Golf in Alicante: the province's most renowned courses

The Costa Blanca is one of Europe's most established golf destinations — and one of the most affordable. Over 20 golf courses between Dénia and Pilar de la Horadada, with a climate that allows play 12 months a year and green fees significantly lower than in Portugal, France or southern England. For the golfer moving here, the question is not whether there is somewhere to play — it is which of the 20+ courses to make your regular.

Why the Costa Blanca for golf?

• Climate: 300+ days of sunshine and winter temperatures of 15-18 °C. In Scandinavia, golf season lasts 5 months; here, 12.
• Price: green fees €40-100 (versus €100-250 at premium courses in the Algarve, Costa del Sol or southern France). Annual memberships from €1 500-3 000.
• Variety: from 9-hole courses for a quick game to 18-hole layouts designed by Ballesteros, Nicklaus or Olazábal.
• Community: the international population — especially British, Scandinavian and German — has built an active golfing community with social tournaments, local leagues and clubs with an international atmosphere.

The essential courses

Northern Costa Blanca

La Sella Golf (Dénia)

27 holes designed by José María Olazábal, at the foot of the Montgo. Spectacular setting: mountain, pine forest, sea views. Green fee: €50-70. Academy and restaurant with course views.

Club de Golf Ifach (Benissa)

9 holes (par 33) nestled between mountains and sea, 10 minutes from Calpe. Intimate, well-maintained, local club atmosphere. Green fee: €35-50.

Bonalba Golf (Mutxamel)

18 holes, 10 km from Alicante city. American-style design: lakes, strategic bunkers, wide greens. The most accessible from the capital. Green fee: €45-65. Academy, pro shop, restaurant.

El Plantío Golf (Elche)

27 holes, 20 minutes from the airport. Flat terrain with Mediterranean vegetation. Green fee: €40-60.

Southern Costa Blanca (the golf 'Mecca')

The Orihuela Costa area has the province's highest golf course density — and one of Europe's highest in such a small radius. Courses are integrated into residential urbanisations, allowing you to literally live on the golf course.

Villamartín Golf (Orihuela Costa)

18 holes, par 72. One of the most popular and veteran courses (opened 1972). Rolling terrain with pines and palms. Green fee: €50-70. Active monthly tournament with international participation.

Las Ramblas Golf (Orihuela Costa)

18 holes, par 72. Modern design with wide fairways and large greens. Green fee: €45-65. Good value.

Campoamor Golf (Orihuela Costa)

18 holes, par 72. Next to Campoamor beach. Flat terrain with lakes and palms. The area's most 'resort' course: hotel, restaurant, spa and course integrated. Green fee: €50-75.

Vistabella Golf (Orihuela Costa)

18 holes, par 72. The area's newest (opened 2008). Modern design, wide fairways, strategic bunkers, fast greens. Green fee: €45-65. Considered the best-maintained course in the south.

Lo Romero Golf (Pilar de la Horadada)

18 holes, par 72. Jack Nicklaus design. The longest and most demanding: narrow fairways, deep bunkers, strategy over power. Green fee: €55-80. For experienced golfers seeking a challenge.

City and inland

Alicante Golf (San Juan)

18 holes, par 72. Severiano Ballesteros design. Next to San Juan beach, 15 minutes from Alicante centre. Green fee: €55-80. Restaurant with terrace and certified academy.

Font del Llop (Monforte del Cid)

18 holes, par 72. Inland, 25 km from Alicante. Dry, hilly terrain — a contrast with coastal courses. Green fee: €35-55.

Green fees and memberships

• Peak season (Oct-May): €50-100
• Off season (Jun-Sep): €30-65 (less demand due to heat)
• Twilight: €25-45 — cheapest for a quick round.
• Annual memberships: €1 500-4 000. Some courses offer multi-course passes.

Learning to play

All main courses have golf academies with PGA-certified professionals. Private lessons: €30-60/hour. Beginner courses (5-10 lessons): €200-400. Driving ranges at Bonalba and Alicante Golf are accessible with good facilities.

Life around golf

• Social tournaments: most courses organise monthly opens. The fastest way to meet people and integrate.
• Societies: informal clubs (often by nationality: British Golf Society, Scandinavian Golf Club, etc.) playing weekly at different courses. Joining is as easy as showing up.
• Clubhouse restaurants: open to the public, with terraces overlooking the course. The '19th hole' is an institution.
• Golf urbanisations: many courses are integrated into residential areas (Villamartín, Bonalba, Campoamor, Las Ramblas). Living in a golf urbanisation means the course is a 2-minute walk.

Frequently asked questions

Can you play in summer?

Yes, with precautions. Courses open at 7:00-7:30 in summer. From 12:00, the heat (33-38 °C) makes play unpleasant and potentially dangerous. Best strategy: early morning or twilight (from 17:00-18:00).

Do I need a licence?

To play on federated courses in Spain you need a federation licence from the RFEG or your national federation (with reciprocity). It covers mandatory liability insurance. Cost: ~€50-70/year. Some courses accept a day insurance (~€10-15/day).

Can I hire clubs?

Yes. All main courses offer club hire (€20-40/round) and buggies (€30-50/round). Pro shops also sell second-hand equipment at good prices.

Which course is best for beginners?

9-hole or par-3 courses: Club de Golf Ifach (Benissa). 18-hole courses with wide fairways and few water hazards (Las Ramblas, Vistabella) suit beginners who have mastered the basics.

Is golf expensive as a lifestyle?

It depends on frequency. Playing 2-3 times/week with an annual membership (€2 000-3 000), the cost per round drops to €15-25. Annual budget including membership, balls, club maintenance and tournaments: €3 000-5 000. Compared with northern Europe (where annual membership exceeds €5 000-10 000), the Costa Blanca offers the same sport for half or less.

If golf is part of your life and you want to live a step from the course, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.