The Costa Blanca is a golfer's paradise with world-class courses designed by legends like Ballesteros and Nicklaus.
The Costa Blanca has established itself as one of Europe's premier golf destinations, attracting enthusiasts from across the continent with its exceptional courses, year-round playing conditions, and stunning Mediterranean scenery. Within just 30 minutes of Benidorm, golfers can access eight distinct courses ranging from championship layouts designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus and Severiano Ballesteros to more accessible options perfect for beginners and casual players. The combination of world-class facilities, affordable green fees compared to Northern Europe, and guaranteed sunshine makes this region a paradise for anyone passionate about the game.
The Golf Advantage of the Costa Blanca
What sets the Costa Blanca apart from other golf destinations is the exceptional climate that allows play throughout the entire year. While golfers in the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia contend with months of frozen courses and waterlogged fairways, the Costa Blanca offers playable conditions 365 days a year. Winter temperatures averaging 15-18°C are actually ideal for golf – warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot that playing becomes exhausting.
The diversity of course designs is another significant draw. From the challenging championship layouts that test the best players to beginner-friendly par-3 courses and everything in between, there's a perfect course for every skill level and budget. The stunning natural scenery – combining mountain backdrops, Mediterranean views, and beautifully landscaped fairways – makes every round a visual treat.
Many courses in the region cater specifically to the international market, with English-speaking staff, well-stocked pro shops carrying major brands, and clubhouse facilities that rival the best in Europe. Rental equipment is widely available and of high quality, meaning visitors can travel light knowing they'll have access to excellent clubs and gear.
Villaitana Golf Resort: The Nicklaus Experience
Just 10 minutes from central Benidorm, Villaitana Golf Resort offers what many consider the finest golf experience on the Costa Blanca. This prestigious resort features two distinct 18-hole courses, both designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, ensuring world-class layouts that challenge and reward golfers of all abilities.
The Levante Course is the championship option, stretching to over 6,500 meters from the back tees with a slope rating that tests even low handicappers. The layout utilizes the dramatic terrain to stunning effect, with several holes featuring significant elevation changes and mountain views that can distract from the task at hand. Water hazards come into play on multiple holes, and the well-positioned bunkers demand strategic thinking on every approach shot.
The Poniente Course offers a slightly more accessible challenge while maintaining the Nicklaus design quality. With wider fairways and more generous landing areas, it suits mid-to-high handicappers while still providing plenty of interest for better players. The course conditions at both layouts are maintained to immaculate standards year-round.
The resort facilities complement the golf perfectly. The modern clubhouse offers an excellent restaurant with terrace dining overlooking the courses, a comprehensive pro shop, and professional practice facilities including a driving range and short game area. Golf academy programs are available for those looking to improve their game during an extended stay.
Green fees at Villaitana range from €70-120 depending on season and time of day, with attractive packages available for multiple rounds. Twilight rates typically offer significant savings for those willing to play later in the day.
La Sella Golf Resort: Olazábal's Masterpiece
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Montgo Natural Park near Denia, La Sella Golf Resort offers a unique golf experience across three interconnected 9-hole loops, all designed by Spanish golf legend José María Olazábal. This flexible configuration allows golfers to play any combination of 18 holes, creating varied experiences across multiple visits.
The course integrates beautifully with the natural landscape, utilizing the orange groves and natural vegetation characteristic of the region. The undulating terrain provides interesting lies and requires thoughtful club selection throughout. Several holes offer spectacular views of the Montgo mountain, creating memorable visual moments alongside challenging golf.
La Sella is particularly known for its excellent practice facilities and highly regarded golf academy. Golfers looking to improve during their Costa Blanca visit will find professional instruction available in English and several other languages. The coaching programs range from one-hour lessons to intensive multi-day packages.
The resort environment extends beyond golf with a luxury hotel, spa facilities, and fine dining options. Many golfers choose to stay on-site, combining golf with relaxation for the perfect sporting holiday. Green fees are competitive at €50-90 depending on season, with resort guests enjoying preferential rates.
Alicante Golf: The Ballesteros Legacy
Located about 40 minutes south of Benidorm near the city of Alicante, this championship course designed by the legendary Severiano Ballesteros ranks among the finest in Spain. The course opened in 1998 and has hosted professional tournaments including European Tour qualifying events, testament to its quality and challenge.
The Ballesteros design utilizes the varied terrain brilliantly, creating a course that demands every club in the bag across its 6,200 meters. Lakes, strategically placed bunkers, and tight fairways require precision off the tee, while the large, undulating greens test putting skills throughout. The par-5 holes are particularly memorable, offering risk-reward opportunities that reflect Seve's attacking philosophy.
The course infrastructure meets the highest standards, with an elegant clubhouse, extensive practice facilities, and immaculate conditioning. The professional staff offers lessons and custom fitting services, and the pro shop stocks a comprehensive range of equipment and apparel.
Green fees at Alicante Golf reflect its premium status, ranging from €80-130 depending on season. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak periods when the course attracts golfers from across Europe.
Don Cayo: Par-3 Perfection
For those seeking a different golf experience, Don Cayo in nearby Altea Hills offers a beautifully designed 9-hole par-3 course with panoramic Mediterranean views from every hole. This layout is perfect for beginners learning the game, experienced players working on their short game, or anyone seeking a relaxed round without the time commitment of a full 18 holes.
The course may be short in distance, but the design quality is evident throughout. Each hole presents unique challenges, with varying elevations, strategically placed bunkers, and greens that reward accurate iron play. The stunning sea views provide a spectacular backdrop that makes this one of the most photogenic courses in the region.
A round at Don Cayo takes approximately 90 minutes, making it ideal for a morning session before heading to the beach or an evening round as the sun begins to set over the Mediterranean. Green fees are very reasonable at €25-40, and club rental is available for those traveling without equipment.
Additional Courses Worth Exploring
Beyond these featured courses, the Costa Blanca offers several other excellent options. La Marquesa Golf in Ciudad Quesada, approximately 30 minutes south, has become particularly popular with British expats thanks to its excellent value green fees (€45-70) and welcoming atmosphere. The 18-hole layout offers a good challenge without being overly demanding, and the clubhouse has a distinctly friendly, social atmosphere.
Golf Ifach in Calpe provides one of the most dramatic settings on the coast, with many holes offering views of the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock formation rising from the sea. This 9-hole course (playable as 18 with different tee positions) combines stunning scenery with genuine challenge, making it worth the 25-minute drive from Benidorm.
Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, though slightly further at 45 minutes south, deserves mention as it has been ranked among Spain's best courses. This Cabell Robinson design offers an exceptional test of golf in immaculate condition, and the luxury resort facilities make it ideal for a golf-focused holiday.
Planning Your Golf Experience
The Costa Blanca's golf infrastructure is well-developed to accommodate visiting golfers. Numerous golf holiday specialists and tour operators offer packages that include accommodation, green fees at multiple courses, and transfers – often at prices that represent significant savings compared to booking separately.
Most courses operate tee time booking systems that allow advance reservation, essential during peak seasons (October-November and March-May when the weather is ideal and the courses busiest). Many offer online booking with instant confirmation.
For those planning multiple rounds, it's worth investigating multi-round passes and society packages. Courses often partner with others in the region to offer combined deals that allow variety while maximizing value.
Equipment rental is available at all major courses, with quality sets from major manufacturers typically costing €30-50 per round. Electric golf carts are standard at most venues (often included in the green fee or available for €25-40) and recommended during warmer months.
The Costa Blanca truly offers something for every golfer – from the serious player seeking championship challenges to the holiday golfer wanting a pleasant round in beautiful surroundings. With reliable weather, excellent facilities, and warm Spanish hospitality, it's no wonder the region has become one of Europe's favorite golf destinations.
