouts to hill courses among almond groves and olive trees. Menorca and Ibiza have just a few. Spring and autumn are ideal: the islands are quieter, cooler and cheaper than in peak summer.
The Canary Islands
Off the coast of north-west Africa, the Canary Islands are Spain's winter-sun specialists, with temperatures that rarely drop below the low 20s °C even in January.
- Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the most courses, including dramatic layouts on volcanic slopes with ocean views.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have just a few, set among black lava fields, cacti and palm trees. The landscapes are unlike anywhere else in golf.
The trade-off is that the islands have fewer courses, so you will repeat rounds on a longer stay, and the trade winds can make scoring hard.
Which region is right for you?
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| The widest choice of courses | Costa del Sol, central Algarve |
| A first golf holiday with easy logistics | The Algarve |
| Value for money | Costa Blanca and Murcia, eastern Algarve, northern Portugal |
| Winter sunshine | Canary Islands, Costa del Sol, Algarve |
| Summer golf without fierce heat | Lisbon coast, northern Portugal, Catalonia |
| Spectacular scenery | Madeira, the Canary Islands, Mallorca |
| A trip with non-golfers | Lisbon coast, Mallorca, western Algarve |
When to go
- Spring (March to May) is the most popular time: warm days, green courses and long daylight. Green fees are at their highest, so book early.
- Summer (June to August) is hot in the south, often well over 30 °C inland. Green fees fall, especially for afternoon rounds, but you need to tee off early, drink plenty and protect yourself from the sun.
- Autumn (September to November) is excellent: warm sea, softer heat and quieter courses. Some courses close briefly for autumn maintenance, typically to re-seed and hollow-tine greens. Check before you book.
- Winter (December to February) is mild and often sunny on the southern coasts and the Canaries, with occasional wet spells. Days are shorter, so plan around earlier sunsets.
Read our advice on playing golf in bad weather and pack accordingly. Even sunny destinations can deliver wind and the odd downpour.
Booking tee times and green fees
- Book ahead for spring and autumn. Popular courses fill up weeks in advance. Many golf holiday packages include pre-booked tee times.
- Ask your hotel. Resorts and hotels often have partnerships with nearby courses for discounted green fees or priority times.
- Look for twilight and summer rates. Afternoon rounds can be much cheaper.
- Check handicap requirements. Some premium courses require a handicap certificate, often a maximum of 28 for men and 36 for women. Bring proof of your handicap.
- Buggies are common. Many hillside courses are hard work on foot in the heat, and some make buggies compulsory. Budget for one, and check whether it is included in the green fee.
Green fees vary hugely, from modest prices at quieter courses to premium fees at the most famous. Shoulder seasons and multi-round passes offer the best value.
Planning your trip
Getting there and around
Fly into the airport closest to your chosen region and hire a car if you plan to play different courses; most are outside the towns. Some golf packages include transfers to every course, which is ideal for groups who want to enjoy the clubhouse afterwards.
Taking your clubs
Airlines charge for golf bags, so check the fee and weight limits when you book. A good travel cover protects your clubs. Read our guide to travelling with golf clubs. Most courses and resorts also hire good-quality clubs if you would rather travel light.
Where to stay
- Golf resorts offer courses on site, practice facilities and packages that bundle accommodation and golf.
- Town hotels and apartments give you more choice of restaurants and nightlife, with a short drive to the courses.
- Villas suit groups and families, especially for longer stays.
Our guide to choosing a golf resort explains what to look for.
Golf schools and coaching
Many resorts have academies with professional coaching, practice facilities and short-game areas. A few days of instruction in the sunshine can kick-start your season. See golf schools and golf camps.
Tips for golf in the heat
- Tee off early. The coolest, calmest conditions are in the first hours after sunrise.
- Drink before you are thirsty, and take water from every refill point.
- Protect your skin: sun cream, a hat and sunglasses.
- Expect more distance. Warm air and firm ground mean the ball flies and rolls further. Adjust your club selection.
- Read the grain. Warm-climate grasses on some southern courses can make putts and chips behave differently from what you are used to.
Beyond the golf
- Portugal: the old towns of Lagos and Tavira, the cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, the palaces of Sintra, the city of Lisbon and the port lodges of Porto.
- Spain: the Alhambra in Granada, the old towns of Seville and Ronda, the beaches of the Costa Blanca, Barcelona's architecture and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands.
- Food and drink: fresh seafood, tapas, regional wines and long, late dinners are part of the experience.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spain or Portugal better for a golf holiday?
Both are excellent. Portugal is compact, easy to navigate and has a superb concentration of courses in the Algarve. Spain offers more variety, with several distinct regions and the islands. Choose by region rather than country: think about the climate, travel time and atmosphere you want.
Can beginners play on holiday courses?
Yes, although some premium courses have handicap limits. Many resorts have academy courses, par-3 courses and practice facilities that are ideal for beginners. Check the requirements before you book, and read our guide for beginners.
How many rounds should I plan?
On a week-long trip, four or five rounds is a good balance for most golfers, leaving time to rest, explore and enjoy the evenings. Serious golfers sometimes play twice a day, but the heat makes that hard work in summer.
Do I need to hire a buggy?
On flat courses you can usually walk with a trolley. On hilly courses, and in hot weather, a buggy makes the day far more enjoyable, and some courses require one.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing, a waterproof layer for the occasional shower, sun protection, plenty of balls and soft-spiked shoes. Our what to wear guide covers typical dress codes.
The bottom line
Spain and Portugal offer some of the most enjoyable golf holidays anywhere: reliable sunshine, a huge choice of courses and plenty to do off the course. Pick the region that suits your budget and season, book key tee times early, start early on hot days, and leave time to enjoy the food, the towns and the coast. For more planning advice, read how to plan a golf trip, or compare destinations closer to home with our golf in Scotland guide.
Looking for winter sunshine further afield? Compare the options in our guide to winter sun golf destinations.
For cooler summer golf, read golf in northern Spain.