Spain and Portugal sit at the heart of European golf. Blessed with a year‑round warm climate, dramatic coastal landscapes and a proud sporting tradition, the Iberian Peninsula has become a playground for golfers who expect premier courses, luxurious accommodation and authentic cultural experiences. This guide explores top golf resorts in Spain and Portugal, highlighting the courses, facilities and holiday experiences that make these destinations stand out.

3 Best Golf Courses In Spain

Spain is home to some of Europe’s most iconic layouts. These golf courses regularly host championships and are noted for their architectural quality and spectacular setting.

Real Club Valderrama, Sotogrande

• Prestigious Pedigree: Real Club Valderrama is one of the best‑known golf clubs in the world. It hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup, the first time the event was held outside the UK or US, and has staged the Andalucía Masters, the Volvo Masters and WGC events.
• Signature Design: The Robert Trent Jones‑designed course features tree‑lined fairways, small greens and a famous par‑5 fourth hole called La Cascada, known for its waterfall and challenging approach. Valderrama was rated the top course in mainland Europe by Golf World magazine in 1999.
• Bucket‑list Experience – As a private club with limited visitor tee times, playing here feels special. Golfers rave about immaculate conditioning and an atmosphere steeped in European golf history.

Camiral Golf & Wellness (formerly PGA Catalunya Resort), Girona

• Spain’s No.1 Golf Resort: Camiral was ranked Spain’s number‑one golf resort and placed 17th in the world in Golf World’s 2024 Top 100 Resorts listing. The resort is part of the European Tour Destinations network and has been one of Europe’s leading golf destinations for over two decades.
• Two World‑class Courses: The Stadium Course and the Tour Course, provide very different challenges. Both are known for fast greens, strategic bunkering and spectacular Pyrenean views. Significant sustainability investment has reduced water consumption by 35 per cent and earned Camiral a place in Today’s Golfer’s inaugural ‘Green 100’ for sustainable venues.
• Luxury Hotels and Wellness: The resort has two on‑site hotels: the contemporary Hotel Camiral and the relaxed LAVIDA. A new wellness centre and on‑site restaurants mean golfers can combine spa treatments with gourmet Catalan cuisine.

Finca Cortesín, Costa del Sol

• Award‑winning Course: Finca Cortesín was named Spain’s Best Golf Course at the 2024 World Golf Awards. The accolade reflects its reputation among both local and international players.
• Tour‑level Pedigree: The course hosted the 2023 Solheim Cup, demonstrating world‑class conditioning and the ability to stage elite events.
• Luxurious Amenities: The resort offers an elegant hotel with Andalusian architecture, a beach club and a Michelin‑starred restaurant. Wide fairways, pristine greens and mountain views provide a challenge that rewards precise shot‑making.

3 Best Golf Holidays In Portugal

Portugal is renowned for its warm hospitality, Atlantic‑washed coastline and outstanding golf courses. The Algarve and Lisbon regions in particular are favourite destinations for British travellers seeking sunshine and championship golf.

Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Eastern Algarve

• Portugal’s No.1 Golf Course: The Jack Nicklaus Signature North Course at Monte Rei is consistently rated the best course in Portugal. Set within 1,000 acres between the Serra do Caldeirão mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the club offers a tranquil hideaway.
• Luxurious Resort: Monte Rei provides state‑of‑the‑art accommodation, including villas and apartments built to the highest specifications, plus high‑end dining, concierge services, heated pools, a gym and tennis courts.
• Future Developments: The resort is constructing a second Jack Nicklaus Signature course (the South Course), which will place Monte Rei among a select group of clubs worldwide boasting two Nicklaus‑designed courses.

Quinta do Lago, Algarve

• Luxury And Nature: Located beside the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Quinta do Lago blends luxury living with a protected natural environment. It offers beach access, walking trails and water sports. The vision of founder André Jordan in the 1970s was to create a place where pristine golf courses and beautiful residences overlook the ocean.
• Award‑winning Resort: Half a century on, Quinta do Lago is recognised as a benchmark in combining luxury living with nature. It boasts three superb golf courses and multiple awards as a golf destination. The resort also offers outstanding restaurants, a sports campus and exclusive villas.
• Celebrity Appeal: The resort’s private setting attracts international sports stars and celebrities. Guests may spot the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo or Rory McIlroy enjoying the courses and facilities.

Other Notable Portuguese Courses

• Oitavos Dunes, Near Lisbon: Frequently ranked among Europe’s top courses, this Arthur Hills design is set in the Sintra‑Cascais Natural Park and offers ocean views on almost every hole.
• Penha Longa Resort: Close to Sintra, Penha Longa’s Atlantic Course has hosted the Portuguese Open and combines parkland and links‑style holes. The resort includes a Ritz‑Carlton hotel and a two‑Michelin‑star restaurant.

While these resorts aren’t the only places to play in Portugal, they exemplify the blend of world‑class course design, hotel luxury and Portuguese charm that makes the country a favourite for golf holidays.

Top 5 Luxury Golf Resorts In Iberia

The Iberian Peninsula excels at pairing championship golf with five‑star hospitality. When selecting a luxury golf break, look for resorts that offer both on‑course excellence and off‑course indulgence. This is the list of the top five luxury golf resorts in Iberia:

• Finca Cortesín
• Camiral Golf & Wellness 
• Monte Rei 
• Quinta do Lago 
• La Reserva Club 

These resorts often feature professional academies, gourmet restaurants and spas, making them ideal for golfers travelling with non‑golfing partners or families.

Plan Your Next Golf Getaway With The Golf Travel People

Our team of specialists has personally visited and played the courses featured above. We create tailor‑made golf holidays that match your budget and preferences. From securing tee times on Spain’s most prestigious courses to recommending the perfect boutique hotel, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your game.

Contact The Golf Travel People today and let us craft your perfect golf break.

FAQs related to Top golf resorts in Spain and Portugal

Q1. What are the best golf resorts in Spain?
Top Spanish golf resorts include Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, Camiral Golf & Wellness in Girona, and Finca Cortesín on the Costa del Sol.

Q2. Which golf resorts in Portugal are most popular?
Monte Rei and Quinta do Lago in the Algarve are Portugal’s top golf resorts, known for world-class design, luxury accommodation, and beautiful settings.

Q3. What makes Spain and Portugal ideal for golf holidays?
Both offer year-round sunshine, championship courses, luxury resorts, and vibrant local culture, making the Iberian Peninsula Europe’s golf capital.

Q4. When is the best time to plan a golf holiday in Iberia?
The best time to play golf in Spain and Portugal is spring or autumn (April–May and September–October) when temperatures are pleasant and courses are less crowded.

Q5. What are the top luxury golf resorts in Iberia?
Finca Cortesín, Camiral Golf & Wellness, Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago and La Reserva Club rank among the most luxurious and scenic resorts in Spain and Portugal.