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It’s becoming common knowledge among golf enthusiasts that if you are searching for a premier getaway, Spain is a top destination. Boasting more than 300 courses, Spain has an uncommonly large percentage of Europe’s highest-ranked courses. Combined with the blue skies and balmy temperatures that allow for year-round play, you have the makings of a linksman’s paradise.

On the European continent, Spain leads the list of relatively "new" prime golfing destinations.

Look to the southern half of the country and one of the many reasons for its rise to golfing fame becomes immediately apparent - climate. Blue canopy skies and pleasant temperatures are the order of the day, world-class courses are in plentiful supply, and the golfing season has no end. Golf is no longer exclusive to the British Isles -- in fact, it may be surprising to learn that Spain houses a good percentage of Europe's top ranked golf  courses. Also held in Spain is an inordinately high percentage of the 2009 PGA European Tournaments.

With the backdrop of amazing landscapes, rich history, breathtaking coastlines, and beautiful cities, your time away from the links will be equally as rewarding. Over the last decade, Spain has firmly established itself as the new leader of European cuisine, while the very best wines never leave native shores. Down time and evening outings are elevated by world-class dining experiences.

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Each region of Spain has its own unique top flight courses. Here is an overview of the impressive offerings in several regions:

Nestling in the western Mediterranean Sea halfway between the Iberian Penninsula, the South of France and the North of Africa, the Balearic Islands are quite a paradise for golf lovers. The bid to satisfy winter tourists anxious to play the “green sport” has led to a proliferation of golf clubs; there are a total of 25 top flight clubs, 22 of which are in Mallorca, 2 in Ibiza and 1 in Menorca.

Play golf in Castile and León, a large region in inland Northwestern Spain, and discover the cities declared by UNESCO as World Heritage monuments and sites.

You will find clubs with courses that suit a range of different playing levels: from simple courses, ideal for getting started with the clubs, to those where short holes alternate with long ones, perfect for playing as a family, and more complicated itineraries for experienced players. This region of Spain also has many beautiful areas in the countryside, perfect for outdoor activities that range from hiking to all kinds of adventure sports.

Catalonia is a thousand-year-old region located in the North East that has been home to various cultures throughout history. It is a land rich in monumental and artistic wealth.

Catalonia is without doubt one of the best possible destinations for golf enthusiasts, not only because of its privileged climate, excellent gastronomy, magnificent transport network and many cultural attractions, but because, above all, it offers golfers 36 permanently cared-for golf courses in perfect condition.

Costa de la Luz is located in southwestern Spain. It is here where the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet.

The Costa de la Luz is a unique destination to play golf year round. It has a great variety of golf courses with high level design and holes of varying difficulty. Attractive beaches, rich history, traditional festivals, various leisure and cultural offerings, and famous cuisine give visitors an unparalleled experience.

Golfers can choose from 22 courses in Costa de la Luz.

Costa del Sol has been referred to as the “Costa del Golf” in recent years.
Apart from offering a great climate, the mountains, slopes and valleys provide a wonderful scenic backdrop to the game. This is especially evident in some of the famous courses in the Valle del Golf near Puerto Banús (Marbella). All these factors contributed to the decision to hold various European PGA tournaments in Costa del Sol.

Golf in the Region of Madrid (23 golf courses designed by renowned golfers) is an exceptional incentive for enthusiasts who, after enjoying the game, find a wide range of opportunities to continue their enjoyment: art, culture, cuisine, shopping, and the incomparably famous Madrid night-life.

The Canary Islands are a real golfers’ paradise. Playing these magnificent courses at an agreeable temperature any time of year is a grand indulgence. The courses, often laid out next to the sea and in the midst of indigenous plant life, present attractive natural obstacles (such as deep gullies). The ocean itself, which on occasion crosses the fairway, creates striking landscapes and difficulties for players at all levels.

In Valencia (373 miles of coastline in the East of Spain), there is a great variety of golf courses to choose from, including sinuous designs, coastal and interior locations, and flat layouts, always conveniently located at major tourist areas. 23 golf courses set in Mediterranean landscapes carry the signatures of some of the most prestigious course designers and golfing champions in the world.

Fine Wine and Best Cuisine

Spain has established itself as the new leader of European gastronomy, surpassing even those countries that have long considered such dominance to be their exclusive domain. Good food demands equally good wines, an area where Spain has also earned distinction, making giant strides forward in recent years. The very best wines never leave their native shores, so any trip to Spain presents the opportunity to sample the cream of the crop -- grasp the chance and you will be converted.

There is no cuisine more sophisticated or more delectable than Spain's. Spain is quite literally an epicurean's delight, with an endless range of taste sensations to be savored, enjoyed and appreciated to the fullest.
Rich Historic Sightseeing & Unique Entertainment
When it comes to ancient cities, few countries can match Spain's intoxicating collection of names (many of the most intriguing sites host an abundance of excellent golf nearby). Barcelona is renowned for its architecture, cuisine and pure vivaciousness. Nearby Girona is an historic gem, its ancient Jewish Quarter at the center of attention. Seville is everyone's favorite, with her magnificent cathedral and the narrow winding streets of one of Spain's most famous Old Towns. Granada has The Alhambra and Cordoba, its Great Mosque and enthralling Jewish Quarter. Every city in Spain reads like a compelling historical novel.

And depending on the time of year, don’t miss the opportunity to see a high-energy bull fight or the infamous “running of the bulls.” For a more contemplative experience, walk the old pilgrims’ hiking path to Santiago de Compostella.

Affordable Prices

Since last summer, the much beleaguered American dollar has made a strong comeback. With the positive shift, this means an equivalent of 20-25% discounts on all goods and services purchased in Spain. Along with the great packages and incentives offered by dozens of Spanish golf courses and resorts, you have no reason to put off your own premium golf vacation.

There may be no better place than Spain to escape for top-tier golfing, fine food and wine, and a chance to enjoy some stimulating new experiences.